Help us with our dinner service

[Courtney555]

Apologies for not finding a "cooking/dining" section to post in.

Essentially, we are looking to buy a beautiful set of white tableware. Full service of plates, bowls, sides, serving dishes, boats, etc.

We've had heavy Denby for the last 12yrs and decided to really treat ourselves. We'd like:

White, elegant, durable enough for the dishwasher and everyday (although we are extremely careful with our things, we've not broken a single piece of the Denby in 12yrs) and nothing with a metallic trim as DS12 will microwave something on it at some point
Budget not especially important as we plan on keeping a long time.

Aibu to ask you to send any suggestions or tips on what to get?...or indeed what not to get...

Should add what's chipped has been from M&S, John Lewis and Habitat.

I had a Denby set for over twenty years and it was made to last (white with blue edging - colonial blue I think it was called. Anyway, wanted to go more modern so opted for the quirky Sophie Conran Portmeirion which I love but it does show cutlery marks and the stamp on the backs have faded and even come off on some, from being in the dishwasher. I was disappointed for the cost and will go back to Denby again one day.

Have decided to go for Royal Worcester Serendipity in plain white. Preferred the platinum trim but it can't go in the dishwasher and DS would inevitably explode it in the microwave. Super sale on and the Denby Regency Green that we have goes for quite a lot on eBay, so after that's all been sold, I think net the new set will come to about £50

What would be very helpful now, is if anyone could recommend some elegant white serving dishes for veg, some lidded casserole things and tureens that would compliment?

What would be very helpful now, is if anyone could recommend some elegant white serving dishes for veg, some lidded casserole things and tureens that would compliment?

Not sure of their current range but we bought some pieces from Linea at House of Fraser which have lasted v well.

@Lynchpin2018

I had a Denby set for over twenty years and it was made to last (white with blue edging - colonial blue I think it was called. Anyway, wanted to go more modern so opted for the quirky Sophie Conran Portmeirion which I love but it does show cutlery marks and the stamp on the backs have faded and even come off on some, from being in the dishwasher. I was disappointed for the cost and will go back to Denby again one day.

Barkeepers friend will remove the cutlery marks

I love crockery and have over 10 dinner sets, mostly bone china (I like thin, not chunky), ranging from Wedgwood to V&B to Limoges. Some new from shops, some custom made to order and some secondhand.

I love them all 😃 and use different ones for different seasons and cuisines and occasions. In fact, I rarely “match” anymore and eg use soup bowls from one set with dinner plates from another. A bit like pulling together an outfit that is not matching, but compliments

www.brandalley.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=serendipity

v good value!

Denby White is not heavy and has been available for many years...I have amassed lots of it: www.denbypottery.com/white
Like the heavy weight Denby it is also oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. The only downside is that it is 'globally sourced' rather than 'Made in the UK' like some of the stoneware.

Royal Doulton used to do fantastic fine bone china sets and I have a white and gold one which gets used once a year, if it's lucky!
Alas most of their stuff is now made overseas and more 'Doulton Everyday'...and for a splash of colour I like the 1815 range which comes in a white or white with various colour washes: www.royaldoulton.com/en-gb/collections/1815/all-1815
It's a nice problem to have...don't rush the decision..enjoy the research!

Just seen your update - yes the Serendipity looks like a cleaner brighter white than the Denby White which is a bit at the 'blue end' of the white spectrum.

Bone China. It is the nicest and the toughest.

Try Wedgwood or Royal Doulton. I grew up with Royal Doulton for everyday and the Wedgwood for high days and holidays. I inherited both sets now and I use the Wedgwood (Wild Strawberry) quite a lot. Probably around £2000 for a setting for 8?

If you want something cheaper, Royal Worcester does a plain white bone China set currently on sale at Johnny Lewis.

after all you look at it every day so the more I think about it, it makes sense to invest really you sit there and stare at your plates etc why? I just eat off mine, it makes no sense at all.

Get yourself to John Lewis. You will definitely find a range to hit your spec

I was also going to say Denby white. You can just add to it so easily.
Lovely stuff.

Hhe cutlery however I wouldn't thank you for. Terrible quality.