Weddingbee boards

I registered for what I thought were 4 PLACE setting, not a single, 4 piece place setting. People were wondering why I had only registered for 3!! At $35 a pop, they went back! We couldn't stomach spending nearly $500 on every day plates when we are so rough on them! We ended up with corelle, since they are super durable and we wouldn't worry about breaking them.

We registered for Noritake Colorwave in Blue. The plates come in square to if you prefer that! We have already been using 8 place settings and love them!

Also, crate and barrel has really nice everyday placesettings and silverware. Our silverware set is from them...I think the style is Auden.

@mishelleez: I know! It's ridiculous how much some of that stuff costs!

I have Noritake Colorwave in Brown. I got 8 place settings for my shower, and I know that I am at least getting 2 more for my wedding because I am a registry stalker!! ;-)

If you're looking for a guide to the kinds of materials that dinnerwear is made of, here's some things to think about:

Porcelin is probably your best bet. It's reasonably inexpensive, reasonably durable and microwave safe. Glass is much the same. 

If you're willing to splurge a little bit look for something in bone china: despite it's delicate apperance it's actually much more durable than porcelin (I can personally attest to this, I've dropped many a bone chine plate in my day) and also microwave safe; however, it is more expensive than your other casual dining options. 

If you're looking at chunky, sturdy-looking dinnerware it's probably made of earthenware or stoneware. My only caution with regard to these is that although they may claim to be microwave and dishwasher safe, they are the easiest to break, and they retain heat in the microwave, so be careful about burning your hand when you pull things out. 

Does that help?