Food is an essential component of any celebration. It helps bring people together, fosters a sense of community, and elevates festivities to a whole new level. The type of tableware you use to serve the food also plays an important role in setting the right mood for your celebration. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your gathering, fine china tableware is the perfect choice.
Fine china is high-quality tableware made from either porcelain or bone china. It’s cherished for its lightweight, delicate, and easy-to-handle characteristics, making it ideal for formal settings where grace and refinement are important. Despite its fragile appearance, fine china dinnerware is made from high-quality materials and is vitrified, making it resistant to chipping and breaking.
When shopping for dinnerware, you’ll come across several brands, each with its own unique design and characteristics. Here are the finest china brands to consider.
Wedgwood
Wedgwood is a renowned British tableware brand, praised for its craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless designs. Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, the brand has a rich heritage spanning over 260 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected names in the industry.
One of the distinguishing features of Wedgwood tableware is the use of high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Today, skilled craftspeople at Barlaston continue to use many of the technologies that Josiah Wedgwood developed. By using unique legacy materials such as Jasper, luminous Queen’s Ware, and fine bone china, Wedgwood maintains the tradition of masterfully handcrafted works of art created with a blend of tradition and innovation.
The brand is particularly popular for its fine bone china, considered the highest-grade ceramic used in dinnerware. Bone china and porcelain are produced similarly, except for the addition of bone ash to bone china. Bone ash strengthens the pieces, making them softer, less brittle, and less likely to break than porcelain. Bone china’s milky texture, magnificent lightweight feel, and delicate appearance create a more exquisite impression at the dining table than porcelain.
Wedgwood’s designs often draw inspiration from classical and contemporary influences, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Collections like the timeless “Wedgwood White” and the sophisticated “Vera Wang Wedgwood” line exemplify this approach, offering pieces that are both stylish and versatile.
The versatility of Wedgwood tableware makes it suitable for both formal dinner parties and casual family meals. The brand’s commitment to excellence is evident in every product, making Wedgwood a symbol of luxury and refinement in all homes.
Lenox
Founded in 1889 by Walter Lenox, Lenox is an American brand well-known for producing elegant, fine china tableware. Renowned for its classic elegance and attention to detail, Lenox tableware comes in a wide range of patterns, from traditional to contemporary, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Collections such as “Eternal,” with its timeless gold-banded design, and “Opal Innocence,” featuring delicate vine motifs, are good examples of the brand’s ability to create pieces that are both sophisticated and versatile.
Innovation plays a crucial role in the uniqueness of Lenox products. The company continuously evolves its designs to meet modern trends while maintaining the classic elements that have defined the brand for over a century. Lenox is also committed to sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. The brand emphasizes the use of high-quality, lead-free materials and environmentally friendly production processes, ensuring that its products are safe and eco-friendly.
Royal Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen is a brand of fine china dinnerware that epitomises Danish design excellence. Rooted in a rich heritage of craftsmanship and artistic tradition, Royal Copenhagen is considered a symbol of luxury and timeless elegance.
One of the main characteristics of Royal Copenhagen tableware is its iconic blue and white colour palette. The classic Blue Fluted pattern, first introduced in 1775, remains a hallmark of the brand to this day. Hand-painted by skilled artisans, each piece showcases intricate floral motifs and delicate lines, making every item unique. This dedication to handcraftsmanship ensures that the tradition and quality of the products are meticulously preserved.
The brand is also known for its ability to combine tradition with contemporary design. Collections like “Blue Fluted Mega,” which features an enlarged version of the original pattern, and “Elements,” a modern twist on classic styles, demonstrate Royal Copenhagen’s innovative approach. This blend of old and new appeals to both traditionalists and modernists, ensuring a broad and loyal customer base.
Bernardaud
Bernardaud is an established brand in the premium fine china dinnerware industry. Founded in 1863 in Limoges, France, the brand is known for its excellent craftsmanship, inventive design, and timeless elegance.
What sets Bernardaud apart is the dedication to craftsmanship and artistry. Each piece of Bernardaud tableware is a testament to meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of the finest porcelain clay to the intricate hand-painting and glazing processes. The brand employs skilled artisans who are masters of their craft, ensuring that every item reflects the highest standards of quality and precision.
Bernardaud collaborates with renowned artists, designers, and architects to create unique collections that push the boundaries of traditional porcelain design. These collaborations result in tableware that, aside from looking stunning, also tells a story, blending art and functionality in a way that enhances the dining experience.
Burleigh
Established in 1851, Burleigh is a brand well-known for using traditional techniques in the production of its fine china dinnerware. One of these techniques is the art of tissue transfer printing. This method involves transferring intricate patterns from hand-engraved copper rollers onto tissue paper, which is then applied to the ceramic pieces. This labour-intensive process ensures that each item is unique and showcases the skill of the artisans involved. The brand’s dedication to preserving this traditional method, in an age dominated by mass production, underscores its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Classic British motifs like florals, pastoral scenes, and intricate patterns are what define Burleigh dinnerware. Collections such as the iconic “Blue Calico,” “Asiatic Pheasants,” and “Felicity” show the brand’s ability to blend historical charm with contemporary appeal. The deep, rich colours and detailed patterns of these collections add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table setting.
