Question
I have a meat dinner set. It is ceramic. Is it possible to change this to milk set and if so how do I go about doing it.
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom
Under normal circumstances crockery is not made kosher, because crockery is considered something which does not expel that which has absorbed. (שו"ע או"ח תנא:א)
However, there are certain circumstances in which it is allowed under certain conditions.
If not turning it to dairy, would cause you a significant loss of money or other extenuating circumstances there are poskim who allow it, because they see the transition from meat to milk not as severe as a dish which was totally not kosher.
In addition, since you are talking about dishes and not cook ware, it means the dishes only absorber the meat at the temperature of a "Kli Sheni." In addition, there is the opinion of the Chacham Tzvi (סי' ע"ה) that dishes after 12 months of not being used no longer give off that which they absorbed.
So if, you want to use these dishes, due to extenuating circumstances and they have been used for a year, you should immerse them in boiling water 3 times and then they will be fit for use for dairy.
If you are not sure, how the immersion is done consult your local Rabbi.
See:
(שו"ת היכל יצחק אורח חיים סימן נב ד"ה (ה) בנוגע, שו"ת אגרות משה יורה דעה חלק א סימן מג ד"ה ענף ז , שו"ת אגרות משה יורה דעה חלק ב סימן מו, שו"ת יביע אומר חלק ז - יורה דעה סימן י)
All the best
