Is Dinnerware a Set of Dishes?

China Dinnerware

• A set that includes china, porcelain and bone china is referred to as china dinnerware. Bone china and porcelain are more durable and stronger than china. China is made from china clay, and porcelain is made from clay china, feldspar and quartz. Bone china contains bone ash, but is similar to porcelain. Porcelain dinnerware is fired at 1,000 degrees F and is then glazed and fired again at 1,400 degrees F before being hand painted or polished. Fine dining dinnerware has a high gloss shine.

Earthenware Dinnerware

• Earthenware includes semi-vitreous, stoneware and pottery. These dishes are not as durable as bone china or porcelain because they are more porous. Used for casual dining, earthenware dinnerware is composed from red, brown or buff-colored clay. The dishes are fired at a lower heat setting than bone china or porcelain, but white earthenware is fired at higher temperatures. Although earthenware is thicker than fine china, it will soak up dirt and food when chipped.

Metal and Glass Dinnerware

• Used more for keeping food hot or as serving pieces, metal dinnerware is prone to dents and scratches, and the pewter and silver pieces can tarnish. Glass dinnerware is easily broken and is not as durable as earthenware or china. Metal and glass dinnerware is used for casual dining.

Plastic Dinnerware

• Plastic dinnerware is ideal for children, picnics, camping or anytime you just don't want to use breakable dinnerware or have to wash dishes. The plastic is durable and available in many colors. It is lightweight, but after a long time of using it, the plastic can stain or crack. Plastic dinnerware is complemented with plastic flatware.