Christmas is almost here, and one of the most anticipated parts of the day will be sitting around a table and tucking into food. It’s also a time to bring out your best tableware, which will act as perfect framing for the festive feasting. To help you create a memorable setting, the experts at Burleigh Pottery have put together a cleaning guide to ensure high-end dining items look their best pre and post-mealtimes.
Beautiful tableware can add some sparkle and elegance to your festive dinner table. Whether you’re using your everyday pieces or have a set reserved for special occasions, you’ll no doubt want to keep your tableware in tip-top condition.
The experts from Burleigh Pottery have put together a guide containing practical tips and tricks to keep your Christmas tableware and glasses in pristine condition, allowing you to showcase your festive spreads with the grace and refinement they deserve.
1. Warm plates in water
Warm plates can help keep your Christmas dinner hot as you eat, ensuring maximum enjoyment from every bite. Oven-safe plates can be put in an oven to warm up for a couple of minutes before serving. However, some earthenware plates are not suitable for the oven.
In this case, you can warm them up by placing them in hot water for at least five minutes before serving. If your plates are microwave-safe, stack them in the microwave with a mug of water on top and microwave for two minutes.
2. Choose dishwasher-safe pieces
For quick and easy cleanup, opt for dishwasher-safe tableware. These pieces feature a durable glaze that will protect them from wear and tear, even in the dishwasher. An eco setting washes at a lower temperature, which makes for a more energy-efficient wash.
While some worry that an eco-wash won’t clean as effectively, this shouldn’t be an issue if you remove excess food or give your plates, cutlery, and serveware a quick rinse before adding them to the dishwasher. Liquid dishwasher detergents are milder than tablets and also allow for greater control over the amount you’re using.
Always place glassware on the top shelf of your dishwasher to allow the flow of water to get inside your glasses. Bigger items, such as serving bowls, tureens, and pans, should be loaded on the bottom shelf at the back and sides of the rack to maintain the water flow.
3. Wash by hand
If you don’t have a dishwasher or your tableware isn’t dishwasher-safe, you can wash everything by hand with dish soap and a soft cloth, avoiding any abrasive pads or detergents. Leaving everything to air dry will protect your tableware, but it may leave watermarks, particularly on glasses. For a shiny, pristine finish, dry your tableware with a soft cloth before putting everything away.
Even if you dry them with a towel, you might also want to leave your ceramics out for a while to completely air dry before putting them away. Plates and bowls that are still slightly wet when put away could cause damp build-up inside your cupboards, which can cause bacteria growth and may even warp your cabinets if done regularly.
4. Store pieces carefully
Stacking your tableware is the most efficient way to store it, but scraping pieces together as you put them away could cause scratches on the surface. While this won’t damage the integrity of your pieces, it can affect the finish. Luckily, it’s very easy to stop this from happening by separating each plate or bowl with a piece of kitchen roll or by using a plate rack.
Dishes with matching lids, such as tureens and sugar bowls, can be stored with their lids upside down and an elastic band or string to keep them in place. This not only makes them easier to store but can stop lids from getting lost or broken.
5. Replace pieces as soon as possible
If anything gets lost or broken over the festive period, replacing it as soon as possible is a good idea. This way, you’ll have everything you need the next time you have a gathering and won’t need to worry about finding replacements at short notice.
Most potteries offer their tableware in singles and sets, so you can simply replace what you need and still have a matching set. Many also offer replacement parts, such as lids for teapots and serving dishes, so you won’t need to replace the full piece if your lid goes missing. Just get in touch with the original manufacturer to find out your options.
Burleigh Pottery’s Amy Harvey says, “Keeping good care of your tableware not only keeps them looking beautiful on your Christmas table but prolongs their lifespan too. This way, you can enjoy your cherished pieces for many years to come.”
“Alongside handling your tableware with care, be sure to always check the labels on your tableware and serveware to learn how to take care of them best. If something doesn’t state that it is dishwasher-, microwave-, or oven-safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution to avoid damage. All modern Burleigh plates are microwave and dishwasher safe but not suitable for the oven or freezer.”
About Burleigh Pottery
Burleigh Pottery has been handcrafting high-quality ceramics in England for over 160 years. Recognised for their dedication to fine craftsmanship and traditional manufacturing, they are the last pottery in the world to use the traditional and timeless skill of underglaze tissue printing.
The business moved to Middleport Pottery by the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1889 and has been there ever since. For more information, please visit www.burleigh.co.uk.
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