Table and crafts – selection and care

Hand-painted ceramics

Italy has strong ceramic traditions. Deruta in Umbria is known for majolica with vivid patterns, and in Sicily, Caltagirone and Santo Stefano di Camastra, for example, are regarded as centers. Hand-painted pieces are one of a kind: color, pattern and shape differ slightly. That is not a flaw but part of their character.

If you buy pieces online, you should know that place names such as “Deruta” or “Sicily” are not always protected. Ask if the origin matters to you. The guide to origin seals gives an overview of how seals work.

Glaze and food safety

Glazes and colors can contain metals such as lead or cadmium. For tableware that comes into contact with food, the EU sets limits on how much of these substances may be released into food. Purely decorative pieces are not subject to this in the same way.

• Look for the label “suitable for food” or the glass-and-fork symbol.
• If there are notes such as “for decoration only” or “not for food”, do not use the piece for serving, especially not for acidic foods such as citrus, vinegar or tomatoes.
• If the glaze is damaged (chips, cracks), it is better not to use the piece for food any more.
• Care according to the manufacturer’s instructions: hand-painted ceramics are often not dishwasher-safe, and microwave and oven only if stated.

Olive wood board

Olive wood is hard, dense and has a striking grain. Every board is one of a kind, and size and pattern differ. It is well suited for serving bread, cheese, antipasti, or for cutting.

• Not in the dishwasher: Water and heat make wood crack and swell.
• Cleaning: Wash with warm water and a little mild dish soap, dry immediately and let it dry standing upright.
• Do not soak and do not leave it sitting wet for long.
• Oiling: If the wood looks dry and dull, a care oil helps. Use only products declared suitable for food contact. Generally, food-grade mineral oils or special hard wax oils are used for this; some vegetable oils can turn rancid over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Odors: A little lemon and salt can freshen up the board. Then rinse thoroughly.

Caring for linen

Linen is durable, absorbent and cool. It wrinkles, which is part of the material. Many people like the relaxed look; if you want it smoother, iron the cloth slightly damp.

• Wash temperature according to the care label. New linen pieces may shrink slightly in the first wash.
• Do not spin too hard and do not overfill the machine, so creases are less deep.
• Treat stains with cold water promptly, before they dry in.
• Over time, linen becomes softer and gains a sheen.

Wine glasses: shapes

Thin glass feels delicate but breaks more easily. Dishwasher suitability is stated on the packaging or product page. If you rarely drink red wine, a universal glass will serve you well. You will find more on Spritz and Grappa in the Aperitivo guide.

Setting the table together

When buying, take a look at dimensions and weight so that bowl and board suit your table. Handmade pieces differ slightly from the photo. If a particular shade matters to you, allow for small differences.

A ceramic bowl, board and linen cloth together make a warm Mediterranean table. A tip: if the ceramics are brightly painted, keep the colors calm and let linen and wood in natural tones provide the quiet surface.

Ceramic types at a glance

• Majolica: Earthenware with an opaque, tin-containing glaze, painted in bright colors. Typical of Deruta and many southern Italian workshops.
• Earthenware: Porous fired clay with a glaze. The glaze protects against liquids; if it is damaged, moisture can get in.
• Terracotta: Unglazed, reddish clay, often used for flowerpots or baking dishes. Only use it for food if the manufacturer expressly provides for it.
• Stoneware and porcelain: Fired more densely and more robust, so often dishwasher-safe in everyday use, as far as the manufacturer states.

On hand-painted ware, the decoration is often applied on or under the glaze. Decoration on top of the glaze can suffer over time from harsh cleaners and scouring, so the rule is: soft sponge, mild dish soap, no scouring cream. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as putting hot food into a cold bowl, because ceramics can crack as a result.

Washing and ironing linen

Wash linen gently and with a mild detergent, without fabric softener, because it can reduce absorbency. Take the cloth out of the machine while still slightly damp, smooth it out and let it air dry. Ironing works best on a high setting while the fabric is still damp; the care label states the permitted temperature. If you like wrinkles, simply let the cloth hang smooth. Treat grease stains early with a little dish soap and then wash as usual; for red wine, quickly rinsing with cold water helps. Store linen dry and airy, not packed away permanently damp, so that no musty smell develops.

Setting the table

1. Base layer: First lay the linen cloth out flat and center it.
2. Plates and cutlery: Plate in the middle, fork on the left, knife on the right with the blade facing the plate, spoon next to the knife.
3. Glasses: Wine glass above the knife, water glass next to it.
4. Board and bowls: Bread, antipasti and oil on a board and in small bowls in the center of the table.
5. Napkin: On the plate or to the left of the fork.

You can find more decorating ideas on the Home page.

As of: October 2026 · General information on ceramics in contact with food under EU Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Directive 84/500/EEC. Manufacturer information is authoritative. General information.