Guide To Buying The Best Tableware For Your Home

Welcome to the world of luxurious tableware sets. Wondering why tableware is essential? The right tableware can make all the difference, whether you're hosting a dinner party for friends and family or simply looking to elevate your everyday dining experience. In this buying guide to tableware, we'll provide you with all the information you need to select the perfect pieces for your home. From elegant porcelain to rustic stoneware, we'll explore popular materials and designs at Harris Scarfe and show you how to mix and match different pieces to create a cohesive and stylish look. So whether you're a seasoned host or just starting to build your collection, this guide will help you create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Quick Links

• What is tableware?
• Types of tableware
• Tips for buying tableware
• Before you go shopping
• Buy the best tableware for your home

What is tableware?

It's a collection of beautiful, high-quality items used to set and serve a meal. It includes plates, bowls, cups, saucers, and other pieces specifically designed to enhance the visual appeal and overall dining experience. Whether hosting a formal dinner party or simply enjoying a casual meal with loved ones, tableware can elevate the occasion and make it truly special.

Harris Scarfe's tableware collection is carefully curated to reflect your style and taste. It comprises functional, elegant, refined pieces from popular tableware brands like Chyka Home, Casa Domani, Maxwell & Williams and more. From the crisp lines of a pristine white porcelain plate to the rich, earthy tones of a handmade stoneware bowl, our tableware sets are designed to impress and inspire.

Types of Tableware You Need For Your Collection

There are four distinct types of tableware available.

• Serveware

  Serveware is a collection of elegant and refined pieces designed to enhance the visual appeal and overall dining experience. From serving platters and bowls to gravy boats and condiment dishes, serveware is essential to any aspirational table setting. For example, a sleek, modern platter made of stainless steel can add a touch of sophistication to any table setting. In contrast, a classic gravy boat can add a touch of elegance to a formal dinner party. A beautiful crystal bowl can serve a salad or dessert and add a touch of luxury to any table.

  
  

  What Servingware Should I Choose?

  Serving ware can come in many shapes and sizes, such as serving boards, plates and bowls. A rustic serving board is great for entertaining groups, whereas serving plates and bowls are perfect for everyday dining. Go for a matching serving plate and a salad bowl to serve your meat and salad in style. Some serving ware to consider include:

  • Serving boards: For your next party, grab a serving board for all your cheese and nibbles.
  • Serving plates: Versatile serving plates are great for everything from steaks to roast veggies, side dishes, bread and desserts!
  • Serving bowls: You must have serving bowls in your collection for salads, soups, pasta and anything else that needs to be accessible on the table.
  • Divided chip and dip serving plates: These divided serving plates are perfect for your chips and guacamole or chocolate and strawberries.

• Dinnerware

  Dinnerware is an essential type of tableware that is used to serve and eat meals. It includes plates, bowls, and cups and is the foundation of any table setting. Dinnerware comes in various materials and styles, each with unique characteristics and qualities. Fine porcelain is a classic choice for its delicate beauty and durability. For example, a set of white porcelain plates with a simple and elegant design can create a timeless and sophisticated look. In contrast, a set of handmade stoneware plates with a rustic and earthy feel can add a touch of warmth and charm to any table setting.

  
  

  What Dinnerware Should I Choose?

  Depending on your needs, choose between loose dinnerware, perfect for those living alone or a dinnerware set to service the whole family and have spares on hand.

  • Loose dinnerware: Choose the pieces you need and nothing more. Mix and match or find pieces together to make a nice setting.
  • Dinner Sets: purchasing a dinner set is an economical choice for getting everything you need. Sets come in different sizes, colours and finishes, so choose one that suits your dining room style. Add some colour with a bright dinner set, or keep it understated with a plain grey or white dinner set.

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• Flatware/Cutlery

  Flatware, also known as silverware, is an essential type of tableware that includes forks, knives, spoons, and other utensils used for eating. It is an essential part of any table setting and plays a crucial role in the overall dining experience. For example, a set of stainless steel flatware with a sleek and modern design can add a touch of sophistication to any table setting, while a set of silver flatware with a classic and traditional design can add a touch of elegance to a formal dinner party. Flatware can also be mixed and matched to create a unique and personalised look.

  
  

  What Cutlery Should I Choose?

  Choose from loose cutlery to fill in any gaps in your collection, or go for a full cutlery set, so you have a cohesive collection to accommodate. You may want to consider speciality cutlery such as steak knives, cheese knives and serving cutlery.

  • Loose cutlery: Get the cutlery you need whether that is a couple of teaspoons or a new knife and fork.
  • Cutlery sets: Choose cutlery sets such as 6 Person Cutlery Setting, 8 Person Cutlery Setting, 10 Person Cutlery Setting or 12 Person Cutlery Setting.
  • Steak knives: Enjoy your steaks and meat with great steak knives to make cutting easier.
  • Cheese knives: The perfect addition to any cheese board, a must-have for entertaining and enjoying cheese.
  • Serving cutlery: Find great serveware for salads, cakes, soups and more.

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• Glassware

  Glassware is another popular option tableware item known for its transparency and versatility. You can use glassware for both formal and casual dining. It comes in various styles, from elegant crystals to simple and modern designs.

  
  

  What Glassware Should I Choose?

  Enjoy your everyday beverages with quality glassware. Choose glassware that suits your needs and style, from tumblers to cocktail glasses. Some glassware to consider includes:

  • Tumblers: These are an everyday essential.Try tumblers in different heights and styles to add interest to your table set-up.
  • Wine glasses: Choose sophisticated red and white wine glasses to dine and entertain in style. Why not choose a stemless wine glass?
  • Champagne flutes: Sleek champagne flutes when you need to toast around the dinner table.
  • Cocktail glasses: Not only are they great for cocktails, but you can also use them for desserts and canapes.
  • Coffee glasses: Enjoy your morning coffee in a stylish double-walled coffee glass.
  • Serving jugs and drink dispensers: Entertain with great jugs and drink containers which make serving drinks easy.
  
  

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  General Tips On Buying the Best Tableware

When buying tableware, it's essential to consider not only the material and design but also the overall aesthetic and feel of your dining space. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect selection:

• Invest in quality: Tableware is an investment you will use and enjoy for years. Invest in pieces made of high-quality materials that are built to last.
• Consider the occasion: Think about the types of events and meals you will be hosting, and select appropriate tableware sets. A formal dinner party calls for a more elegant and refined look. At the same time, a casual meal with friends and family is the perfect opportunity to mix and match different styles and materials.
• Mix and match: Feel free to mix and match different pieces to create a cohesive and personalised look.
• Pay attention to the details: Look for tableware with thoughtful design elements and attributes that make it stand out. For example, a set of plates with a unique shape or a group of glasses with a beautiful stem can add a dash of sophistication to your table setting.
• Consider the practicality: While aesthetics are important, consider the tableware's practicality. Dishwasher-safe, microwave safe and oven-safe pieces are great options for everyday use. Still, for special occasions, choose pieces that need hand washing.

Before You Go Shopping For Tableware

There are a few key things to keep in mind to make the best selection for your needs:

• Set a budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on your tableware before you start shopping. This will help you narrow your options and focus on pieces within your price range.
• Measure your space: Measure the area where you plan to store your tableware, so you can ensure that the pieces you select will fit comfortably. Also, consider the size of the plates, bowls and cups. You'll want to ensure that the pieces you choose are appropriately sized for your meals.
• Consider your lifestyle: Think about how you will use your tableware. You can invest in larger pieces if you entertain often. Select more durable and dishwasher-safe pieces if you're looking for everyday dinnerware.
• Material and design: Consider the material and design of the tableware you're interested in. Different materials have different properties (porcelain is fragile but elegant, stoneware is sturdy but rustic, etc.), and specific designs may be more appropriate for other occasions.
• Coordinate with your existing decor: Coordinate the tableware with your current home decor and overall aesthetic.

Buy The Best Tableware For Your Home

Tableware is essential to any dining experience and can significantly impact your home's aesthetics and feel. With Harris Scarfe, you can shop for high-quality tableware at great prices from leading home and lifestyle brands. Shop online or visit us at your nearest Harris Scarfe store to browse the entire collection in person. Go ahead, create a beautiful table setting, and enjoy every meal with style, elegance and luxury. Our latest blog about stylish tablescapes will offer you tips galore. For more table-setting inspiration, remember to visit our home hub today.