Bone China
With a little TLC, our high-quality bone china will last forever. Mixing a modern spirit with classic flair, our plates and bowls can stage a dinner party, the family holiday buffet or carryout sushi. Crate and Barrel bone china is fired at high temperatures, resulting in an incredible strength for every day and an almost luminescent glow for special occasions. In fact, it is of such a fine and translucent quality that light can actually pass right through it. But don't worry, day in and day out, our bone china is the most durable, chip-resistant material there is, and it can go right in the dishwasher.
Care:
All of our bone china is dishwasher–safe. We recommend the use of a rinse aid to minimize hard water spots. Bone china banded with metallic is not intended for use in the oven or microwave; however, our all-white bone china patterns are oven– and microwave-safe. To increase longevity of use, avoid sudden temperature changes. Over time, flatware may leave silver or grey deposit marks on bone china; repeated use of a mild abrasive cleaner (as needed) may help minimize their appearance.
Porcelain
Sophisticated china with a little less expense. Fired at extremely high temperatures, Crate and Barrel porcelain has a solid feel, yet is fine to the touch and lightweight without being delicate. Our porcelain dinnerware collection features contemporary designer patterns created exclusively for us by renowned artists and ceramicists, creating the perfect fusion of modern times and timeless functionality. Each lends itself to creative accessorizing, mixing and matching.
Care:
Most of our porcelain patterns are dishwasher, microwave and oven–safe. To increase longevity of use, avoid sudden temperature changes. Over time, flatware may leave silver or grey deposit marks on porcelain; repeated use of a mild abrasive cleaner (as needed) may help minimize their appearance.
Stoneware
Fired at extremely high temperatures, stoneware is known for its durability. It also can feature reactive glazes that create a smooth, clean, modern look. Easy to layer, it adds a quick pop of color to an all-white table or sets the mood with matching pieces in soft, subtle hues.
Care:
Most of our stoneware is dishwasher- and microwave-safe; may warm at low oven temperatures. To increase longevity of use, avoid sudden temperature changes. Over time, flatware may leave silver or grey deposit “scratches” on stoneware; repeated use of a mild abrasive cleaner (as needed) may help minimize their appearance.
Earthenware
Trend, form, texture. Crate and Barrel earthenware is high-fired for durability with an artisanal look and feel. These unique dinnerware sets and serving pieces create a welcoming table for everyday meals and casual dinner parties.
Care:
Trend, form, texture. Crate and Barrel earthenware is high-fired for durability with an artisanal look and feel. These unique dinnerware sets and serving pieces create a welcoming table for everyday meals and casual dinner parties.
Because earthenware is more prone to crazing and chipping than other materials, we recommend handwashing promptly after use without soaking, or clean in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle with a mild non-abrasive, non-citrus detergent; turn off the heat dry cycle and let dishes dry naturally or wipe dry by hand. To minimize hard water spots, use a rinse aid.
Earthenware is microwave-safe on medium and low settings only, as it heats more quickly than other ceramics or glass. Avoid sudden temperature changes as this may also cause cracking or crazing. Over time, flatware may leave behind silver or grey deposit marks; repeated use of a mild abrasive cleaner (as needed) may help minimize their appearance
How Many Sets?
We suggest two sets of unique dinnerware. First, choose an everyday pattern with an interesting texture, unusual glaze or graphic design that you’ll enjoy using daily at breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you entertain in large groups, choose a pattern that can work with your special occasion dinnerware.
Set two? Go for a timeless pattern for special occasion and more formal entertaining in bone china or porcelain. This will become your be-all, serve-all. Keep in mind that simple classic whites are quick-change artists, allowing you to layer in pattern, color, interesting shapes...even family heirloom pieces.
Sets
We generally recommend service for 12 guests for each of your patterns. There is a significant savings when you purchase complete sets. Most of our china and everyday patterns are available in both 4-piece and 5-piece dinnerware sets. A 5-piece set features a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer. A 4-piece set typically substitutes a mug for a cup and saucer.
Open Stock
All of our dinnerware patterns are available as open stock, meaning you can pick and choose the individual pieces you want versus only being able to purchase them as a place setting with pieces you may not need. You can also purchase coordinating serving pieces, which may include bowls, platters, a sugar bowl, creamer and teapot.
