A dinner service is chosen first and foremost according to use: everyday meals, entertaining, or both. Here are the criteria that make all the difference.
1. The material
- Limoges porcelain: white, translucent and resistant to thermal shock, it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe depending on the model. The choice of the finest tables.
- Art faience: rich, colourful decoration (Gien, Millefleurs, Bleu de Roche), softer than porcelain, it is washed by hand to preserve the decoration.
- Stoneware and opal glass: robust for everyday use, perfect for families and for outdoor dining.
2. The number of pieces
Allow 3 to 5 pieces per guest and per service (dinner plate, deep plate, dessert plate, and possibly a bread plate and a presentation plate). A service for 6 people covers most meals; allow for 12 pieces of basic tableware if you entertain often.
3. The occasion
For an everyday meal, favour stackable pieces and a 26-27 cm dinner plate. For a festive meal, a more elaborate presentation plate and dessert plate make all the difference.
4. Care
White porcelain is dishwasher-safe. Hand-painted decoration, gold and platinum rims, silver-plated metals and crystal should be washed by hand, in warm water, without abrasive detergent.
5. The budget
On a tight budget, a smaller service in quality porcelain is better than a large service in a fragile material: the pieces of the same pattern can then be added one by one, year after year.