A bride-to-be has a lot of things on her plate. Agonizing over china shouldn’t be one of them.
“A bride shouldn’t be afraid to use her china,” says Robin Slivka of Royal Doulton in Somerset, N.J. “
Slivka advises young couples selecting china to keep three things in mind: shape, color and design.
There are multitudes of shapes to choose from. The teacup, for example, is used most frequently, she says. Does the handle feel comfortable?
When considering color, white and ivory are the most common body colors. Once you’ve decided that, you can choose from metallic (gold or platinum) bands or non-metallic colors.
Be aware that metallic-banded pieces can’t go in the dishwasher or microwave and aren’t recommended for those whose lives are “fast-paced,” Slivka says.
“There are no more rules in table settings,” she says. “Even if you choose a gold band, your silverware needn’t have that accent.”
As a matter of fact, Slivka encourages mixing and matching.
For example, if you buy formal china and ornate silverware, look for simple stemware to balance it, Slivka says. Or if your crystal and china are unadorned, dress up your setting with fancy flatware.
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Finally, design should reflect a couple’s lifestyle, whether it be contemporary, traditional or eclectic. Different styles include floral, geometric or even Southwestern.
A typical five-piece table setting consists of cup and saucer, dinner plate, a salad (or dessert plate) and a bread and butter plate or soup bowl, depending on whether the setting is formal or informal.
Whichever you choose, Slivka says, you should choose something with timeless appeal.
“It’s going to be with you a long time,” she says. “Choose a pattern you can live with.”