A GUIDE TO: Understanding Pieces of Fine China / Dinnerware.

When you are considering purchasing fine China dinnerware, you may wonder what pieces are available besides the basic 4-piece place setting that includes a cup and saucer, dinner plate, and salad plate.

You can find many different pieces of fine China dinnerware to compliment your place setting while enhancing the look and feel of your dining room.

The fine China luncheon plate is a smaller plate with an 8 inch to 9 inch diameter that is usually used for breakfast or lunch.

The fine China bread and butter plate are around 5 inches to 7 inches in diameter and are used for serving bread, butter pats or whipped butter.

The fine China soup bowl is between 7 inches and 10 inches. In some cases, people prefer the soup bowl to the bread and butter plate to add to their fine China dinnerware collection.

The cream soup and saucer set is a wonderful addition to your fine china dinnerware collection. This set can be used for all kinds of soups, which features a bowl with two handles and a saucer. This is perfect for adding elegance at any meal.

You can also choose a soup and saucer set that is smaller than the one mentioned above which is mainly used for serving broth.

Adding cereal bowls to your fine China dinnerware collection gives you the chance to create a fancy table even at breakfast. A special way to let your family know you care.

Along with the cereal bowls, you can enjoy fine China mugs for your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The fruit or dessert bowl is another one of those additional pieces of fine China dinnerware that adds a bit of elegance and even color to your table. The bowls are usually 4 inches to 6 inches in diameter and are used for fruit, ice cream, or even nuts.

The great thing about fine China dinnerware is you can always add more pieces to enhance the beauty of your dining experience and awe your guests.

Other items you can also add include:
a creamer which can be used for serving milk or syrups
sugar bowl for sugar and sweeteners,
salt / pepper shakers
gravy boat for gravy or sauces

Serving up your vegetables will be a breeze with fine China dinnerware when you can purchase such pieces as:
oval vegetable bowl
round vegetable bowl
covered vegetable bowl

Serving such items as meats, breads, fruits, cheeses, and some vegetables are better displayed on fine China dinnerware pieces such as the oval platter or the round platter (also referred to as chop plate).

Add a bit more elegance to your fine China dinnerware set by purchasing a coffee pot or teapot to match your pattern.

If you are planning a large dinner party then you may enjoy fine china serving trays, which can be found with 1-tier, 2-tier, or 3-tier.

• The 1-tier has a height range of usually around 5-¾ inches to 6-1/8 inches including the handle.

• The 2-tier has a height range of usually around 9-5/8 inches to 10 inches including handle.

• The 3-tier has a height range of usually around 13-7/8 inches to 14-¼ inches including handle.

A few more fine China dinnerware pieces you may wish to add to your collection include:

a relish dish which can be used for serving such things as pickles, olives, or other appetizers
footed nut bowl for serving nuts and candy
tidbit tray for serving appetizers or desserts
cake stand
cheese plate with a glass dome