4 Expert Tips To Choose Dining Bowls

What type of material should my dining bowls be made of?

Dinnerware is commonly made of materials like porcelain, bone china, earthenware, melamine, and stoneware, each with its benefits. What you choose will depend on durability (if you have children or enjoy outdoor dining), the amount of formality desired, and whether you want your dining bowls to be microwave, stove, and dishwasher safe.

• Porcelain is exceptionally durable and nonporous while also being dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe (if it doesn’t have metallic accents).
• Bone china is surprisingly durable, unlike fine china, while maintaining its lightweight elegance. It is usually microwave and dishwasher safe.
• If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, try earthenware, which is a less expensive, heavy, and durable option. Because of its relative weight, extreme temperature changes and high heat (such as in the oven or microwave) should be avoided.
• If you enjoy entertaining outdoors, melamine dining bowls are ideal for you. melamine is shatterproof and very durable, however, it is not oven and microwave safe.
• Stoneware is a thicker, impermeable, classy looking material that is suitable for everyday use but should be kept away from high heat and freezing. Some stoneware must be hand-washed, especially those dining bowls with hand-painted designs.

What style should I choose for my dining bowls?

There are four basic styles of dinnerware: patterned, banded, solid, and hand-painted. What you decide on will depend on your home’s décor, how formal you wish your dining bowls to be, and how you want to express your style.

• If you’re looking for versatility for a variety of occasions, you might want to consider solid white or ivory to showcase the food without clashing with anything.
• Dinnerware with rim detailing or a border can add simplicity, class, and personal style to your dining bowls.
• For more casual dining, choose your favorite colors or patterns to add flair and charm to your dining bowls.
• If you’re looking for longevity and timelessness, choose classic pieces like solid or banded white dishes instead of trend-driven designs.

How much should I base my decision on how much care is required for my dining bowls?

• If you have children, you’ll probably want to consider buying dishwasher safe dinnerware that is break resistant.
• If you are averse to hand-washing dishes, you wouldn’t want to buy dinner bowls that cannot go in the dishwasher, such as hand-painted stoneware.
• If you reheat a lot of leftovers in your microwave or oven, you won’t want to buy dining bowls with metal accents or those made of melamine, earthenware, or stoneware.

How do I keep my dining bowls looking spectacular?

• Use white vinegar soaks for hard water spots on your dinnerware. Usually a three minute soak after washing, but before rinsing and drying, is sufficient.
• Rub a paste of baking soda and water on your dinnerware for colored stains.
• Stack your dining bowls in a cupboard if you use them frequently, but if they are made of a chip-prone substance, use a padded felt-lined storage case to prevent scratches.