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Tableware Elements & Essentials
Your tableware is a way to add flavor and flair to every occasion. How you gather and present your tableware reflects your style and makes your overall dining experience that much more satisfying.
Tableware 101
When sitting down to eat, what's on the menu is only part of the experience. How a meal is presented can increase or diminish its appeal. That's why your tableware — glasses, dinnerware, flatware, and serving pieces — is so important. Carefully curated tableware will enhance any meal, whether it's a casual gathering or a formal event.
Tableware comes in an endless variety. All elements can be perfectly coordinated, or you can go for a Shabby Chic vibe with antique, mismatched dinner, and silverware. Colors can be neutral, bold, or vibrant. Just be true to your personality and you will always set a table that reflects your style.
Tableware Essentials
Dinnerware
Dinnerware, meaning your plates and bowls, are the dinnerware essentials that influence the style of flatware or glassware you choose. Casual or everyday dinnerware is a necessity, but it's fun to consider formal or holiday dinnerware to dress up your table for festive occasions.
Flatware
Flatware adds a bit of shine in your table setting. Whether you choose a simple pattern in stainless steel for every day use or a detailed sterling silver flatware set, your flatware can complement or contrast other elements of your tableware for a dynamic, interesting look.
Glassware
If flatware is the shine, then glassware is its sparkling cousin in your tableware family. Glassware options range from practical and sturdy tumblers to cut crystal wine glasses. If you entertain, invest in several types of stemware to showcase and best serve different drinks.
Serveware
Serveware acts as the supporting cast to your main dish, waiting to serve and display your food in the most appealing way. If your dinnerware is neutral, serveware is a way to add colors and patterns to your table, or you might choose a classic design that works for any occasion.
Dinnerware
Dinnerware defines your table setting. Whether it's neutral and allows other elements to stand out, or it's bold and takes center stage, your dinnerware reflects your personality and lifestyle. Do you enjoy quiet evenings at home or do you love to entertain? Do you like rustic and cozy or ritzy and glam? Your style preference will dictate whether you need formal dinnerware or casual dinnerware.
Dinnerware defines your table setting.
Dinnerware Essentials
Casual Dinnerware
For everyday dining, a set of casual dinnerware is a must. Stoneware and earthenware are common materials because of their durability and affordability. Additionally, dinnerware comes in a wide array of colors and designs so you can find something to match any style or decor.
Formal Dinnerware
For those extra special dinners and occasions, it's nice to have a set of formal dinnerware. Bone china and porcelain are popular choices for formal dinnerware. Elegant and finely detailed, both china and porcelain are surprisingly strong and are often dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
Outdoor Dinnerware
Melamine is a practical blend of form and function, making it a perfect choice for outdoor dinnerware. It's lightweight and virtually unbreakable, making it kid-proof and handy for travel. With bright patterns to choose from, melamine dinnerware will add a splash of color to your next picnic or poolside party.
Christmas Dinnerware
Ramp up the festive feeling at your next holiday gathering with made-for-the-occasion Christmas dinnerware. Having a set of dinnerware especially for Christmas creates a fun tradition for you and your guests. Designs range from novelty to high elegance, and they are available in a variety of materials, from stoneware to bone china.
Flatware
Flatware adds a touch of pizazz to your tableware.
Flatware is not only practical, but it also adds a touch of pizazz to your tableware. Everyone needs a flatware set for every day. Generally everyday flatware is made of stainless steel and is available in a variety of finishes to be as sleek or rustic as you wish. Formal flatware may not be as common, but it adds a touch of tradition and class when entertaining or hosting special dinners.
Flatware Essentials
Casual Flatware
When most people think of casual or everyday flatware, they think of stainless steel. It's inexpensive and offers a wide range of styles. Stainless steel comes in three options: 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. The first number indicates the amount of chromium, or rust resistance. The second number tells you how much nickel is present, which affects the sheen; namely, the higher the amount of nickel, the shinier the flatware.
Formal Flatware
Formal flatware often has a more ornate design to be compatible with your heirloom china or elegant dinnerware. Sterling silver is a classic option for both its weight and durability but is among the most expensive flatware options. Silver-plated flatware is also an option for a formal look. Silver plate is lighter weight, but is less expensive than sterling silver.
Serving Sets
A "hostess" or serving set is essential for entertaining. A serving set might include a serving spoon, slotted spoon, serving fork, and gravy ladle. Larger sets might also have a sugar spoon, butter knife, and dessert server. Some serving sets are designed especially for serving wedding cake and include a cake knife and dessert server.
Caddies & Storage
Once you've found the style and design of flatware that works for you, take good care of it. For casual or everyday flatware sets, use a drawer organizer or flatware caddy for storage. If you have nicer sterling silver flatware or silverware, a storage chest can minimize tarnishing and protect against scratching.
Glassware
Glassware might well be what distinguishes us from the rest of the animal kingdom — at least it helps us feel civilized. Even drinking soda from a water goblet makes the experience a little more special. There's a wide range of glassware and stemware designs to meet every drinking need. From clear or tinted glass, traditional or stemless wine glasses, classic or contemporary design, the choice is yours.
Even drinking soda from a water goblet makes the experience a little more special.
Glassware Essentials
Tumblers
Tumblers are versatile and functional enough for everyday use. They're ideal for serving water, soda, or juice, but can also be used for alcoholic drinks. When considering tumblers for your glassware collection, designs range from very simple to hand-blown, so there's something for every style preference, budget, or entertaining need.
Goblets
Water is the beverage served most during the course of a meal. This means water goblets are significantly larger than their stemware cousins, wine glasses and champagne flutes. Beautiful and elegant, water goblets are a must at formal events but are optional at casual dinners.
Beer Glasses
A well-chosen beer glass can enhance your drinking experience. While a pint glass is a pub favorite, a Pilsner glass is best for lagers. The slender glass shape of the Pilsner showcases the color of the beer, while the wider top allows you to enjoy the head of the beer.
Wine Glasses
Wine glasses are an important addition to your glassware collection. White wine glasses, red wine glasses, and champagne flutes have different sizes and shapes of bowls and stems to enhance aroma and taste. Knowing the type of wine you plan to serve will help you make the best choice.
Serveware
Serveware provides a pop of personality on your dining table.
Serveware provides a pop of personality on your dining table. Antique platters, passed down for generations, might be the traditional bearers of turkey at your Thanksgiving table, or a brightly detailed maiolica platter could be your favorite (and most practical) souvenir from your recent trip to Italy. When it comes to serveware, the sky's the limit. There's no need to match your dinnerware; color and contrast can brighten up your table and your dinner party.
Serveware Essentials
Serving Tray
Serving trays are a mainstay for anyone who entertains. A serving tray allows you to easily serve drinks and appetizers to your guests, and it's also a handy way to organize small plates or condiments. Serving trays are available in a variety of styles — from rustic to refined — to perfectly complement any occasion.
Serving Platters
While you might think of a serving platter paired with a Thanksgiving turkey, serving platters aren't just for fancy occasions. Serving platters allow you to gracefully serve everything from hamburgers to Sunday roast with minimal mess. Generally made of ceramic, serving platters are available in an array of shapes and sizes.
Serving Bowls
The one item of serveware you will want plenty of is serving bowls. They are the epitome of versatility, allowing you to serve everything from pasta to salad to vegetables. You can also use a serving bowl to display fresh fruit on your counter or utilize a casual serving bowl as a mixing bowl.
Pitchers
Pitchers are a practical serveware staple. A glass or plastic pitcher is ideal for water or juice in a casual setting. A more refined crystal pitcher is perfect for nicer dinners. For romantic occasions or formal events, an elegant decanter is the perfect finishing touch.
Cindy loves entertaining family and friends in her home. When she's not planning her next dinner party, she's working on her son's upcoming wedding. Cindy loves spending time with her family, decorating her home, and watching BBC period dramas.