Autumn Dinnerware Set

“Porcelain” refers to the pale, finely-grained pottery that was first developed during the Tang Dynasty in China and grew in Western popularity during the 18th century. Curious what porcelain is made of? This non-porous material is made by producing a paste from clay and minerals and then fired at a much higher temperature than most other ceramics. Although synonymous with fancy dining, porcelain can be surprisingly practical. This material is rather durable thanks to the high-heat process used to create it, so most porcelain goods will handle dishwashers and microwaves just fine. Combined with their relatively accessible price and classic visual appeal, it’s no surprise that porcelain is the most popular dinnerware material around.

By adding ground calcified animal bone ash to the same paste used to make porcelain, you pull bone china from the kiln. It was first developed by Englishman Josiah Spode at the turn of the 19th century, and his basic formula still remains the standard today. The addition of the bone ash sometimes adds a translucent appearance to the ivory-colored dinnerware, but don’t be fooled - bone china is incredibly strong and less likely to chip than most porcelains. The trade-off? Bone china is typically a little pricier than standard porcelain, but it may last longer due to its durability.

Stoneware has even older origins than porcelain, dating back to the 1400s BC in China. Like its cousin porcelain, stoneware is mostly non-porous and made from a mixture of clay and minerals, though in different ratios. Rather than the smooth, even tone of other chinas, unglazed stoneware gives off a much more natural and rustic appearance, sometimes with visible speckles of minerals. Glazed stoneware also has a rich history: Ancient Chinese stoneware has been discovered in shades of celadon, lavender, and crimson. Stoneware is typically thicker than other ceramics and thus is highly durable. A popular choice for restaurants, stoneware can be dressed up or down to suit any special occasion. If you’re unsure of which material to choose, stoneware makes an all-around safe bet.

Something of a dark horse in the dinnerware race, ironstone is another 19th-century English creation, crafted in an effort to find a substitute for porcelain. Where previously popular ceramics were typically hand painted or printed, ironstone marked a shift towards more monochromatic sensibilities. Many collect these antique ironstone serving pieces today. The name most likely comes from its durability. Ironstone dishes are thick and strong, resisting chips and cracks. Just as it was originally created to be accessible to those outside the upper classes, ironstone still remains a pretty affordable material for dinnerware and offers a striking all-white or all-black touch to a table presentation.

The oldest known piece of pottery, dating all the way back to the Neolithic period, is a piece of earthenware. This category includes porous ceramics like terracotta that readily absorb liquids. For that reason, earthenware serving pieces must be glazed for kitchen use. Glazing coats the ceramic in a layer of glass, sealing it for use with food or drink. Although not generally considered a durable material, earthenware can be highly decorative. It’s frequently used by hobbyist potters for items like planters and mugs. It’s not widely recommended for daily-use dishes, but an earthenware item can liven up a table presentation or create a conversation piece.

Even the most durable ceramics cannot compare to melamine. A synthetic material, the lightweight melamine is virtually impervious to drops and clinks. This makes it an ideal choice for families with children, outdoor parties, and any time your dishes will need to be regularly transported. Affordable and available in a variety of patterns, melamine dishes are suitable for large gatherings and magazine-ready table settings. The only caveat? Melamine isn’t microwave-safe, but that’s a small price to pay for durable and decorative pieces.

Glassware is another invention from antiquity, with glass vessels having been used in ancient Egypt and Rome. The process of blowing glass was likely invented in Syria about a millennium ago, and the technique was then spread around Europe. Fortunately for us, glass creation has come a long way since ancient times. Still, other substitutes like acrylics can also create suitable stand-ins for the real thing when weight and price are key factors. While mainly used for drinkware, a glass dinner set can make a sparkling statement.