Plates and bowls

Buying guide

A deep plate is for soup, a flat one for the main course and the dessert plate is the smallest – every table setting starts with these three. Porcelain is light and strong, stoneware thicker and cosier, and opal glass inexpensive and impact-resistant. A dinner set is designed for several people and works out better value than buying pieces separately. Tableware with a metallic (gold or silver) rim cannot go in the microwave – bear that in mind before you buy.