Casual Dinnerware

For a robust, rustic feel in your dining room, stoneware or earthenware are the choices for you. Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It is often hand-painted for a unique and delicate touch that is charming and inviting. It is quite porous and prone to chipping, but it makes for a handsome and economical choice. Like earthenware, stoneware is also fired ceramic, but it is bolstered with vitreous glass for added strength and resilience. Good-quality stoneware is versatile in use and easy to maintain, designed for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven.

Sometimes referred to as porcelain, ceramic dinnerware is made of fine-particle clay comprised of feldspar, kaolin, and quarts that has been fired at an extreme temperature for optimum durability and a graceful translucency. Ceramic can easily transition from formal to casual dinnerware, making it a popular choice for household tables. Ceramic china is usually safe in the dishwasher and microwave unless otherwise indicated, and the thin, flexible feel is both resilient and elegant.

The most sought-after material for casual dining, melamine is a rugged, lightweight material that holds up to years of use in busy households. Melamine is not generally designed for use in the microwave, but it is break-resistant even on slate or brick, making it perfect for homes with children or outdoor usage.

There is a lot of fun to be found in selecting the perfect casual dinnerware for your table. Casual dinnerware often features graphic prints, stripes or polka dots, abstract motifs, or holiday themes that can take any dining decor from drab to fab. If retro designs are your fancy, a selection of bold mid-century modern colors can be found online, along with plates featuring your favorite television characters or pop icons from decades past.

Lend some artful, enviable dimension to your table with some textured dinnerware. Brushed dinnerware brings a soft, elegant sheen to your decor, while embossed china is a classic addition to special evenings. Crackled plates deliver stunning uniqueness in a range of colors and raised designs have delightful and distinctive texture and personality.

Not all dinnerware has to be the same. A variety of shapes can be selected online to complement or elevate your decor. Round dinner plates are classic and bespeak elegance and tradition for a warm country feel. Square plates have a modern touch perfect for exotic cuisine and minimalist decor. Scalloped dishes have graceful dimension and unique flair that dresses up a table instantly. Rectangular plates are perfect for Asian dishes or gourmet plating that will wow your guests and put a smile on every face. Find the perfect shape to suit your style on Overstock.com.