Dinnerware Materials Through the Years

Q What kind of dishes would my ancestors have used? Pewter? Wood? Porcelain?

A Dishes used for dinner were made of wood before the 16th century. Then thick ceramics like stoneware was used. It was easier to clean. The Chinese were making thin porcelain dishes from the 1st century to the 21st century and thick pewter plates and pottery dishes were popular in the United States by the 1700s. It was also possible for the rich to order Chinese export porcelain that was delivered by ship in about a year. By the 19th century all these wares were being made in Europe, China and the United States. In 1945 plastic dishes were sold in a few department stores although they had been tested by the armed forces since 1940. But by 1948 plastic dishes were often considered the ”best” dishes and were used for company. At least 20 companies were making plastic dinnerware. Best were the sets made of Beetle or Melamine plastic by companies like Brookpark or Boontonware. Cheap copies were made, popularity went down and by the 1960s plastic dishes were suitable for picnics not major entertaining.