Table service: description of types and features of choice

If we turn to the not so distant past, namely to the times of the Soviet Union, then without much effort one can recall how caring housewives “hid” whole sets of dishes beautifully decorated with all kinds of patterns behind the glass of huge sideboards. Then people were sure that the services are a sign of luxury and wealth, which the guests who come will definitely notice and which, undoubtedly, indicates that the owners are wealthy. The services were put on the table exclusively for serious reasons, for dear guests; in everyday life, people only wiped dust from cups and plates.

In the modern world, the services have changed their role and received a completely different purpose: now they are not just a decoration of the kitchen, one of the most practical and convenient types of kitchen utensils. Many housewives purchase sets of plain or painted dishes, to delight the family every day and use truly beautiful items.

If before the services were considered a sign of luxury, they were presented at weddings, passed on by inheritance and carefully kept behind glass, leaving "for a special occasion", then in the present era, exquisite sets of dishes can delight the owner's eye during daily meals.

Many people prefer to buy "motley" dishes, items of which are combined with each other, for example, in color, while they are far from one set. Others make their choice in favor of sets, which are now produced in a great variety. Anyone can choose what they like. These are one-color sets of various colors, and sets with exquisite floral patterns or with drawings in the style of minimalism. There are monochromatic sets on which convex patterns have been developed - recently such options have been especially popular.

Dinner sets are created for 2, 4, 6 and even 12 persons, that is, this is how many people can consume food from incredibly beautiful dishes at a time, each having his own plate and other accessories. Some manufacturers also pay attention to the development of sets for 19 persons, but such sets are rare.

In this case, other table elements are attached to the general set: salt shakers, pepper shakers and more. The number of all kinds of items in one set can be up to 50 pieces, in the future it varies depending on the type of the selected set.

As you know, any coin has two sides. Let's consider some of the nuances of the services, and let's start with the merits.

1. A set of exquisite tableware creates a uniquely cozy atmosphere. Moreover, when it stands on the kitchen shelf (here it is important to successfully fit it into the overall interior), and when it is placed on the table in anticipation of a delicious dinner.
2. With the service, you are always ready to receive unexpected guests, because you have clean and beautiful plates that will definitely show you as a good hostess.
3. Whatever the service, it still indicates the wealth of the owners. Especially when it comes to any exquisite patterns, solid paintings, all kinds of bas-reliefs used to decorate cutlery.
4. The quality-tested sets are made from environmentally friendly materials that do not pose any harm to human health. Drinking and eating from glass or ceramic dishes is many times more pleasant than using plastic or iron utensils.
5. Each service consists of a fairly large number of elements. Therefore, it is ideal for hosting dozens of guests. At the same time, using only part of the set, you can successfully have breakfast with your family from beautiful dishes.
6. From time immemorial, the service was considered a truly exquisite part of the interior. It pleases the eye not only when it is on the shelf, but also when it is on the table.

Now let's look at the main disadvantages of the services that the owners highlight.

1. Many problems arise when it comes to using a large number of items for daily meals. You are unlikely to use each of the elements, therefore, the service will look incomplete, as if something is missing. This flaw will definitely be noticed by those for whom the complete picture is important.
2. The materials used to create exquisite sets do not allow washing in a dishwasher, which is not always convenient for a modern hostess, because after the guests leave, you need to manually wash and wipe a huge amount of dishes in order for the set to look perfect.

Traditional dining sets are divided into several categories depending on the purpose of use.

• Dining canteen. Most often it consists of dishes that are suitable for serving first and second courses, snacks. Luxurious pots with a soup tureen and painted plates create a truly elite set, look like a single whole, making up an overall composition thanks to color and all kinds of patterns.

• Tea... From the name it is obvious that the main items in it are the cups and the teapot. As an addition, manufacturers include a milk jug, jam sockets, a cake stand and much more in the set. Differences in the color scheme of individual items are allowed here.

• Coffee... In this case, the components of the set are similar to the elements of a tea set, but here each cup and saucer is smaller.

• Dessert. It is essential for serving sweet foods.The standard set includes small dessert plates. If you give preference to a more complete set, then you will become the owner of all kinds of dishes and plates for cakes, luxurious vases for serving fruits and sweets, there is even an ice cream stand. Most often they are made for 4 persons, but you can find more items.

• For breakfast. The composition of the dishes is the same as that of the standard set. The configuration depends on which menu you usually prefer for breakfast.

• Children's. It is assembled from smaller tableware and highlighted with brightly colored details, which makes it attractive to children's eyes. Such a set of dishes will help you to accustom your child to something refined from early childhood. There are soup bowls, flat plates for second courses, small dessert bowls, and tea cups.

Several centuries ago, a technology was developed in China for the production of the most noble material for creating sets - porcelain. It is a special type of ceramics made from such types of raw materials as clay, quartz, marble. Hence, it is completely natural.

Porcelain is appreciated all over the world for its extraordinary properties. It is so thin that in the light you can see the outlines of objects behind it, and when it comes into contact with other small objects, you can hear a melodic sound. However, porcelain is a fairly durable material and tolerates thermal effects very well.

In order to distinguish high-quality porcelain from a fake, you need to pay attention to the color of the product. Porcelain made from high-quality raw materials has a pure white color.

In addition to the standard porcelain formula, there are also bone, sets of which are even more appreciated. It is called that because when creating it, use bone meal, which gives the material special properties: has a snow-white color and fine structure, which makes it look truly exquisite.

Also sets are made made of impact-resistant tempered glass, which is famous for its practical properties, thanks to which it is especially popular. A glass service, unlike a porcelain one, can be put on the table every day without fear for its safety: it is in every way stronger than the second. The sets made of glass are heavier, but they can be washed in the dishwasher without fear of chipping, which is quite possible on porcelain.

They used to be especially popular silver sets, they showed the unconditional luxury and prosperity of the owners, although they demanded special care. In the modern world, the aforementioned materials are more in demand, while silver has become old-fashioned.

Thanks to modern technologies, the stores offer a wide selection of beautiful and stylish sets that can serve you not only with high-quality utensils for eating, but also will successfully fit into the interior and decorate the room.

Modern designers develop a huge number of service options for every taste and budget. On store shelves, there are both standard sets for every day and festive combinations for special occasions.

A great variety of colors are presented: from the usual white plates and cups to sky blue coffee pots and salt shakers. There are purple sets, in which the color varies from lighter to darker, which looks incredibly delicate. Green sets will cheer you up at any time of the year. Red or blue looks quite unusual and fits well into any interior.Standard black and white shades are classics and are unlikely to ever get bored.

By the way, about the interior. If you do not plan to store the purchased service in the closet and take it out only on holidays, then Think in advance about where it will be located, how it will be combined with the surrounding space. Dishes should not be in tune with furniture or decor items at all. However, the combination of these shades should be well thought out so that the overall picture looks harmonious, and does not dazzle like a New Year tree.

For example, if your room is decorated in predominantly white shades, then the service can be selected in almost any color, and for harmony add, for example, pillows on the sofa of the same shade. If the rack is dark, then it is better to give preference to a white set, thereby creating an accent.

When choosing services, it is important to pay attention not only to their packaging and attractive appearance, but also to the country of origin, by which you can draw conclusions about the quality of the product. Many people agree that the best porcelain sets are made in France and the Czech Republic... The second country is famous for its factory, where a truly unique material is created. In the vicinity of Karlovy Vary, the production of porcelain with a pink tint has been established, which gives the dishes a surprisingly delicate appearance.

Also popular are dinnerware sets from China, the homeland of porcelain, or from Japan.... Italian dishes are considered quite expensive. In the USA, craftsmen prefer the creation of glass services.

When choosing a table service, it is extremely important to take into account several factors, thanks to which you will not only be able to create a truly festive atmosphere at the table, but also to protect yourself from problems with the dishes from a practical point of view.

1. Choosing a large, beautiful and favorite set is not enough, it is also important to take into account its physical endurance. This is the main condition for buying sets for cafes and restaurants. So why are you worse? After all, you also need the dishes to serve as long as possible. A truly quality product will withstand accidental drops and dishwasher cleaning.
2. It is important to consider the number of items in the service and how many people you need devices for.
3. Do not forget that the drawings on the plates can help hide the marks of forks or knives that appear during use. On plain versions, most likely, such traces will remain.
4. An interesting fact - the patterns on the plates, made in cold colors, reduce appetite. This can be helpful for those who overeat frequently.

As mentioned above, it is not advisable to expose porcelain dinner sets to the influence of the dishwasher in order to avoid chipping. Only glassware sets can be washed this way.

Special attention should be paid to Czech sets. They are prohibited not only from washing in the dishwasher, but also from contact with any aggressive agents and hard brushes.

To act on the porcelain structure as gently as possible, use sponges for washing baby dishes. After washing, it is important to wipe each element of the service dry, avoiding the appearance of streaks and dull spots.

For information on the features of choosing a table service, see the next video.