From transparent glass to fine porcelain and rustic stoneware, choosing the right type of crockery is much more than just a practical matter. It's an important decision that must take into account both durability and aesthetics to shape the atmosphere of your meals. Choosing wisely not only ensures the longevity of your crockery, but also adds an artistic dimension to your table. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Different materials for crockery
Choosing the perfect crockery for your table involves taking into account the materials available, each offering distinct characteristics. These include glass, ceramic, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these materials.
Vaisselle en verre
Glass tableware is a versatile choice that combines elegance and functionality. Its characteristics include crystal-clear transparency, which enhances the presentation of dishes. Glass is also easy to clean, scratch-resistant and odour-resistant. However, its fragility makes it more susceptible to breakage, requiring delicate handling, so it's best to opt for tempered glass, which looks identical but is sturdier.
Ceramic tableware
Ceramic crockery offers a wide range of styles and patterns, allowing customisation to suit individual preferences. Its advantages include durability, stain resistance and its ability to retain the heat of food. However, ceramic can be heavier than other materials, and some pieces can be prone to chipping if knocked.
Porcelain tableware
Porcelain embodies elegance and delicacy. Light and fine, it is hard-wearing and suitable for a variety of occasions. It's fairly scratch-resistant and dishwasher safe, but because it's so thin, it may need to be handled more carefully, and some pieces may not be suitable for the microwave.
Stoneware
Stoneware wows with its rustic, natural look. Robust and scratch-resistant, it's ideal for everyday use. The key advantage of this material is its ability to absorb and retain heat, ideal for keeping food warm. It should be noted, however, that stoneware can also absorb liquids, which can affect the taste of food and make crockery very difficult to clean completely.
Earthenware tableware
Earthenware has a handmade charm with its varied patterns and lightness. It is suitable for regular use, offering an aesthetic option. However, it may be less resistant to impact than other materials and require special care when cleaning, even though it adds a more artistic dimension to your table.
What colour of crockery should I choose?
Choosing the colour of your crockery is also an important step in creating a harmonious and attractive table on which to enjoy meals with family and friends. But what colour should you choose? If you're in any doubt, you can play it safe by opting for neutral tones such as white or beige, or for transparent crockery that enhances the presentation of the dishes and is suitable for all occasions. If you want to add vitality to your table, bright colours such as red (perfect for Christmas crockery[1] ), purple or blue can add a dynamic, energetic touch. On the other hand, dark tones, such as black or charcoal grey, create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly suited to more formal dinners. Whatever your preference, at Duralex® we offer a variety of coloured tableware so you can find the perfect shade to complement your table. Explore our collection today and bring your vision of the perfect table to life!
Choosing crockery according to use
When it comes to choosing crockery, functionality and adaptability are essential criteria to take into account. Here's all our advice on how to choose your crockery according to your uses and habits.
Which crockery for everyday use?
When it comes to crockery for everyday use, durability and practicality are key factors. Opt for a sturdy material such as tempered glass, which stands up well to frequent use and won't scratch easily. This dishwasher- and oven-safe material simplifies your daily routine and saves you precious time. When it comes to colour, choose neutral tones for maximum versatility, adapting harmoniously to your everyday life while enhancing the presentation of your meals.
Tableware for special occasions
When it comes to special occasions (Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc.), the choice of crockery is particularly important. In this case, we advise you to opt for refined materials such as porcelain or glass, which add a touch of elegance to your table. These delicate options may require more careful maintenance, but the visual result is well worth the effort. For special events such as weddings or Christmas, you can add a festive dimension with patterns, ornaments or brighter colours, or use transparent crockery to highlight your other decorative elements.
What crockery for a wedding?
A wedding deserves elegant, sophisticated tableware to match your theme. Depending on your budget, you can opt for ceramic or porcelain crockery, accompanied by crystal-clear tempered glass glasses, for example. In terms of colour, white or ivory tones add a classic touch, while subtle patterns add an artistic dimension to your bridal table, but the ideal is to choose colours that match your wedding theme and complement the rest of the decor.
What crockery for Christmas?
For Christmas celebrations, crockery can also become an extension of the festive decorations. You can opt for coloured or transparent plates to show off your placemats, patterned glasses or elegant cutlery. Shades of red, green and gold will create a warm, cheerful atmosphere, but you can also choose other colours to match your table decorations or the tree, for example.
Maintenance and cleaning of crockery
The care and cleaning of your crockery are essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its beauty over time. Here's our advice on how to wash your crockery without damaging it.
Cleaning fragile crockery
For fragile crockery such as porcelain or earthenware, gentle cleaning is essential. Opt for hand-washing with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, and avoid abrasive sponges that could damage the delicate surface. On the other hand, with Duralex® tempered glass crockery, you can use a conventional sponge as there is no risk of scratching the surface, even on coloured crockery.
Using a dishwasher
Using a dishwasher can make the day-to-day maintenance of your crockery much simpler, however before loading the dishwasher make sure that the crockery you have chosen is dishwasher safe. All Duralex® products are dishwasher safe, offering a convenient solution for everyday meals, but not all brands and materials are dishwasher safe. To find out more, look out for the dishwasher symbol, often found underneath the crockery.
Using the microwave
Using the microwave to reheat dishes can be convenient, but not all types of crockery are suitable for this method. Duralex® products, such as our tempered glass plates, are all microwave safe. However, be sure to check the specific recommendations for each other's products, as some materials may not withstand high temperatures. Finally, never use crockery with metallic details or gilding, as this can cause sparks and damage the microwave. To sum up, there is a wide range of materials that can be used to make crockery, from fine, fragile porcelain to particularly hard-wearing tempered glass. So it's up to you to choose what you prefer, and what best suits your needs. At Duralex®, we have chosen to focus exclusively on tempered glass tableware because it is durable, strong, attractive and easy to maintain. To find out more about our range of tableware (plates, cups, glasses, dishes, etc.), feel free to browse our online shop.
