Choosing the Right Dinner Plates

Choosing the right type of dinner plates can be an important decision when setting up your own kitchen. Durability, style, and size must all be considered when making this choice. There are many different styles of dinner plates available, from the traditional white plate to brightly colored Fiesta Ware to treasured heirloom china.

Choosing the right dinner plates: Care and durability

Think about how you will be using your dinner plates most frequently. Most new dinnerware is both microwave and dishwasher safe, but this may not be the case if you are using an older set of china. Newer plates will often have a glazed coating to protect the pattern from running or fading. Usually, the care instructions will be printed on the bottom of your dinner plates. If not, you may be able to find out if the plate is glazed by running your hand over the pattern. If you feel raised bumps, the dinner plate is probably not coated and should not be placed in the dishwasher.

Choosing the right dinner plates: Cooking habits

Your cooking style will also have an impact on the type of dinner plates that are right for you. If you cook for a large family, be sure your tableware set includes at least one oversized serving plate. Larger dinner plates are becoming more popular because they give the food more space to breathe and prevent different foods from running together. Standard sized dinner plates are 27 centimeters across, but you can often find plates in the larger 30 centimeter size.

Choosing the right dinner plates: Traditional white plates

Standard white dinner plates are always a safe bet. They give a nice, clean look and allow your food to take over the viewer's attention. To change up the appearance a bit without adding any colors or patterns, you can choose oblong or square-shaped dinner plates. A narrow trim can also spice up a set of traditional dinner plates without becoming obnoxious or garish.

Choosing the right dinner plates: Fine china

Heirloom china dinner plates are often used for formal occasions. Some sets of china have been passed down from generation to generation, making them quite valuable in today's market. Heirloom china should be saved for special family events to minimize the risk of breaking them.

Choosing the right dinner plates: Fiesta Ware

Fiesta Ware was more popular back in the 30s and 40s, but enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 80s. This line of dinner plates was not manufactured between 1972 and 1986. It was revived in 1986 and now Fiesta Ware patterns can be found in homes all over. These brightly decorated dinner plates work well with open cabinet displays. You can add a splash of color and a personal touch to your kitchen just by showing off your dinner plates.