There’s more to setting a table than knowing where the knives go. There’s your imagination, for instance. The way you add a pop of color or a special detail and suddenly, a quick bite to eat becomes a fun family dinner. Or maybe it’s the way your parties get remembered and talked about long after the fact. At Pier 1, we want to help you find those clever touches, and show them off in the best way possible. That’s why we really do go around the world in search of fresh, colorful and unique choices in dinnerware, glassware and table linens. And that’s why we want you to know all the details about what you’re putting on your table.
Designed especially for Pier 1 in places like Italy, Brazil, Portugal and China, our dinnerware collections are made from high-quality materials and feature innovative reactive glazing techniques and embellishments. Because most pieces are open stock, you can mix and match different patterns for a look that’s all your own.
- We adhere to the highest standard of quality to meet or exceed government requirements.
- All our dinnerware and drinkware meets the strictest FDA requirements for lead content.
- Our open-stock dinnerware, barware and stemware allow you to purchase pieces individually to fit your own need.
- Most items are dishwasher-safe; however, hand-washing is recommended for longevity. Dinnerware with metallic decoration should not be placed in the dishwasher.
- To prevent chips, make sure items do not touch each other in the dishwasher.
- Most nonmetallic items can be used in the microwave unless otherwise indicated. Dinnerware should NOT be used in the regular oven.
Earthenware is a clay-based, porous ceramic, fired at a low temperature. It’s light, pliant and able to hold brightly colored glazes and colorful, hand-painted designs.
Porcelain is a ceramic that has been fired at an extremely high temperature, making it durable and creating its white color. A long-lasting dinnerware choice and excellent value.
Stoneware is a heavy, nonporous pottery made from clay, fired at an extremely high temperature. More durable than earthenware, stoneware is well-suited for everyday use.
Ironstone is a dense, heavy clay-based ceramic that is fortified with flecks of iron. Even stronger than stoneware, ironstone is extremely durable.
Classic barware. Elegant stemware. Hand-painted designs. Tumblers for everyday dinners. Our drinkware collection gives you a range of choices so you can create a personal, one-of-a-kind table. And it’s easy to find matching pitchers or coordinating dispensers that make serving guests easy and fun.
- All Pier 1 glassware is dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack—unless otherwise indicated.
- All stemware should be hand-washed.
- Hand wash items that have been hand-painted, have an iridescent finish or filigree decoration.
- Glass is vulnerable to extreme temperature changes. Never immerse a chilled glass in hot water; never add ice or cold liquid to a hot glass.
- Do not use glassware in the microwave unless it is specified “safe for microwave use.”
- To prevent chipping, make sure glasses do not touch each other in the dishwasher.
Double Old Fashioned/Tumbler
A squatty glass used for both cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. Pier 1 tip: Use these short, wide glasses to serve individual portions of a layered dessert such as banana pudding or a trifle.
Martini
The wide, shallow bowl brings out the drink's bouquet; the long stem keeps it cold. Also used for daiquiris. Pier 1 tip: Serve a scoop of your favorite sorbet topped with fresh berries or lemon peel in a martini glass.
Flute
The slender shape preserves champagne bubbles. Hold by the stem to keep drink cool. Pier 1 tip: Drop a sugar cube tinged with bitters in the bottom of the glass, fill with champagne or sparkling cider and top with a lemon twist.
Pilsner
The tall, tapered shape is designed to accommodate a beer's head of foam. Pier 1 tip: Make breakfast parfaits by layering fresh fruits with yogurt and granola. A smart way to serve the most important meal of the day.
Goblet
The preferred glass for formal dinner use, it’s appropriate for water or wine. Pier 1 tip: Sturdy goblets are great for everyday use, too. For milk, soda, iced teas and more, goblets are a stylish go-to glass any time.
Red Wine Balloon
The wide, globe-shaped bowl helps to retain red wine's aroma. Also appropriate for water. Pier 1 tip: Having a party? Fill balloon glasses with candies, mints or nuts and place strategically about the room.
Highball/Tumbler
These tall, straight-sided glasses are used for iced cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. Pier 1 tip: Place a line of three to five tumblers down the center of the table and fill with small bouquets of fresh flowers.
White Wine Goblet
The smaller, slender bowl is suited for white wines or water. Pier 1 tip: Finish a dinner party by serving a wine goblet filled with chocolate mousse. Place the goblet on a small plate and serve. Instant glamour.
Stemless Wine Goblet
Once thought of as an easy-care, more casual way to enjoy wine, stemless glassware is now seen even in dressed up settings. In red wine, white wine or flute styles, these can also double as water goblets.
Cordial
Smaller and elegantly shaped, cordial glasses are designed for enjoying the intense flavors of fortified wines like sherry, or sweet, fragrant after-dinner liqueurs and dessert wines. Sometimes also called a "pony glass."
No table would be complete without something lively in the way of placemats, napkins and table runners. Whether you go casual and practical or dressed up and special, we make sure you can always find something pretty that coordinates with your dinnerware.
- Hand-wash cotton textiles separately in cold water and air dry; or tumble dry with no heat.
- Dry clean silks and tapestries.
- Spot clean maize and jute with a damp cloth.
- Follow care instructions provided on each label.
Centerpieces can go from formal to fun. A centerpiece can be created from plants and flowers, candles, food or decorative elements. It can be composed of a single item, or it may be a larger display created from a marriage of unique and different things. Some of our favorite centerpiece looks:
- A floral arrangement: It’s a classic, and with so many options in faux florals, you can find your favorite colors, even combinations that match your dinnerware.
- Candles: Arranged with different heights or colors on a golden charger or mosaic tray? Perfection.
- A carved wooden bowl filled with rattan spheres.
- One small framed tray topped with a grouping of small vases.
- Remember, the one item that will pull it all together is your cool, colorful table runner.
The Everyday Casual table
After a busy day, you need a fast, easy approach. Set out only the items you and the family are actually going to use. This basic table setting works best for serving casseroles, take-out foods, pizza and more. Simply use a dinner plate, with drinking glass or goblet to the upper right of the plate. Fork on the left, knife on the right. The napkin can be placed on the plate. You’re good to go.
The Casual Dinner table
We like this approach for gatherings that are special but still cozy. A salad or bread plate sits to the upper left, drinking glass or goblet to the upper right. We placed the folded napkin and fork to the left, and the knife and spoon to the right. This look is easy but polished and inviting—perfect for times when you just want to bring a little extra color to the table. Best part: It’s simple to embellish with your own personal touches.
The Casually Elegant table
For dinner parties, holidays or any special occasion. Start with a charger for instant color, then layer on the dinner plate, salad plate and napkin. A bread plate and butter knife are placed top left, while the dessert spoon and fork are set at the top of the plate. Water goblet and wine glasses are on the right. Salad and dinner forks are placed to the left of the dinner plate, knife and soup spoon to the right.
These table-setting suggestions take you from everyday to the more formal occasions. And when you need special inspiration, check out more table-setting ideas for holidays and all year long.