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Traditionally,
china is the heart of any wedding registry. Even if your style
is ordering Chinese takeout, registering for elegant tableware
has its perks. It is the center of any table setting, and
it looks great! China is something you can keep forever and
pass on to your children. So select your china carefully;
think about how you'll likely entertain and for how many people.
We'll help you get down the basics, decide your personal style
and take care of your fine dinnerware.
Formal
or Casual
Formal china includes fine china, bone china and porcelain.
- Fine
china is made of high quality ceramic. It is thin, translucent
and resistant to chipping and/or breaking and will ring
when tapped.
- Bone
china is a ceramic product that also contains a certain
percentage of bone ash, giving it a characteristic whiteness.
- Porcelain
is a fine, hard, translucent material.
Casual
china, such as earthenware and stoneware, is often less costly
and lower quality.
- Earthenware
is made from less refined clays and remains relatively soft
and porous. Thus, it is less durable than china.
- Stoneware
is very strong, heavy and nonporous. It is safe to use in
the microwave, oven and dishwasher.
Beyond
the materials used for its creation, your china can be one
of four patterns. They include:
How
Many and What
It is common for brides to register for eight to twelve place
settings. Place settings come in either 4- or 5-piece sets.
The
4-piece sets include a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate,
soup/cereal bowl and mug; casual china often comes in these
4-piece sets.
Formal china comes in a 5-piece setting and includes a dinner
plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate and a cup and saucer.
Think
about also registering for soup bowls, cereal bowls, serving
platters, serving bowls, a gravy boat, a cream pitcher and
sugar bowl, a teapot and chargers to complete your china set.
Caring
For Your China
To keep your china looking its best:
- Hand
wash your china and let it dry in a standing rack (not touching
other pieces of china).
- Before
washing, push off leftover food with a soft towel - never
use a knife, which can damage your china.
- Use
lukewarm water and mild soap since high temperatures and
harsh detergents will make the china thinner, duller and
sometimes opalescent in color.
- Always
rinse out coffee cups and teacups to prevent stains. If
a cup becomes stained, rub the spot gently with a borax-based
cleanser.
- Don't
soak any piece of your china for a great length of time.
- Store
china plates in stacks with paper towels or liners between
them to avoid scratching.
Crystal
Flatware
Other
Items
Gift
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