I'm a total home decor enthusiast, especially when it comes to the kitchen. I believe a well-set-up space can greatly impact our mood and motivation to cook for our loved ones. Maybe I'm just a bit of a perfectionist, but when I got my new cookware set, cooking became a lot more enjoyable.
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I've been dreaming of the smoky, classic look of this dinnerware set for ages. I first saw it at my relative's place about 10 years ago, and I was immediately drawn to it. However, I never ended up buying it. At the time, it seemed too expensive, and I thought I already had enough dishes at home.
After I gave away my grandmother's old dishes to my friends, I decided to splurge and get a new set. I ended up collecting the Luminarc Directoire Eclipse set in a white and transparent finish. I assembled it myself, piece by piece, and I was really happy with it. But, I have to admit, I always had a soft spot for the smoky version. I would often find myself daydreaming about it, wondering why I didn't get it in the first place.
This year, I decided to take the plunge and order the 45-piece set in the smoky finish from LUMINARC - Directoire Eclipse on Wildberries. The price was surprisingly affordable, especially considering the discounts and promotions available. I double-checked the authenticity and quality of the product, and I was reassured that it was an original Luminarc brand, produced in Russia under the company's technology and certification.
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Finally, my new dinnerware set arrived, and I was like a kid on Christmas morning!
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I'm absolutely thrilled!
Of course, I did keep some of my old white and transparent dishes and mixed them with my new set, but overall, I'm really happy with my purchase. Check out my daily dinnerware setup:
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I was blown away by how carefully the set was packaged. Not a single scratch or dent on the whole thing.
Each plate and cup was individually wrapped in plastic, and everything was cushioned in bubble wrap and cardboard for extra protection. The box itself is massive and heavy.
The box has a clear list of what's included in the set.
I love the 6 big dinner plates - they're super comfortable and perfect for serving up a big holiday spread or pairing with a salad and main course.
The 6 medium plates are just as comfortable and practical - they're the workhorses of the set.
The 6 dessert plates are a great addition - they're perfect for snacking, having a cup of tea, or even just using as a makeshift plate while you're cooking up a storm.
The 2 oval serving dishes are a real standout - they're super versatile and remind me of a big ol' pickled herring dish, but without the flatness. They're perfect for serving up pickles, boiled potatoes, fish, or any other snack that needs a little extra TLC.
I've gotta say, the six deep bowls are a winner. They're roomy, but I find the wide shape with low sides a bit awkward. Not being a huge soup fan, I'm not fussy, but for kids, they might be a bit too big. I'm actually thinking of buying more of these bowls with handles for future soup sessions.
For now, my kid's eating out of the white bowls from our previous set.
And then there are the six little ramekins. I'm absolutely loving these for my breakfast oatmeal and snacks. They're perfect for serving jam, pickles, ice cream, nuts, or fruit - basically anything you'd want a small portion of. Each one's about 350-400 ml.
The large serving bowl is a beast. It's huge, heavy, and perfect for whipping up a big batch of dough or serving a massive salad. Any home cook will find plenty of uses for this thing.
6 cups with a handle. What a great pair of dessert plates and cups. Sipping tea is a total pleasure. But I would've been even happier if the volume was a bit larger. The listed volume is 200 ml. I'd have liked 250-300 ml. That's the only thing that feels like a missed opportunity. But just look at how they look. They're stunning.
6 glasses. And the glasses were a letdown for me.
Firstly, the volume is way too small - just 200 ml. It feels like even less. Like toy cups.
Secondly, these glasses just don't fit in with the rest of the set because of the textured pattern. It would've been more practical to make them a bit larger (around 250 ml) and completely smooth. I'll be on the lookout for smoke-tinted glasses with a smooth finish.
The plates and mugs are super smooth. They're dymkated and have this beautiful, transparent dark glass. But they also have this magical sheen to them. And when you're dining in the evening with the lamp on, it looks like they're radiating a rainbow of colors.
this is the part I use and store in my buffetThey wash up really well and don't leave any water spots or residue (I wash them by hand). But when you're washing them, they do feel a bit slippery and you worry that something will slip out of your hands. It's just a matter of getting used to it.
I asked around to people who've bought similar sets, and most of them would still prefer to get the textured ones over the smooth ones.
But owners of textured sets say it's harder to clean, and dirt and grime tend to stick around in those areas.
Since I don't have a dishwasher, I can't say how the dishes would perform under heavy use and washing.
It passes the microwave test with flying colors, even when I heat it straight from the fridge.
It's withstood boiling water without bursting or exploding, unlike some people claim about Luminary products.
My previous set actually never exploded or broke, and the transparent cups are so durable they're almost too good for my homemade soap-making hobby!
They do get overheated and scratched on the bottom when I stir them, but they're still intact.
I plan on adding a few more pieces to my collection, like a couple of 250ml and 300ml cups.
Bottom line, I'd say Luminary is a tried-and-tested brand that delivers on quality, style, and durability.
I've also got a Luminary water carafe, milk jug, sauce container, and two sets of glass tumblers in my collection.
I highly recommend treating yourself to one of these sets and elevating your kitchen game.