Not Earthenware Or Stoneware: The Durable Dinnerware Material That Looks Elegant

When choosing from various types of dinnerware, homemakers often struggle to decide between durability and style. After all, a good dinnerware set can be a family heirloom — assuming all the pieces stay intact — but only a quality set is really worth handing down. Earthenware and stoneware dishes are generally the compromise, providing a veneer of elegance while still being relatively sturdy for daily wear and tear. However, there's another option that offers the best of both worlds, if not better: bone china. Known for its elegantly translucent appearance and lightweight feel, bone china is deceptively strong, doesn't chip or scratch easily, and can last for generations.

Bone china is technically a form of porcelain, made from a unique mixture of bone ash, kaolin, lime, feldspar, and clay. The material got its start in the mid-18^th century, when English potter Thomas Frye patented an early porcelain containing bone ash. It wasn't until decades later, working in Stoke-on-Trent, that master potter Josiah Spode refined Frye's formula into something close to the bone china still used today. To make it, these ingredients are mixed with water at a high speed to create a slurry, which is then sieved, dried out, and sliced into discs ready to be molded into plates, cups, saucers, and any other type of dish you can imagine. There are an additional seven steps to this laborious process, but the result is one of the most durable dinnerware materials, with a sophisticated finish. Better still, most bone china is dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe, though you should exercise caution with old and valuable china dishes.

Bone china's signature feature is its creamy, ivory coloring, but it is otherwise as varied and versatile as any other type of material, as opposed to fine china, which is more traditionally associated with simple, classical patterns for formal use. You can opt for the vintage English tea party style with a charming floral print, or go for something a bit more modern and minimalist for everyday dining. Of course, more formal styles are available as well, often featuring gilded detailing — which, it's important to note, is more delicate. Whatever pattern you choose, you can rest assured that bone china will bring quality to your table, as it's widely regarded as the height of luxury in the realm of place settings.

However, keep in mind that bone china, while hardy, is not invincible, and like other forms of porcelain, will still crack if dropped on a hard surface. Bone china also doesn't like thermal shock, so avoid moving pieces quickly between extreme temperatures, as this can cause damage. It must also be acknowledged that bone china's combination of durability and elegance comes at a cost, and it is often pricier than your standard earthenware or stoneware. This makes it a great thing to keep an eye out for at a thrift store, as these valuable vintage dinnerware pieces will likely be in excellent condition despite their age. Plus, this might be your chance to knock a bit off the price.