Guide to Dish Sets

No household would be complete without a dish set. And why not, when eating, or the food associated with it, is one of the prime necessities of humankind. But the talk about china sets does not just start and end with buying a number of dishes corresponding to the size of the household and... that's it! Homemakers need to be aware that a dish set needs to be composed of the right pieces for it to properly serve its purpose.

Tip Number 1: Dish sets are not just meant to ensure that the food has a plate underneath it. Each piece in them have particular purposes. Following are the most common that should not be missing in any china set:

1. Plates - for dining, for holding bread or salads
2. Bowls - for soups, desserts, cereals, or creamy recipes
3. Serving dishes - trays and platters
4. Mugs, teacups, and saucers

Dish sets in this category, or those for everyday use, are usually made of stoneware or plastic, or build that can endure more wash, wear and tear situations.

Tip Number 2: Once the household has been established, it is advisable that they invest in some fine dining pieces as part of their china sets. This is not just to impress the visitors, this is also for when special occasions arise, such as anniversaries or birthdays. When it comes to what should be included in this dish set, usually dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, saucers and cups would suffice. But the main difference between a dish set for fine dining to those for everyday use is the build. In this category, dishes are usually made of fine china or bone.

How To Arrange Dinner Pieces on the Dining Table

Once the dish set is completed, it is now time to learn how to set the pieces up in a dining table. Here is a guide:

1. First and foremost, always remember that the dinner plate is the main piece in the set. A china set will never be complete without it, and a dining table setting will also be incomplete without a dinner plate as its center of concentration. So, place the dinner plate at the central point in front of every diner.

2. Next come the dessert plate, which should be put right on top of the dinner plate. Another option is to just give out dessert plates once the dessert course is ready to be eaten, so the diner will have to no longer bother about where he is going to put the dessert plate while the main course is being served.

3. Place plates for bread and butter on the left hand side of the dinner plate. Cups and saucers, on the other hand, belong to the opposite side.

4. In cases when soup is served, as is the custom in European countries, the soup bowl is also placed above the dinner plate.

Care For The Dish Set

Only wash dishes in dishwasher if these are especially marked as "dishwasher safe." For fine dining pieces, it is most advisable to just wash these by hand. Let dry before storing in a cupboard or china cabinet.


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