Tableware

Quick answer: Porcelain plates are a refined choice when you want dinnerware that feels elegant, formal and durable enough for carefully managed everyday use. For a high class table, we recommend choosing a complete porcelain dinnerware set with balanced shapes, fine detailing, serving pieces and care instructions that protect decorative finishes such as gold plated edges. Porcelain dinnerware is more than a place to serve food. It frames the meal, sets the mood and tells guests that the table has been prepared with care. In NZ homes where entertaining often moves between relaxed family meals and special occasions, porcelain plates can offer a polished middle ground: practical enough to use, but beautiful enough to make the whole setting feel considered. At Zepter, we see porcelain as part of the full dining experience. A meal should taste good, look beautiful and feel memorable. That is why our Cookwares range includes refined porcelain pieces and dinner sets that pair craftsmanship with table presence. Start with the Zepter porcelain collection when comparing pieces, then look closely at signature sets such as Cobalt Royal 24 pcs dinner set for 6 if you want a classic statement with rich colour and delicate gold patterning. What makes porcelain plates feel premium? Porcelain is known for its smooth surface, fine profile and bright finish. It is made from refined clay materials fired at high temperatures, creating a hard, dense body that can look delicate without feeling ordinary. On a table, that combination gives porcelain its appeal: crisp white space, clean edges, a pleasant weight and a finish that lets food colours stand out. Premium porcelain dinnerware also has a sense of proportion. Dinner plates should feel generous without overwhelming a place setting. Soup plates, dessert plates and serving dishes should look like they belong together. When the set is well designed, the table feels calm and intentional rather than mismatched. Why Zepter porcelain suits elegant entertaining Zepter porcelain is designed for people who want dinnerware to be part of the occasion. The Zepter Masterpiece Collection highlights artisan detail, inspired patterns and refined finishes that bring a luxury look to the table. In Zepter’s own porcelain story, decorative motifs may be hand painted and gold details are applied as part of a specialised gold firing process, including edge details finished by brush. That matters because the best porcelain plates do not rely only on the base material. They rely on the finish. A hand finished border, a golden trim or a carefully placed motif changes how the whole table reads. It catches candlelight, lifts simple white linen and gives even a modest menu a more formal, celebratory feel. Gold plated edges create instant occasion Gold plated edges work because they are subtle from a distance and luxurious close up. They define the plate shape, connect with gold cutlery or warm lighting and bring a ceremonial feeling to the meal. For a dinner party, wedding gift or milestone family occasion, that detail can make the difference between simple plates and dinnerware with presence. Hand painted details add individuality Hand painted decoration gives porcelain a crafted character. Rather than looking flat or mass produced, each piece carries a sense of artistry. We recommend this style for hosts who prefer a table that feels collected, graceful and expressive rather than plain. Porcelain plates vs ceramic plates Porcelain is a type of ceramic, but shoppers often use ceramic to mean heavier stoneware or earthenware. The main difference is feel. Porcelain usually feels finer, smoother and more formal. Stoneware can feel more rustic and relaxed. Earthenware can feel warm and handcrafted, but it is often more porous and can be less chip resistant depending on the glaze and firing. Choose porcelain plates when you want a refined table, clean presentation and a set that can move from Sunday lunch to formal dinner. Choose stoneware when you prefer a heavier, artisanal table. For the most elegant look, porcelain remains the strongest choice. How to choose porcelain dinnerware in NZ Before buying, think about how you set the table. A beautiful dinner set should suit your food, storage and lifestyle, not just your display cabinet. 1. Decide between everyday elegance and formal only Some porcelain dinnerware is made to be used often, while heavily decorated pieces need gentler care. If the set has gold trim, hand painted motifs or a delicate glaze finish, treat it as premium dinnerware. It can still be used often, but it deserves a softer cleaning routine. 2. Check the pieces included A complete porcelain dinnerware set should give you more than dinner plates. Look for soup plates, dessert plates, serving dishes, salad bowls, platters, tureens or gravy boats if you host. The Flora Rondelle 23 pc dinner set for 6 is a strong example of a coordinated table setting, with dinner plates, soup plates, dessert plates and serving pieces designed to work together. 3. Match the pattern to your table style For a formal table, deep colour and gold detailing can create drama. For a softer table, floral or pale decorative patterns bring lightness. If your dining room has warm wood, brass, gold or cream tones, gold plated edges will usually feel natural. If your style is minimal, choose a quieter pattern and let the porcelain shape do the work. 4. Consider storage and replacement needs Premium porcelain deserves careful storage. Use plate protectors or soft separators if stacking pieces with gold decoration. Make sure your shelves can handle the set weight and allow enough room to lift pieces without scraping edges. How to care for porcelain plates with gold trim Care is where many porcelain buyers go wrong. Even when a manufacturer allows dishwasher use on a mild mode, we recommend hand washing gold trimmed or hand painted porcelain whenever possible. Warm water, a mild detergent and a soft sponge help preserve decorative gilding and reduce friction. Avoid abrasive pads, harsh powders, metal scourers and high heat drying cycles. Let pieces cool before washing and avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not use porcelain with gold, platinum or other metallic decoration in the microwave. Metallic trim can react poorly in microwaves, and the safest approach is to keep decorated fine dinnerware away from microwave use. Common mistakes to avoid The first mistake is buying plates only by appearance. Beauty matters, but so does the shape of the dinner plate, the depth of the soup plate and whether the set includes serving pieces. The second mistake is treating gold decorated porcelain like basic white crockery. Fine detailing needs gentler handling. The third mistake is mixing too many statement items on one table. If your porcelain has gold edges, keep linens and centrepieces restrained so the dinnerware remains the hero. Who should choose Zepter porcelain plates? Zepter porcelain is best suited to people who enjoy setting a beautiful table. It suits hosts who entertain, gift buyers looking for something memorable, and families who want a premium dinnerware set for birthdays, anniversaries, festive meals and formal gatherings. It is also a strong choice when you want dinnerware that looks refined in a cabinet and even better in use. For a table that feels complete, pair porcelain plates with quality glassware, polished cutlery and simple linens. You can browse broader serving pieces in the Zepter tableware collection, or explore the craftsmanship story behind the range in The art of porcelain. FAQs What are the disadvantages of porcelain plates? Porcelain plates can chip or crack if dropped, and decorative finishes such as gold trim need gentle care. Premium porcelain can also cost more than basic ceramic dinnerware, especially when it includes hand finished details or a complete serving set. Is porcelain good for dinnerware? Yes, porcelain is a strong choice for dinnerware when you want a refined look, a smooth surface and a formal table feel. It is especially good for entertaining because it presents food cleanly and can look elegant without needing heavy decoration. Which is better, porcelain or ceramic plates? Porcelain is usually better when you want a finer, more elegant table. Heavier ceramic or stoneware can be better for a rustic everyday look. The best choice depends on whether you value formal presentation, relaxed texture or low maintenance use. What is the best brand for porcelain dinnerware? The best brand is one that offers quality materials, balanced shapes, complete set options and clear care guidance. For a high class table in NZ, we recommend considering Zepter porcelain because the range focuses on refined design, coordinated serving pieces and premium decorative detail. Is porcelain dinnerware dishwasher safe or does it need hand washing? Some porcelain dinnerware may be dishwasher safe on a mild cycle, but gold trimmed or hand painted pieces should be hand washed where possible. Mild detergent, warm water and a soft sponge help protect the decorative finish. What should I look for when buying porcelain dinnerware? Look for plate sizes that suit your meals, a complete mix of dinner plates and serving pieces, a finish that matches your table style, and care instructions you can follow. For decorated porcelain, check how the gold trim or painted detail should be cleaned. How do I clean and care for porcelain dinnerware? Wash gently with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh dishwasher settings, sudden temperature changes and microwave use for pieces with metallic decoration. How long should good quality porcelain dinnerware last? Good quality porcelain dinnerware can last for many years when handled carefully, washed gently and stored with protection between pieces. Longevity depends on the material, glaze, decoration and how often the set is used. Next steps Shop Zepter porcelain dinnerware View Cobalt Royal 24 pcs dinner set for 6 View Flora Rondelle 23 pc dinner set for 6 View La Perle Set Decor Gold Plated Read The art of porcelain Elevate Your Dinner Table References Noritake Australia care and handling guide Rosenthal cleaning and care guide European Commission food contact materials legislation

YOUR STYLISH CHOICE FOR A LUXURIOUS TABLE Kimono, Caprice, Senator and Venus are the names of the Zepter Cutlery sets: a unique choice of everlasting materials, and silver-plated, gold-plated, and mirror-polished finishes for luxurious style. The quality, functionality and design of Zepter cutlery meet the highest standards. It is made of top-quality CrNi 18/10 steel. The pieces are up to 4 mm thick, surpassing the cutlery quality standards. The supreme technology, constant expert monitoring and quality control (on a “piece-by-piece” basis) guarantee the highest quality of each individual piece. Zepter has received the relevant certificate to confirm the top quality of its cutlery sets. (Certificate No – ZE 53549 Proven Zepter Quality – Piece by piece). Customers have different demands and tastes so the sets are created to suit their varied needs and wishes. More specifically, anyone can select a cutlery set to satisfy their household requirements and personal taste. Zepter cutlery is made of CrNi 18/10 steel, in four versions and each part of the polished sets is distinguished by its bright lustre. In the final phase a layer of extremely hard silver and gold is applied to the items (24 ct fine gold and 999 fine silver with a thickness of up to 40 microns). THE FINEST QUALITY FOR THE MOST ELAGANT TABLE Shop Now

THE ART OF PORCELAIN Welcome to the realm of Zepter’s Masterpiece Collection. A collection upon which artisans have delicately applied inspired patterns in gold, making every piece of these seven collections an object of our constant desire for beauty. Top class craftsmanship and attention to detail, joined with refined taste and sophisticated style, have given Zepter Masterpiece Collection global recognition for quality. DELICATE GEMS IN THE REALM OF BEAUTY Zepter Porcelain is the ultimate expression of a three step approach to food that requires meals to be healthy, tasty and finally to look good on the table, for the full enjoyment and appreciation of the food and company. In all collections of Zepter porcelain it is easy to find the same high craftsmanship, top quality and refined aesthetic taste, but also style variety and an ideal balance between classic art and contemporary needs. Zepter Masterpiece Collection is inspired by beauty, both of nature and the man-made. Reminiscence of the ancient tradition first recorded in XIII century by Marco Polo who, returning from China, compared porcelain to the beauty, delicacy and hardness of the Porcella seashell. Zepter Masterpiece Collection items are contemporary pieces of art which inherit the charm that impressed ancient European travellers, but made in modern facilities with the latest technology available, which gave it high aesthetics, durability and quality. THE FINEST QUALITY FOR ROYAL ELEGANCE Zepter’s Masterpiece Collection is made exclusively using hard-paste porcelain, which is resistant even to steel scratching: due to its high kaolin content (50-55%) and the low admixture of quartz and feldspar (20 and 30% respectively). This kind of porcelain can be fired at very high temperatures, up to 1,350-1,460°C. Zepter’s Masterpiece Collection respects the original method of porcelain production, which dates back to the beginning of the XVIII century when Johann Friedrich Böttger refined the formula invented by the mathematician and scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and, experimenting with Dutch colleagues, laid the foundations for the modern manufacturing process. This was a great step forward, since until then China had been the sole producer of porcelain: this was shipped to Europe exclusively by the Dutch East India Company, and represented wealth, prestige and peerless refined taste… Now, in the XXI century, Zepter has brought porcelain back to its original splendour and exclusivity, that gives a royal elegance to any table, and turns an everyday occasion into a celebration. Zepter Home Art Masterpiece Collection will not only fulfil, but surpass your wishes and expectations, and delight your guests. BEAUTY BORN IN FIRE In order to produce its exclusive porcelain, Zepter works solely with “in-glaze” and “on-glaze” techniques. During the “in-glaze” fire manufacturing process, a ground colour is applied indirectly to the dishware using anti-adhesive paper, by means of screen-printing, and then fired at 1,250°C so that the colour can sink into the re-liquefied glaze, thereby acquiring its unmistakeable gloss. Subsequently, the “on-glaze fire” procedure takes place: the motifs (Zepter’s Royal, Imperial and Black & White) are painted by hand, with or without gold decorations, and the porcelain pieces are fired at 840°C. As implied by the name, the decoration is thus “on the glaze”. The final stage involves gold hand-painting using a 22-carat gold thinner, which is of a brownish colour before burnout as a result of the oils and additives used; the edge details are then applied by brush. This procedure is called “gold fire” and is carried out at 800°C. Similarly, the handles, decorations and borders are exclusively painted on by hand. This craftwork is very specialised, and is passed from painter to painter through decades of learning. Compared with standard porcelain make in each single production phase (i.e. the motif and the gold decorations are applied during the printing pressure process), the difference and absolute superiority of Zepter’s Masterpiece Collection is evident in every detail. THE ELEMENTS RANGE The richness and perfection of detail, combined with the large number of items available, form an impressive range of table settings. The porcelain collection comes with the largest possible list of items for the table serving: from large serving plates to the tiniest salt shaker, from soup tureens to tea and espresso cups, every set has been conceived so as to be able to mix and match individual pieces, from the most essential to the complete range in all its magnificence. And finally a complete range for serving tea, coffee and espresso are also provided. CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY Zepter International is proud to certify that these porcelains and the related collection from the Table Art range are entirely handmade and hand-finished with the highest quality materials. They are completely manufactured in Bavaria - Germany with the highest levels of craftsmanship. Each piece is made exclusively with hard-paste porcelain according to the original 18th century method. The finishing technique used for the colour patterns is the “in-glaze method” and the gold is applied with the “on-glaze method”. Their fine gildings are hand-painted in 22-carat gold with the “gold firing” technique and very specialised workmanship. Zepter International guarantees the highest standards of quality and technology by choosing the finest raw materials of controlled, European origin and by strict surveillance of the production processes. Shop Now

QUALITY AND ELEGANCE IN EVERY DETAIL Only a creation which arouses emotion can have special value and it deserves our attention, because it makes our lives beautiful. There are many occasions in our lives which call for a beautiful and unforgettable celebration. Weddings, a new baby, coming of age, birthdays, graduations, a promotion at work, wedding anniversaries, valuable purchases… These are the events when we wish to share our joy with our nearest and dearest. Whether it is a celebration or an everyday lunch, it is not just a matter of form or habit; these represent modern man’s need to make his life better and happier. Glass has become a symbol of hospitality, and an expression of our joy of being a host. With it, we are sending a simple message, coloured with the most beautiful emotions: “Welcome!” It can be a short unexpected visit, or an invitation to a festive lunch or a family celebration – a glass on the table represents us, making those moments more pleasant and formal. Glasses, and even more so chalices, are a symbol of friendship, conviviality and understanding; they call for more relaxed, cordial and friendly conversation. But this is not the case with every kind of glass. Choosing a drinking set is a delicate task, more than anyone may initially assume. The culture of laying the table implies not only having the economical means but also a feel for hospitality. Only those people who understand and appreciate the esthetics of laying the table know how to choose real values, and how to enjoy the beauty of meeting other people. PRODUCT ADVANTAGES The Zepter drinking sets have the best features in terms of material, practicality and functionality, design and maintenance (washing). There are different exclusive sets: La Perle, Prince, Baron, King, Taiga, Conte, Astra. These beautiful names speak for themselves. These are artistic creations for every occasion, a harmonious union of quality and functionality, class and avant-garde style. What is the common denominator of our exclusive sets? They are made of noble steel (CrNi 18/10 – eternal, indestructible stainless steel); no part of the set can be broken or damaged; (plus the glasses are opaque, so no one but you will know how full it is). The sets are also available with decorated gold rims; in fact, this luxurious 24-carat gold plating adds to their value in terms of their quality and aesthetics. Their design is exclusive, beautiful and evergreen. (They fit perfectly in every interior, with modern and classic furniture.) Each type of drink will retain its specific original taste. (There is no chemical reaction between the glass and its content.) Thanks to the thickness of the glass and the quality of the material, light and temperature cannot affect the quality of the drink. They are easy to maintain and store. PRODUCT BENEFITS Each part is made of top-quality materials: stainless steel, 999 silver and 24ct gold. Steel is the basic material, and silver and gold are used for decoration. Top technology is applied in shaping some parts of the set, and each part is finished with special processes which are highly esteemed throughout the world. Zepter drinking and dessert sets have been created by a team consisting of a variety of specialists: process engineers, engineers, physiologists, tasters, psychologists, and designers. The production process itself is very complex. Such unique products could be made only by uniting scientific knowledge, craftsmanship and artistic design. THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT FOR YOUR TABLE! Shop Now