When you are starting out you have to think of everything you will need for your table. Most of us are on a budget when we get our first apartment, but you can still purchase dinnerware that reflects your personality and room style.
The sturdiest dinnerware sets are made out of stone, porcelain and crystal. There are also glass sets that are inexpensive but look expensive. You can use a heavy cut crystal or heavier porcelain set for everyday, if you are willing to wash them by hand. Some people find that a set made out a more expensive material but heavier than fine china meets the needs of everyday and more formal dining.
Earthenware is made of clay that is fired at an extremely high temperature and generally has an ornament glaze like delft or majolica. Most dinnerware items that are earthenware are also called ceramic.
Stoneware is a stronger form of earthenware made out of nonporous clay and ground stone. It is safe to use in the oven or microwave. It by far is the most practical choice for everyday dishes.
Porcelain is made out of fine quartz and kaolin clay. It can be restaurant quality that tends to be more durable or very fragile with delicate gold trim. It is what more of us consider Sunday dinnerware.
Most people find a good compromise between plastic and porcelain in stoneware. You can usually pick up an inexpensive service for four at discount store for between $35 and $50. Service for four is a good starting point, but normally I would have service for eight to unexpected guests and to replace pieces that chip. You will also want to be sure serving pieces like platters, larger bowls, and gravy boats can be purchased in the pattern you chose. You can mix solids and patterns for an interesting look and to possibly be able to easily replace pieces if you can not find your pattern that easily.
If you love to mix and match I would strongly suggest lead free fiesta ware. You can get a serving set for four and two serving platter, and a bowl for around a $155.00. If you are planning to hold off on acquiring fine dinner china and want to invest more in you stoneware there is no match for Louisville Stoneware ( Louisville Pottery). It is art you can eat off of and will last for years. It will run you about $35 to $55 for each piece in a place setting. Serving pieces run slightly more. It is an investment for people who love dishes and it is worth collecting pieces over a period of time.
You can mix and match pieces of stoneware you acquire at second hand stores and rummage sales. Be aware that some older Fiesta or imported stoneware may contain lead. If you have a display cabinet finding unique one of a kind serving pieces can make for wonderful decor even if you never eat off of it.
If you are going to invest a substantial amount of money in your everyday dishes I would look for at specific brands at my local higher end department store. It is giving you a chance to feel the weight of the dishes and find out how dishwasher and microware friendly the pieces are from a knowledgeable sales person. You can always then go home and find the best price and order the dishes online after you have handled them in person.
I have just recently discovered the wonderful world of polish pottery and a wonderful site called Blue Rose Pottery. These dishes are far from understated, but will be admired on any table. A number of the patterns are so busy I would be tempted to mix them with some well made plain pieces for a very unique but balanced look.
Sources:
http://www.zestydishes.com/servlet/the-Fiesta%C2%AE-Dinnerware/Categories: information on fiesta ware (lead free).
http://www.louisvillestoneware.com/shop/ : information of Louisville Stoneware.
http://bluerosepottery.com/CP.html : information and large selection of Polish Pottery.
