What Is Dinnerware Made Of?

Ceramic

• Ceramic dinnerware has existed for hundreds of years, and most dishes today are ceramic. Earthenware is inexpensive and used for "everyday" dishes, and porcelain is used for special occasions and formal settings.

Pewter

• Pewter alloy is traditionally made of tin and lead, and its durability, appearance and casting abilities made it popular for dinnerware. In the 19th century, as the harmful effects of lead became known and silver-plating was perfected, the use of pewter dinnerware declined.

Silver

• Sterling silver (and cheaper, silver-plated) serving dishes became popular during the Victorian era as the standard of fine dining. Although silver flatware is still popular, the use of silver dinnerware has declined primarily due to cost.

Glass

• Glass dinnerware is relatively recent, and it began with the introduction of Corelle products in 1970. Corelle was introduced by the Corning Glass Works, and its thermal bond process made glass dinnerware durable and popular.

Plastic

• In the 1950s, thermoplastic (melamine) dinnerware became popular. It is inexpensive, virtually unbreakable, and great for children and picnics.