"It's up to a couple's personal taste," says Lisa Ridolfi, spokesperson for Crate & Barrel in Northbrook, Ill. "There are so many patterns out there."
Experts agree that with a little planning and thinking ahead, you, too, can choose the perfect pattern for your china needs. "There are several considerations in choosing a dinnerware pattern," says Floyd Sullivan, director of communications at Pfaltzgraff.
"First, of course, is the design. It's often a very subjective, emotional response to the colors and motifs of the pattern. Second, price should be considered in two ways: a) Can I afford it? and b) Will my guests be able to afford to purchase a place setting as a wedding gift?
"Also consider how you anticipate you will use the dinnerware. If you anticipate needing formal dinnerware for either holidays or formal entertaining, then you might want to register for a high-quality casual pattern that you can dress up or down depending on the occassion. Or register for formal china in addition to your everyday dinnerware. If your lifestyle will not call for formal entertaining, select a quality casual pattern that speaks to your lifestyle and design tastes."
Kristina Tetzlaff, spokesperson for Williams-Sonoma, says, "We offer many styles of dinnerware designed to accommodate a range of everyday needs, entertaining styles and personal tastes. When making a dinnerware choice, consider color, pattern, material and care."
China comes in two basic body colors — white and ivory. The details are what make each pattern different.
"Some have metallic bands in either silver or gold," says Denise Dinyon, bridal and special events manger for Lenox Brands in Lawrenceville, N.J. "Couples need to decide if they want a simple, clean look or a pattern with details."
Sullivan adds that china comes in several ceramic body types — china, stoneware and earthenware.
Many decisions have to be made when deciding on a pattern, including what is the couple's favorite color, is the china going to mix and match with other patterns or did the couple inherit china and are merely adding to it?
"China can be every day, and most of it is dishwasher-safe," explains Dinyon. "It's really easy care and practical."
"We encourage consumers to use their good dinnerware, whatever it may be, often," says Sullivan. "Nothing tells your family and friends that they are important to you better than a lovingly prepared meal served on quality tableware — everyday."
What you need
Experts say the trend for settings is moving toward a more casual four-piece dining set, as opposed to the more formal five-piece setting. "The typical place setting for everyday or casual dinnerware is four pieces — a dinner plate, salad plate, soup/cereal bowl and mug," says Sullivan. "In a formal setting, a cup and saucer replace the mug, and a bread and butter plate often replaces the bowl."
Since registering is your chance to get everything you need, experts recommend adding serving pieces to your list, including platters, serving bowls, salt and pepper shakers, a covered butter dish, a creamer and a sugar bowl.
Dinyon adds that couples should not forget to also register for stemware and flatware when they are choosing their china, to make sure they match.
How much is enough
You've chosen the pattern, but now how much do you need? Most experts say starting out with 12 settings is ideal.
"Brides and grooms typically start out with 8, and then build to 12 place settings or more," explains Sullivan. "It depends on the size of your family and how you entertain."
Actually planning a sample dinner will help you make sure you register for enough.
"A great way to figure out how much you need to is write down a sample menu," recommends Dinyon. "Write what serving dishes, trays, bowls, etc. you will need, and be sure to include utensils, too. You may find out you need more than you thought."
A newer trend is couples registering for more than one pattern of china. "It's up to your personality," says Dinyon. "You may have one base pattern, and get accent plates with a tropical theme for summer, a holiday theme or flowers for spring."
Sullivan adds, "It depends on your lifestyle. One set of high-quality casual dinnerware you can use for any kind of entertaining is often enough. Others enjoy mixing and matching different patterns. Others prefer an everyday collection and one saved for special occasions." All in all, Dinyon says, "China makes special events more special, but should be used every day."
— Tribune Media Services
