|
China Buying Guide
The china that you choose may well be with you for a long, long time. So choosing the style, brand and design can be challenging, but the payoffs are great – a gorgeous table for your next celebration.
The marketplace is full of different styles, patterns and designs for dinnerware. There is a large range of prices, along with styles from simple to extremely decorative. Take your time and research what pattern you love, then look at different brands to see what is out there.
Make sure that you can live with the pattern, color and design that you choose for your china. Think about colors that you like and the color in your home to make sure that things will fit together. Also think about your furniture style and your tablecloths. China is expensive, so it would be in your best interest to choose something that will fit with your overall look that you will love for a long time.
There are all white patterns, and other plain color patterns. There are patterns with flowers, wild flowers, there are patterns with an oriental look ,and other patterns that are really ornate with gold and silver accents. There are many different kinds of shapes as well in the market today.
For everyday china, most people usually choose a heavier plate, perhaps earthen ware. Since these dishes will be used most days, you may want to be sure that they can be washed in the dishwasher.
Before making your choice, need to consider how you plan on entertaining and your own personal dining style. Do you find yourself cooking large family style meals? Or do you have several different courses? Do you cook for a crowd or a small intimate group? Thinking about how you entertain can help you make some decision regarding your dishes.
Most people choose china for formal entertaining, and they select another basic set to be used for everyday meals. For formal entertaining, 12 place settings are the norm and with an everyday set, most people go with 8 place settings.
Place settings vary in terms of what they include. Most include a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, soup or cereal bowl, and a mug. Most formal china comes with 5 pieces in a place setting including a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread plate and a cup and saucer. Choose each set based on the usefulness of the pieces for the meals you will cook.
Also keep in mind how you plan on using your china. Some china patterns have gold or silver accents that cannot be used in a microwave. Select a pattern that will fit your lifestyle.
Be sure to check out the additional pieces, which go with a set of china. Look at the sugar bowl and creamer, the gravy boat, large and small platters, serving dishes and soup bowls. Some patterns come with additional pieces like a teapot, salt and pepper shakers, and chargers.
Check to see how your china needs to be cared for. Many of the styles today are dishwasher safe but check your pattern to make sure. If your china is bone china, porcelain or painted by hand, then you most likely will want to hand wash it.
You should try to have your china pattern, flatware and stemware blend to some extent. This will give your set table a coordinated look that will be appealing to your guests and provide a dinner that is sure to please.
That being said, today mixing patterns, flatware and stemware is more common, and can give you your own unique style for your table setting. When mixing and matching, make sure that things look appealing, and make the dinner one to never forget.
If one of your plates or cups accidentally breaks you should not worry because you can order a replacement. This can be done easily over the Internet today and you can get your replacement usually within a few days. This is something to consider when making your purchase however. Be careful when thinking about very unique or one of a kind styles, or when buying china from not so well known makers. Replacements may be harder to find.
So get out your etiquette books and study up on setting a table. Sharpen up your cooking skills; invite your family and friends over for a really special evening.
Article By Karla Soule, June 2004.
|
|
