From Basic to Bold: Styling Your Table with Melamine Dinnerware That Looks Like Ceramic
Melamine and ceramic remain two popular dinnerware options. People often rely on melamine for daily use because it’s incredibly durable. Ceramic, in contrast, is frequently reserved for special occasions. Why are more people using melamine today?
The Benefits of Melamine
People love melamine because it holds up well with time and daily use. Some men and women assume it is a cheap, plastic alternative, but it is affordable, temperature-resistant, and dishwasher safe. Owners find they need to replace their dishes less often when they replace ceramic pieces with melamine.
Mixing and Matching Melamine and Ceramic
People who wish to show off their ceramic dinnerware may do so easily, such as by using a china platter with melamine plates. The platter receives less use than the plates, making it less likely to be harmed. The ceramic platter will keep the food warm while the lightweight plates can be passed around and filled with various dishes without worrying about a guest or family member being burned.
Creating a Breathtaking Table Setting
People want a visually appealing dining experience. They sit down to eat a meal but prefer to be surrounded by beauty. With the right table setting, a simple meal with the family becomes an elegant dining experience. With the following tips, people can effortlessly style their table with melamine dinnerware that looks like ceramic.
Melamine comes in various colors, designs, and textures, allowing every person to find a dinnerware set that complements their household decor. It serves as the ideal base for any table setting. What is the best way to mix and match the dinner set with the table decor?
Contrasting Colors
Choose table linens that contrast with the colors of the dinnerware. Individuals who choose white dishes may choose from a range of colors for the table linens. Men and women with patterned or bright dinnerware should stay with neutral colors for the linens to allow the dishes to take center stage and shine. The placemats and napkins should also coordinate with the tablecloth for a well-put-together look. One way to find contrasting colors if neutrals aren’t used is to turn to the color wheel for suggestions. Some people use colors next to one another on the wheel, while others use contrasting colors. Try both combinations to see which works best.
Natural Elements
Incorporate natural elements into the tablescape for a gorgeous look. Consider using wooden chargers as a base for the plates and pair them with bamboo placemats and jute runners. Water hyacinth placements paired with white melamine plates allow both elements to pop. The table will have a light and airy feel. Glass bud vases filled with fresh flowers will add a touch of color to the tablescape and fill the air with a pleasing scent. If the cook worries the smell from the flowers will overpower the food, replace them with dried branches or green foliage. Finish the look with unscented taper candles and napkin rings adorned with the same flowers, branches, or greenery in the bud vases.
Mix and Match Patterns
People who are new to mixing and matching patterns should start simple. Doing so will help them achieve a pleasing and eclectic appearance. Begin with a neutral base to build upon. Add patterned napkins or mix melamine plates with ceramic pieces. If the dinnerware has a pattern, start with a neutral placemat, add the plates, and choose napkins in a coordinating color. Add or remove items as needed until the right combination is found. Many people choose to stick with solid colors for the main elements of the table settings and add patterned napkin rings or other small decorative touches. As they build confidence with their skills, they experiment with different combinations.
Layering Techniques
Layering is an excellent way to create a visually appealing table arrangement. Doing so adds depth to the tablescape. People often focus on the dishes when layering, but they can start the process with tablecloths. This technique works best with round tables. A round tablecloth that reaches the ground covered by a square cloth looks elegant, but some people choose a table runner that contrasts with the tablecloth.
Once the base layer is complete, add placemats before laying out the dinnerware. Add a napkin and a decorative touch before layering the dishes. Dishes may match, or they could come from different sets. Some recommend a plate for each course, while others ignore this guideline. It’s all a matter of what the host or hostess likes. Regardless of what they choose, a layered setup gives the table a creative and professional look that anyone will love.
Glassware and Cutlery
The table isn’t complete without glassware and cutlery. When choosing these items, consider the overall feel of the table. A rustic tablescape wouldn’t look right with crystal flutes for the drinks. Modern tables need metallic cutlery, and traditional tablescapes look best with vintage cutlery. Many people opt for transparent or light-tinted glassware that coordinates with the hues of the dinnerware.
Seasonal Tablescapes
Melamine is an affordable alternative to ceramic dinnerware. Men and women can purchase different sets and alternate them throughout the year. They may choose a pastel set for the spring and summer and a darker set for fall and winter. For example, they may choose a brightly colored set that displays confetti for spring and summer outdoor meals. When fall arrives, they can switch the dinnerware out and choose a set with a spiderweb theme for Halloween. However, they might choose a white dinnerware set and allow other tablescape elements to highlight the changing seasons.
Thanks to the low price of melamine dinnerware, people can purchase multiple sets and change them regularly for a fresh, new look anytime. Having several sets to choose from allows the person to try different table designs until they find those they love. Experiment with various colors, patterns, and textures, and don’t hesitate to try new things. A person can share their personal style with the help of tablescapes, and others will admire their decorative flair. They won’t know how easy it was to create a dazzling tablescape with the help of melamine dishes and other items found around the home.
