China comprises all ceramic (clay-based) dishware including pottery, stoneware and porcelain. Although with its translucent beauty china appears fragile, it's actually the strongest ceramic dinnerware because it's made of the strongest elements and fired at the highest temperatures. Most patterns are dishwasher safe; however, in order to protect your china, avoid overloading your dishwasher, use the proper amount of detergent and allow dishes to cool after heated drying. China featuring gold, silver or platinum patterns should be hand washed in warm, soapy water and dried with a soft, lint-free towel.

Stoneware is also high-fired, which causes the clay to fuse and become glassy, harder and more durable. Both porcelain and stoneware are smooth and nonporous, but stoneware is opaque. Optimally designed for today's busy lifestyle, stoneware is available in many styles and colors and is safe for microwaves, conventional ovens and dishwashers.

Pottery, earthenware and ironstone are low-fired. Because of the material construction, they are less durable than stoneware or porcelain. Like china with gold, silver or platinum patterns, pottery, earthenware and ironstone should be hand washed in warm, soapy water and dried with a soft, lint-free towel. That's because exposure to the high heat generated by microwaves, dishwashers and conventional ovens will crack this type of dinnerware.

There Seems To Be A Pattern Here
If your lifestyle includes formal entertaining, fine china is in your future. Your décor will probably change several times, so choose your fine china with this in mind. By selecting ivory or white in a traditional pattern, you can dress it up for festive occasions with table linens, candles and flowers. Also, a simple classic pattern may blend well with unique and antique pieces in your home. Or, splash your table with a bold pattern or color of china and tone with accessories. Charger plates are also a welcome addition because not only do they protect your table and linens, but they also can provide a rich background for your dinnerware.

Remember the rule of 2 to 1: for every ornate pattern, choose two simple patterns to complement it, or balance a simple pattern with two elaborate patterns. For example, an ornate china pattern calls for elegant yet understated crystal and flatware, or vice versa.

Because everyday dinnerware is used most often for informal table settings, one of the most important considerations in selecting your dinnerware is whether the pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe; some are even oven and freezer safe. It's durability over decorative ability. Nonetheless, there's no reason you can't continue to express your love of color, pattern and shape. However, convenience is key.

Whether formal or informal, begin with at least eight place settings. Each place setting should include dinner plate, salad plate, soup dish, and cup and saucer; a serving platter, vegetable bowl, creamer and covered sugar dish will complete your primary service. As your opportunities for entertaining increase, give your imagination free reign to add to your service with pitchers, platters and dessert plates chosen from other patterns and colors to complement, but not necessarily match, your dinnerware. Crystal and silver serving dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and other accent items add an elegant sparkle to any table.

Setting The Tone
As you move on to the selection of glassware, keep in mind that gold tones or platinum bands, fluted rims and floral or geometric patterns can tastefully tie together your entire table service. For example, the shape of your teacup can lead to your crystal or glassware pattern, and similar bowls in cup and goblet create an aesthetically pleasing place setting. Most importantly, choose glassware that fits your lifestyle and remains versatile. A goblet can be used for water, soda, or as an all-purpose wine glass, for example.

It's Crystal Clear
In addition to choosing a particular glassware pattern or shape, consider quality. Lead crystal, especially crystal containing 24% red lead oxide, is superlative and provides exceptional clarity and luster due to the small particles of red lead oxide that reflect light. And, decorative styles of crystal vary from the ornate (with the brilliantly reflective facets of cut crystal) to the elegant (with etched patterns, monograms or traditional gilded rims). With even more choices than ordinary glassware, crystal provides a real plus in designing your table setting.

Glassware basics include water goblet, iced beverage glass, white and red wine glasses and champagne flutes. For a formal occasion, you'll also need a burgundy wine glass and brandy snifter. As a rule, you'll need the same number of settings as your dinnerware.

When cleaning your crystal, experts recommend that you hand wash them in warm soapy water, never hot. Rinse in warm water also and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. If the water leaves a residue, remove by applying white vinegar on a cloth. Use care with stems and do not drain or store glasses upside down. Careful handling will enable you to enjoy the sparkling beauty of crystal every day, unless, of course, you have children and pets. In that case, an additional set of everyday glassware is a family value. Cleaning everyday glassware is as easy as placing them in the dishwasher.

Factoring In The Flatware
Choosing your flatware is another opportunity to creatively blend form, function and personal taste. In addition, the beauty of your table setting can be reflected in the flatware, creating an even more appealing display.

While sterling silver is still a worthy investment, with today's technology it's difficult to tell the difference between sterling silver and stainless steel, unless you look for the "sterling" mark on the back. In addition, stainless steel is a solid, extremely durable metal that is much harder and more scratch-resistant than silver plated or sterling silver pieces. The better brands of flatware are made of 18/8 stainless steel, containing 18% chrome and 8% nickel. The chrome provides stain and rust-resistance while the nickel adds hardness and combines with the other metals to create a completely rust-free, almost stain-free flatware with a bright white silvery shine.

The large selection of patterns available in stainless steel, from baroque to minimalist, compare to those of sterling silver. Again, remember the 2 to 1 rule when choosing between intricate, traditional or sculpted designs.

A basic flatware setting includes dinner and salad forks, dinner knife and soup and teaspoon. And, you'll need to match the number of place settings collected in dinnerware and glassware, plus provide extra teaspoons and serving pieces such as meat fork, slotted spoon, serving spoon, entrée server and sugar spoon. Setting your table with colorful acrylic-handled flatware creates a fun, festive variation to any informal table service. For formal place settings, you'll also want to add butter knives, cocktail and dessert forks, and spoons.

When cleaning stainless steel flatware, experts recommend rinsing them prior to placing them in the dishwasher. If possible, select the "Fine China" setting on your dishwasher to provide the best conditions for effective cleaning. Detergents that contain lemon, however, are not recommended. In addition, load spoons and forks with the handles facing down; knives with the handles facing up.

Finishing Touches
Now to add the finishing touches to your table: for your centerpiece, place a colorful floral arrangement in a cut-crystal vase; add scented candles for even more decorative and aromatic ambiance; or use a candelabra as your centerpiece for extra elegance and charm. Also, cleverly folded napkins add a shapely touch while well-placed ribbons, rose petals and doilies make interesting conversational pieces. And for an extraordinary table setting, place a small gift for each guest that also serves as a place card. Above all, have fun in designing your festive table!

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