Know your materials.

Ceramics

Stoneware is fired at high temperatures and is often chosen for everyday tableware. Porcelain can be lighter and more translucent. Neither name alone tells you whether a piece is dishwasher safe: check the maker’s instructions.

For food use, choose pieces explicitly intended for food contact. Decorative vessels should remain decorative unless the maker says otherwise.

Linen & cotton

Linen tends to feel crisp at first and softens with use. Cotton offers a broad range of weaves, from smooth percale to heavier canvas. Look at the weave and weight rather than relying on fibre names alone.

Wash similar colours together, follow the label and avoid overdrying. Natural creases are part of linen’s character.

Wood & finishes

Solid wood responds to changes in humidity. Veneer uses a thin layer of wood over a stable core. Both can last well when kept away from standing water and direct heat.