Tableware Buying Guide: Popular Brands and Things to Avoid

*Collaborative Post

When it comes to meaningful home upgrades and purchases, tableware may not always come up at the top of the list – though it should. The rushed modern day lifestyle has had its effect on meal time, simplifying the overall dining experience with the preference of screens and a more casual ambient around the sofa over the traditional dining table setting. 

The simple introduction of delicate tableware for sale can work wonders for bringing back the charm of good old fashioned meal etiquette that helps foster communication and strengthens family bonds and respect. With the right set of dishes, cutlery, mugs, creamers, teapots, cups and trays, you can elevate the dining experience by creating a certain mood with the standout food presentation. 

This makes dishes and ingredients pop, thus turning every meal into a memorable occasion – not just the formal dinner events. And, you won’t have to settle for a style that doesn’t remotely remind of you just because it’s chic and trendy or opt for the most high end choice there is; with the right retailer, you get to choose from a variety of stylish and quality tableware UK round. 

Trusted Brands To Check Out

The market has plenty of tableware for sale to offer for every buyer, however as this is a considerable purchase that has such a crucial role on the dining experience, you can play it safe by placing your trust in renowned brands that are in style time and time again for a reason – the quality and elegance of design. Here are a few of the iconic options:

• Wedgwood – This is one of those classics that offer prestigious bone china tableware that can very well find its place in your daily meal time. The brand may be known for the antique, heritage pieces, but it also has collaboration collections made for everyday versatility, practicality and easy table styling with a clean and minimalist design – the Jasper Conran sets are a perfect example. 
• Villeroy & Boch – If you want to create a statement with your tableware choice, take it from Michelin-starred restaurants and their investment in Villeroy & Boch premium porcelain and bone china sets that can handle daily use and amaze with the elegant aesthetic.
• Maxwell and Williams – Delicate, luxurious sets available at affordable prices, what more can one want out of dinnerware. The different patterns are all equally stylish, and give you the chance to mix and match so you have plenty to work with.
• Denby – Certifications for peace of mind, expert glazing for durability, stunning designs for timeless use, there are many reasons why Denby dinnerware sets are popular. 
• Portmeirion – Yet another long-term value brand choice with practical durability and iconic designs. You can swear by a Portmeirion dinner plate set for casual and special occasions alike, having fun mixing and matching different pieces. 
• Thomas China – When you pair German craftsmanship and durability with everyday practicality and gorgeous aesthetics, you get premium china sets fit for various occasions and interior decors. 
• Pampa Bay – If you’re the kind of person who appreciates the aesthetic effect of a little sparkle, then the high-fired porcelain Pampa Bay sets with luxurious silver and gold metal detailing can easily turn into your favourites. 

What to Avoid When Buying Dinnerware?

As this is a long-term investment purchase, it takes some thoughtful consideration to get it right with the shopping. Here are a few of the aspects to avoid and the things you ought to keep in mind.

Not Checking the Certifications

One of the main reasons for buying china from renowned brands is your safety. Not every brand you see in the market offers the verified, food-safe and lead-free glaze. 

To be on the safe side, aside from looking for the trusted names, always check the certifications to have the certainty your tableware wouldn’t compromise your health. Moreover, take your time to find trustworthy retailers to give you that additional dose of assurance on the quality and authenticity of the tableware. 

Not Ensuring Microwave Safety

Yet another of the safety aspects, it’s essential to check the material and crafstmanship, particularly paying attention to whether or not the set you have set your eyes on is truly safe for use in microwaves (and dishwashers for that matter). 

Always check the use and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer. When you get a set like one of the Pampa Bay with metallic details, it’s best to avoid use in microwaves altogether to cut down the risk of both china and microwave damage.

Disregarding Your Style

Just because a brand or a set is said to be trendy doesn’t mean it should find its place on your table if the style isn’t to your liking. This is something you would be using for years, so it should reflect your personality and be the kind of investment you’re fond of seeing and using. To make the most of the purchase, acquire pieces you can mix and match with what you already have in your collection – this way you also future-proof your collection by ensuring the upcoming purchases could easily be combined as well.

Disregarding Your Needs

Do you really need a 6-person or 12-person set if you don’t have that big of a family or you don’t plan on throwing that many parties and events? Why end up with a full set only to have most of the pieces stored in the cabinet? 

Aside from the number of people, it’s also essential to consider which of the pieces in a set you get to rely on for most of your meals; while stylish and practical, how often would you place that sauce boat on the table if not for a party given that a ceramic bowl could easily take over this task for daily meals. 

Additionally, the size and shape of the design aren’t to be an afterthought either. Your table size plus the table setting needs for each individual place (think elbow space) can help you determine which option suits you the best, so you avoid overstuffing the table. 

Fun, unique shapes can be exquisite, but if you’re going to be using the china mostly on a daily basis, it can turn into quite the impractical piece you have to mind how to use and store to avoid chipping it. Big or small, these are all details that are important and can help simplify your tableware shopping choice! 

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.