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About Tableware

Because tableware is something that you will be using on a daily basis, and even for special occasions, choosing a set is a huge thing. You have to select a set that you can use to serve the morning cereal to a full-fledged ceremonial dinner.

A dinnerware should meet half a dozen different criteria. Not only should they be pleasing to look at, but also convenient to handle and most of all serve food. There are also so many varieties of materials, shapes, and designs to choose from. You should also know how they feel on the hands, how heavy they are, and how long they will stay brand new for you to choose one over the other. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before you shop for them. As having a better understanding of the product will help you make better purchase decisions, there is no doubt that this is going to be helpful for you.

A beginner’s guide to tableware

There is no getting around the fact that tableware is a must-have in any home. They will not only protect your expensive wood or marble from damage and stains but will add aesthetic value as well. You can make your tableware collection big or small, you must have it. Similarly, there are a variety of different types of tableware out there. So, before shopping for tableware, you should be familiar with the different types of materials and finishes that are used in their making. If you know what the pros and cons of each of them are, you can easily decide on which one to buy.

Ceramics dinnerware sets

Many people think of ceramics as one particular type of material. But that is not true. Instead, manufacturers use many different types of materials to make ceramic tableware. The most common type of ceramics includes Bone China, Porcelain and stoneware. Although China and Porcelain are used interchangeably by the common people, there are some significant differences between the two. The major difference is in the composition. As the name implies, Bone China material uses bone ash in its composition. This adds to the strength of the tableware. Bone China sets are also more expensive than regular porcelain dishes.

Different types of glazes

Glazing is the protective coating on the ceramic crockery sets. It is this coating that protects the inner side of the ceramics from water and other liquids. This ensures that the tableware retains its strength even after numerous rounds of use. Glazes on these vessels are always thick and hard. The thickness of the glaze is responsible for a quarter of the thickness of the finished ceramics. There are two types of glazes: matte and glossy. Because of the porous nature of the matte glaze, it tends to trap liquids and small food particles. This results in the slow deterioration of the surface in the long run. Matte glazes are also harder to clean.

Milk glass crockery set

This is a type of glass that is opaque and white in its texture. Apart from the usual method of blowing to shape this glass, pressing also works on this as they are thicker. When you compare milk glass to regular silica glass, the former has more strength. The benefit of this type of material is that they can produce some really good-looking tableware. But they do not stand the test of durability. For that reason, vitrelle glass has taken the place of milk glass. Both of them have a similar texture and workability. Vitrelle glass is more durable and also lightweight.

Mugs, cups and saucers

In order to complete a set of tableware, you also need mugs and teacups. The difference between mugs and teacups is that mugs are more formal. Also, teacups always come with a matching set of saucers as well. But that doesn’t mean you always have to stick to one particular style. These days people allow a great deal of flexibility while choosing between mugs and teacups and saucers. It is also wise to keep a full set of both of these to be on the safer side. Regardless of whether it is a mug or a teacup, it should have a comfortable handle and a wide enough diameter so that a person can comfortably drink out of it.

Tips on how to buy the right type of tableware

Before you commit to a set of tableware, you have to make sure that you are getting the best possible ones. Once you have a set, it will be hard for you to part from them. And because tableware is generally expensive, you don’t want to end up with something that you only like halfheartedly. But choosing the right one is not difficult if you know what to look for in them. Here are a few tips that you can follow when you are shopping for tableware.

  • Balancing the weight – Depending on the material and thickness of the tableware, the weight of the tableware varies significantly. Tableware should not be too lightweight, nor should it be too heavy. If it is too light, it will be difficult to eat from while keeping it from moving around on the table. On the other hand, if it is too heavy, it will be difficult for you to handle.
  • Consider the size and shape – You have to think about your eating habits while choosing the shape of your tableware. For reference, compare it to the ones that you are already using. That way, if you think that the one you have at home is too small, you can go for a larger set or vice versa. Also, consider the sizes of your spoons and knives.
  • Choosing a plate – The main determining factor when it comes to buying a set of plates is its capacity. Even if two different types of plates have the same overall diameter, their capacities can differ depending on the width of the rim. As the rim gets wider, the capacity reduces. If you want more space on your plate for large servings, it is better to go for those with narrow trims.
  • Getting the bowls right – Bowls come in many different styles and sizes. There are shallow pasta bowls, deep rice bowls, etc. You should choose a type of bowl that you would be using more commonly for. Cereal bowls are more versatile than soup bowls. They are also more ideal for casual settings. But if you want to eat a bowl of cheerios, deeper ones are more convenient.

The design also plays a huge role in the usability of tableware. Some of them have extensive and intricate trim designs that are suitable for entertaining guests for special occasions but are impractical for everyday use. If you are buying a set for day to day use, it is better to stick with minimalistic or outright plane designs. Apart from these, don’t forget to check out other great products from Home & Living.

Question & Answer

What are the 4 classifications of tableware?

Traditionally tableware is classified into four different categories. They are serving ware, dinnerware, silverware, and glassware. Each of them represents the different areas of use of these items. The category of serve ware comprises all the bowls, casseroles, pots, spoons, and ladles that have the primary purpose of serving the food. Dinnerware mainly represents plates that people directly eat from. The next up in the line is silverware, which is basically cutlery. They are also called flatware. And as you can guess, drinkware represents the remaining portion of items that are common to a dinner table.

What is stoneware?

Stoneware is a certain type of ceramic. But unlike earthenware, stoneware undergoes high levels of heating in order to make them stronger and durable. Manufacturers sometimes add a mixture of glasses to its composition to improve the strength. They are usually heavier than other types of ceramics such as porcelain or Bone China and are available with fine detailing and a wide variety of textures and finishes. The most common use for stoneware is for casual day to day settings.

What is tableware made from?

Tableware is available in a wide range of materials. The most common type of tableware is ceramic ones. The term ceramics is a broad category and there are further divisions within it. Ceramics are also the most popular choice for them because they are basically a different form of pottery. Ceramic vessels tend to be safe with all kinds of food and drinks. Then there is glassware. Different types of glassware include those made of milk glass, silica glass, and vitrelle glass. Out of these vitrelle glasses is the best material for tableware as they are durable and good looking at the same time. At the lower end, there are melaware, which is hard plastic, and enamelware.

Where to buy tableware online?

If you are looking to buy ceramics tableware online in the UAE, look no further as you are in the right place. You will find anything from cheap tableware for weddings to the best tableware and cutlery on Shops.ae. Look for the types of set you want using our shopping search engine. This will also help you compare the prices and features of different sets against each other and select the best one among them.

There are more than 500 shops and brands offering tableware here on Shops.ae. These include popular brands like Oneida, Royal, Amscan, Argon Tableware, Aardvark Straws, and International Silver.

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