Silverware and Dish Service - RV-Dreams Community Forum

phillygirl · RV-Dreams Community Member

Silverware and Dish Service

Selah · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dishware; Corel service for four. It is really hard to chip or break and stacks into a small space.
When serving more than four it's paper plates and bowls. Pretty much expected within the RV community.
Silverware; service for 12 as it doesn't take much space.
Cookware; we use a set than hase removable handles and nests very compactly. Ours is Rapid Chef but Magma Ware also makes a similar set. These are sometimes referred to galley ware as they are often used on boats.
Salad bowls and mixing bowls also nest down into a single bowl.
Keep it simple, keep it light, and keep compact.

phillygirl · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you Kathy for your quick reply. Was planning on the Corelle dishware. Wasn't sure if it was worthwhile and take up to much space for a service larger than 6. . I have read about the MagmaC cookware, looks to be pretty compact.

Sandy

marianne57 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not full-timing until 2016, but have a set of 4 red temptations dishes in the hope chest set of silverware for 12, and the magma stainless cookware ready to go! :) for now just using paper plates.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

We also have Corelle service for 4, with saucers, salad, small and large dinner plates, along with a couple sizes of bowls. For little bowls, like for sour cream or dipping, we use silicone cupcake cups. Our flatware is a service for 8, since we sometimes need more of something than 4. We also carry paper plates and bowls and two large "potluck plates" that a big rectangles with compartments.

We have nesting Revere pots, which have lasted over 11 years so far. We end up replacing our aluminum non-stick 10" and 12" frying pans every couple years. If we were starting now we would find space for an inductance cooktop and cookware.

cejones4210 · RV-Dreams Family Member

As the Airstream is limited in storage, I carry service for four and rely on paper plates for more than four. I also have flatware for eight.

Clay L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Because we often shared holiday meals with others and entertained often we had service for eight.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Corelle service for 4, but we bought 2 extra dinner plates that match our set for serving purposes. We also bought 4 of the medium size plates and actually probably use those more than the dinner sized plates. Silverware for 6 with 5 serving utensils.

We've found having 2 collapsible bowls for mixing / serving have worked well, one large, one medium. We have a few small ramekins that we use for dipping / condiments.

We have a few stacking Revere Ware pots, the number of those have shrunk over our 2 years on the road and we have 2 non-stick skillets. Just recently added a square non-stick griddle to our collection.

Judy L · RV-Dreams Family Member

I had porcelain dinnerware and it's pretty tough so I brought 4 place settings. I have another 12 in storage so I'm not worried if they break but we've been traveling on and off for over 2 years now and it's holding up just fine. We've been on some pretty rough roads too! I'd say the downside is that it's heavier than Corelle would be. I brought 8 place settings of silverware.

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Four settings for eating. Four each of cups, glasses and small glasses. 99% of the time we drink coffee from our travel cups, but we had a couple "special" coffee cups we just had to bring along

One cast iron dutch oven, one wok/frying pan that 90% of all cooking is done in, one non-stick "egg" pan, 2 pots. Silverware for 8 because it doesn't take up much room and I can do less washing.

I got several collapsible, silicone pieces from friends that I love - bowls, colander, measuring cups/spoons. So I bought the silicone cupcake holders to use as ramekins and they're my new favorites!

I have stainless steel, stemless wine glasses and tumblers on my wish list. Haven't used the cool steamer thingy that came with the convection/microwave oven but I am determined to try it before just getting rid of it.

So far everything rides quietly without adding cushioning so that has been a nice surprise

One other fun item - I saved the cardboard six-pack holders from bottled beer and put them in the door of the residential frig for holding bottles - mustard, creamer, etc., and they work great. Haven't done it yet, but think they'll be perfect for taking condiments from frig to picnic table and back. No, I didn't buy that brand beer just because the boxes were prettier and brightly colored. That would be so lame

))))))

Jodee

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

And naturally, the only thing I pick up on is - if you like good beer, you like good beer. End of story!!

I know, off topic. My bad.

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bwahahahahaha

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Service for six (i.e., plates, bowls, cups, glasses, silverware). The initial logic was 6 versus four, to allow for breakage and still have a service for four, in case we had another couple over for dinner. After almost a year and no plate/bowl breakeage ... having service for six has been helpful the numerous times we had 3-4 family/friends come over (i.e., I would prefer to use the dishes versus plastic). We choose to bring the dishes, glasses, etc. that we used at the prior S&B. We enjoy them, so for us that made sense (and have backups in storage, if something breaks).

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

as our S&B sold, our Realator gave us a set for 4 from home store/tjmaxx .

Unfortunately, they weren't microwavable, so we went out to target and got a set of 4 microwave/dishwasher-able plates,cups/bowls.

We got rid of EVERYTHING kitchen related (donated!)

and now we have silverware for 2/4

minimize, minimize, minimize, throw out

THAT needs to be the mantra for EVERYONE still in their S&B!!!

in 4 years of planning we went through q5 40 yard dumpsters, (average 1.25 per year) in getting rid of our stuff!

and that was just emptying our 2 car garage out mostly.

Melnal · RV-Dreams Family Member

We just started full-timing in April 2015 (our very first RV experience too smile ). After using the chinette plates, some plates we bought at the party store, and some plastic plates, we have gravitated to plates we bought at Target (green, patio plates). It's just the two of us, so we bought 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls, and 2 smaller snack bowls in green. I brought service for 4, and that seems like just enough for us since we wash dishes after every meal. I'm with the other poster in that, if we have more than 4, we will use paper plates and plastic utensils.

I also stopped at Bed Bath & Beyond before we left, and bought the outdoor clear plastic glasses - 4 red wine and 4 white wine. In addition, I brought one non-stick fry pan, a medium sauce pot, a steamer pot, and a cast-iron skillet for the grill. I also brought the crockpot which seems like it will REALLY come in handy.

For the full-timers with more experience (and it's hard to imagine ANYONE with less experience), feel free to point me to more things I may need in the next 11 months :)

SuzieQ · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like most people use paper or Corelle. Anybody using regular dishes &/or glasses? If so, what do you do to protect them when traveling?

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

The dish service, we got two (4)four place settings in Corelle. Originally we had the old set of dishes from our house. WOW.........were those things ever heavy. The Corelle took up less space.......and a lot less weight in the cupboards. We carry some paper plate/bowl products to use sometimes.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Silicone for baking. Have loaf pan, round cake pan, round oval for laying in the microwave for potatoes, etc. Cupcake (Large) can be used for lots of things besides making muffins (Krusteaze Orange Cranberry Mix). In addition you'll often find other size molds in silicone - got two larger ones that are great for microwaving frozen vegtables - - go from microwave to table.

We have glass wine stem glasses - - in fact we usually pick up a couple of pair each year because we get them at wineries. But also have some acrylic wine stem for use out on the patio. We always ask whether people mind using the acrylic - some only want their wine in glass and we are happy to oblige. Also have an acrylic carafe.

We started with both Corelle (4 of everything) and some plastic patio plates (6). The Corelle has been moved into the park model and we will just use the patio plates in the coach. Also have a couple of Corelle pie pans - slightly larger than a dinner plate with a raised edge that make great nacho plates. Flatware for 8 because I only wash dishes once a day. I use an empty wipes cylinder with soapy water to soak flatware during the day - keeps things from drying on the tinnes of the forks. Had friends who used their silver - said it was a waste to keep it just wrapped up and not used.

Like everyone else, we use paper plates (large & small) for lots of things - buy them at Costco. Also got a bag of the paper hotdog holders - you would be surprised at all of the things you can put in them. They were great for dry cat food.

Thing to do is to think of multiple uses for your cookware. When looking at fry pans - you can always cook one egg in a larger pan, but a full batch of spaghetti sauce won't work in a small one. And while an asparagus cylinder with basket is a neat way to steam - you can do the same with saran warp in the microwave and save space!

Barb

hopeful fulltimer · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi,

I use Corell Dishes and bought 2 sets to make an 8 place setting. I find having eight is perfect for us.

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

8 piece setting Corelle, real silverware and glasses here and all but two broken glasses, two dropped side plates in almost 17 years are still going strong in the RV. It's always been our home away from home and we like it to feel that way for the most part when eating a full meal.

We also have those red lattice plastic (fast food 60's style) baskets with disposable liners for finger style foods generally or outdoor get togethers with others. As well other non breakables for convenience and outside use.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

SuzieQ wrote:
Sounds like most people use paper or Corelle. Anybody using regular dishes &/or glasses? If so, what do you do to protect them when traveling?

Not an answer to your question, but we use plates and bowls made of melamine. I'm not sure, but I think it is even lighter than Corelle, but it is NOT usable in a microwave. We had some beautiful plates and bowls in the house with a southwest pattern, but those had to go because they were too heavy. Also, with the melamine plates and stuff, I'm not sure they will break, but I'm not brave enough to test that. That's kitchen stuff, and that is where Jo RULES!!!!

I get into trouble just stepping in the kitchen to get coffee while she's working in there.

Terry

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry - word of warning, Melamine can break. A few years back we bought a set for our daughter's family when the grandtwins were young, she was thinking they would be more practical. But, yes, she did find out they were breakable.

One other dish item that we added and have used a lot this winter are the flat Correlle soup bowls that are bigger than the ones that come with the standard set. Due to a colder than usual winter in AZ and SoCal, we've been using our crockpot more for soups, stews, etc. and those bowls have found their way to the table 2-3 times a week, so we're happy to also have 2 of those in our dish cupboard. We also use them frequently for pasta meals.

hopeful fulltimer · RV-Dreams Community Member

SuzieQ

I have some nice glasses. I have one small cabinet for them, and I wrap them in tea towels. This works great, nothing has broken yet!

Johanna

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth,

I wasn't really sure melamine was unbreakable, so I'm glad you cleared that up for me.

Keep in mind that I'm not a cook nor kitchen person, so my knowledge is based on what I've read in forums. My understanding is that when Corelle breaks, it can shatter into very small pieces. Does melamine shatter, or just break into large pieces?

Terry

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry - luckily I wasn't there when the Melamine broke, but I do recall my daughter saying something about splinters so while it might not shatter the way Correlle does, I'm not sure it's all large pieces. We used to have Melamine in our part time RV, but I hated not being able to use it in the Microwave.

Clay L · RV-Dreams Family Member

In my post above I mentioned having a service of 8 while in the motor home.
Now in the S&B with the motor home sold, we have that service of 8 plus the corelle service for 12 we had in storage plus the fine china service for 8 Lee's mother gave us plus the antique and valuable black ruby glass antique service for 12 we inherited from her sister plus the special Christmas pattern set for 8 that Lee bought for a Christmas party we had 25 years ago.

The corelle service for 12 is what we use for everyday use but we have to keep the corelle service for 8 because Lee really likes the iris pattern and we sometimes need it for holidays.
I think we have enough dishes. :)