Add British Garden Charm to Your At-Home Dining

The Botanic Garden collection from Portmeirion brings vibrant color and traditional British charm to any table. The collection, designed by Susan Williams-Ellis in 1972, is based on early-19th-century floral illustrations. The realistic flowers are accented with butterflies and dragonflies and bordered with the iconic triple leaf design.

The Botanic Garden Collection allows you to create your own garden table with more than 23 floral motifs highlighted in the 30-piece dinnerware set. The set offers service for six, and includes six of each dinner plate, side plate, cereal bowl, pasta bowl, and tankard mug. Each piece has multiple uses; the side plate is ideal for appetizers, snacks, or desserts, and the cereal bowls work for ice cream or salad. The pasta bowl is perfect not only for pasta, but for soup or salad as well.

Each piece is made with care and attention, passing through 22 hands in the Portmeirion factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England, which is considered the birthplace of English pottery.

The Botanic Garden tableware is designed for everyday living. The items are dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe to provide maximum flexibility in meal preparation, cooking, and cleanup.

Here are a few tips to get the most from your tableware:

* Tableware items such as plates, bowls, and mugs can be placed in a warm oven (225 degrees Fahrenheit or lower), but should not be used for cooking.

* Cookware items including roasters, casseroles, and ramekins are designed to be used for cooking up to temperatures of 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

* When microwaving, "remember that ceramics will pick up some of the heat created in the microwave, so use care in holding handles or picking up plates," according to the company's website.

* Cleaning is easy in the dishwasher; the company recommends liquid detergents instead of the powdered variety to help preserve the design and color.

For more information about the Botanic Garden collection, visit Buybotanicgarden.com