Dinnerware Sets

Nowadays, most people prefer to buy complete dinnerware sets, instead of collecting separate dinnerware items. It is very convenient to buy a whole set that has the perfect design match. The average dinnerware set includes about 40 items. A dinnerware set usually includes soup bowls, salad bowls and plates of different sizes. In addition to common tableware, tea and coffee sets can be found in almost every home.

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History of dinnerware

The story of dinnerware is as long as the history of porcelain and glass as most tableware is manufactured from these materials.

The first porcelain sets appeared in the 14th century in China. Chinese traditional tableware was made of thin translucent bone porcelain. The secret of the Chinese porcelain had not been revealed until the modern times. The penalty for revealing this technology was death.

Augustus the Strong, the Ruler of Saxony and the King of Poland (1694-1733), was the owner of a huge dinnerware collection. It included many items made of precious materials and decorated with gemstones. Nevertheless, Augustus the Strong understood that metal dinnerware was inconvenient, expensive and very heavy. The King was extremely interested in the Eastern porcelain technology. Thus, he became the original investor in the first porcelain factory in Europe, the Meissen manufacture. The factory was opened in 1710. The king`s heir, Augustus III, developed the entire European culture of serving tables and he created the rules of table etiquette. During his reign dinnerware became affordable not only for nobility and rich merchants, but for the whole upper class, as well.

Europe had no knowledge of such a material, as porcelain until the 18th century, when porcelain dinner sets we are accustomed to first appeared there.

Glass dinnerware first spread to Europe, in the 1730s. However, the glass making technology was considered one of the most difficult for manufacturing. Only the nobility could afford complete glass dinnerware sets. Thus, glass was used only for making drinking vessels. In the late 18th century England, manufacturers actively began to produce punch glass sets. At the same time, the rules for serving certain drinks in glasses were formed. Louis Philippe I, The Duke of Orleans, created the whole code of laws, governing the use of certain glass vessels

How to care for porcelain dinnerware?

Rich beautiful dinnerware sets are considered the signs of an owner`s wealth and prosperity. A dinnerware set usually includes from 19 to 72 pieces and is always the perfect choice for a festive dinner. There are several tips that will help you to clean your dinnerware properly.

First of all, you should remember that dinnerware is fragile and expensive. Thus, it should be stored properly and used to serve food on special occasions.

A glass dinnerware set is more reliable for everyday use. Porcelain is considered more fragile and must be treated with more care.

Never wash porcelain items in a dishwasher.

You should never use hard brushes to clean porcelain items.

Wash the most valuable porcelain items (handmade or hand painted) in a small plastic basin. You should also put a soft towel on the basin`s bottom. You should not lift porcelain items too high.

Use minimum detergent to wash the most valuable porcelain dinnerware.

You should rinse porcelain only with warm water.

After porcelain is washed, it must be wiped with a napkin or a piece of cloth. This will help to avoid dull stains left by drops of water

You can restore your dish luster by wiping porcelain with a soft, dry, microfiber cloth. This type of cloth will absorb water better than any other material.

You can clean coffee pots` and kettles` outer sides with water and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. If you want to clean inside your kettle or pot, use slightly soaked tooth powder.

By following these simple rules, you will be able to keep your dinner set in an excellent condition for many years. Your efforts will surely be appreciated by your guests, and for a long time will remind your friends about your sophisticated taste.

How to care for glassware?

Glass is a very durable and strong material. It never fades and its surface never cracks. Dinnerware created from this material always looks great and classy. We offer you the following several tips to maintain your dishware in the best possible condition.

New glassware (even if it is made of durable glass) must be hardened. Take a large saucepan, put sand on the bottom and pour cold water in it. Then, put the dishes inside a saucepan. After that, you have to put your dinnerware items on a small fire and boil them for 15 minutes. Then, add 2 tablespoons of salt and boil everything for about 30 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and leave your glass dishes to cool. After that, wash your dishes in cold water and dry them with a towel.

You should always wash your glass dinnerware in cold water.

You can also wash your glassware in water with the addition of vinegar or salt (add no more than 1 tablespoon of each of these ingredients). It will add some luster to the surface.

If you do not have much time for washing your dishware, you can skip dipping your glass dinnerware into a water and vinegar-filled basin. You can wipe your glass with a piece of cloth, dipped in salty, vinegar-infused water, instead. It will add luster to your dinnerware surfaces.

You should wash your thin glass dinnerware, adding a pinch of baking soda into the water. Do not wipe your dinnerware.

You should never wash crystal with soda, because if may damage glass surfaces! You should wipe your crystal dinnerware with a towel dipped into alcohol, instead.

Your glassware can be quickly rinsed in warm water. After that, dry your dinnerware with a linen towel.