Stellar tabletop design, from the choice of dinnerware, glassware, and even flatware, can increase sales and offset the competition. Appropriate tableware determines an operation’s atmosphere and can leave a lasting impression on guests, since the tableware is the first thing they see when they sit down to dine.
Dinnerware can be made from a variety of materials including china, porcelain, glass or stoneware and plastic. China and porcelain are ceramic materials – basically baked clay – and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Firing or vitrifying further hardens china and porcelain dinnerware, making the surface nonporous for greater food safety. Bone china is made with clay mixed with bone ash or calcium phosphate for a more translucent appearance. Some dinnerware incorporates alpha alumina to increase strength and reduce the thickness of the individual pieces. Color and/or patterns to the dinnerware are applied before the firing process.
Stoneware is a category of clay and a type of ceramic distinguished primarily by its firing temperature. Basically, it is man-made stone. Stoneware is dense and impermeable and hard enough to resist scratching. It differs from porcelain because it is more opaque and is usually colored grey or brownish because of impurities in the clay used for manufacturing. Stoneware is also normally glazed.
Glass dinnerware, though more likely to be used as accent pieces than for whole place settings, is made from tempered glass for chip resistance and durability. Tempered glass is a stronger glass with an enhanced thermal resistance and breaks into small square fragments rather than irregular shards of glass, offering more safety to diners.
Plastic dinnerware is the most affordable and durable of all choices. It is best used when there is a higher risk of the item being dropped to the floor, such as in bars, taverns, pizza joints, children-themed restaurants or even in nursing homes and hospitals. Plastic dinnerware can be made with any color combination and in any size. Some are microwaveable and most are dishwasher safe. Some plastic dinnerware can even be disposable.
Caring for your dinnerware depends on what type you use. China, porcelain and glass should never be cleaned with abrasive powders, harsh detergents, or steel wool scrubbing pads. Mild detergents and gentle cleansers are the best. When washing these types of dinnerware by hand, the preferred method, make sure the bottom of the basin is lined with a cushiony towel or rubber mat to prevent them from cracking against the bottom and never have more than one item in basin at a time. This will help prevent damage to the dinnerware. Always use a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean the dishes.
A dishwasher can be used, but special guidelines should be followed to prevent damage like chipping and cracks. Load the dishwasher so the dinnerware cannot knock into or bump other pieces during the cycle. Also, make sure the china, porcelain, and glassware are cooled adequately before unloading it from the dishwasher. Extreme temperature changes can cause the dinnerware to crack, chip or even break.
Stoneware should never be submerged in water, as most stoneware is not glazed on the underside (foot) of the item. When a piece of stoneware is submerged in water, the unglazed portion of the piece will absorb water and can facilitate the piece cracking. Also, harsh abrasives should never be used as this can remove some of the glazing, causing damage. If your stoneware has metal marks (light gray marks) from flatware, a mild silica clean will remove them. As with your other fine dinnerware, do not subject the stoneware to rapid temperature changes. This will cause it to crack or break.
When storing your china, porcelain, and glass dinnerware, try not to stack the items. If stacking is a necessity, use felt pads, napkins or even coffee filters to separate each dish. This will keep the foot of each piece from abrading the one underneath it.
