Elegant Entertaining: A Complete Dinnerware Set For Memorable Gatherings

A 32-piece dinnerware set is a great option for those looking to serve eight people. These sets typically include dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and cups, providing a complete dining experience for a group of eight individuals. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to accommodate a larger household, a 32-piece dinnerware set service for eight is a practical and stylish choice. Various materials are available, including stoneware, porcelain, and plastic, ensuring that you can find a set that aligns with your preferences and needs.

Some popular options include the Pfaltzgraff Sylvia 32-piece Dinnerware Set, the Fitz and Floyd Gold Serif 32-piece Dinnerware Set, and the Stone Lain 32-piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set in grey matte. With a range of colours and designs available, you can add a touch of elegance to your dining table while ensuring you have the necessary pieces to serve a group of eight.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware sets the table for more than just a meal—they help set the mood and tone for the occasion. Whether you're looking for something timeless and classic or bold and colourful, there's a dinnerware set to suit your style and elevate your dining experience. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the perfect dinnerware set for those special occasions.

Choosing the Right Dinnerware Set for Special Occasions

When selecting a dinnerware set for special occasions, consider the following:

• Material and Durability: Opt for durable materials such as mid-century modern dinnerware, outdoor dinnerware, or melamine, which can withstand daily use and are ideal for special occasions too. Fine china and porcelain are timelessly elegant choices but may require more careful handling.
• Style and Design: Choose a design that reflects your personal taste and complements your dining decor. Consider rustic dinnerware for a warm, homely atmosphere, or blue dinnerware for a coastal or modern vibe. White dinnerware sets are versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
• Functionality: Think about the type of occasions you'll be hosting. Do you need a set that's microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, or oven-safe? Consider sets with additional pieces like serving platters and bowls if you often host dinners or like to experiment with different cuisines.

Recommended Dinnerware Sets for Special Occasions

• Our Place Dinnerware Set: A 20-piece set with plates, bowls, and mugs in monochrome or mixed colours. It's durable, stackable, and dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set: A 12-piece set with a modern organic design. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls that are dishwasher-, microwave-, and scratch-resistant.
• West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware: A simple yet rustic 16-piece set crafted in Portugal. It comes in various neutral reactive glazes and is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Lenox French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting: An elegant stoneware set with a textured design, perfect for formal occasions. It includes a dinner plate, side plate, bowl, and mug, and Lenox offers a lifetime replacement program for broken dishes.
• Red Vanilla Extreme Bone China Dinnerware Set: A sleek and modern 16-piece white dinnerware set. Although delicate in appearance, it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and triangular soup bowls.
• Fitz and Floyd Gold Serif 32-Piece Dinnerware Set: A luxurious gold-accented set that will make a statement at your dinner parties.
• Stone Lain Lauren Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: A subtle sage green set with a ribbed texture, adding a unique touch to your table. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and bowls, and is dishwasher-safe.
• Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plates: For something truly unique, these plates are shaped like cabbage leaves, bringing a cheeky and playful element to your table.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are a great way to elevate your dining experience and add a touch of personal style to your table. When choosing a dinnerware set for everyday use, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you select the perfect set for your needs and lifestyle.

Number of Place Settings

Firstly, it is important to determine the number of place settings required. A good rule of thumb is to have twice the number of place settings as there are people in your household. For example, a household of four should opt for a dinnerware set with at least eight place settings. This ensures you have enough dishes for everyday use and when hosting guests.

Types of Dishes Included

Everyday dinnerware sets typically include plates and bowls in varying sizes. Some sets may also come with mugs, saucers, cups, or serving pieces like platters and large bowls. Consider what types of dishes you use most often and whether you require additional pieces for special occasions.

Material

The material of your dinnerware set is an important consideration as it affects the durability, weight, stain resistance, and microwave safety of the dishes. Porcelain and bone china are the most durable options as they are fired at high temperatures and are scratch and stain-resistant. Stoneware is another popular choice as it is durable, non-porous, and has a rustic, elegant appearance. For households with children or those who enjoy outdoor dining, melamine, a shatter-resistant plastic compound, may be a good option.

Design

When it comes to design, opt for something that reflects your personal style while also considering the functionality of the dishes. Neutral colours like white, grey, or off-white, and classic shapes are a safe choice and can be easily dressed up with decorative elements like linens, flatware, or serveware.

Care and Storage

Most dinnerware sets are dishwasher-safe, but always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions. For handwashing, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and dish soap. To prevent scratches when stacking plates and bowls, use flannel separators or coffee filters between them. Ensure you have adequate storage space for your dinnerware set, especially if it includes delicate pieces that require extra care.

Recommendations

Now that we've covered the factors to consider, here are some highly-rated dinnerware set recommendations for everyday use:

• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: A basic yet functional set made from Vitrelle, a durable glass-ceramic hybrid material. It includes dinner plates, bread plates, and soup/cereal bowls.
• Gibson Home Soho Grayson Square Melamine 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: A shatter-resistant melamine set featuring square-shaped plates, bowls, and tumblers in a range of colours.
• Fiesta 12-Piece Bistro Dinnerware Set: A colourful and durable porcelain china set with glossy finish and subtle circular detailing. Includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: A rustic farmhouse-style set with organically shaped dishes finished in Portugal. Includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and breakfast bowls in a range of colours.
• West Elm Organic Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: A modern set featuring asymmetrically edged plates and bowls. Includes dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and pasta bowls.

These recommendations offer a range of styles and materials to suit different needs, whether you're looking for something classic and functional or a set with a pop of colour.

Dinnerware sets by colour

When it comes to dining, colour can play a significant role in setting the mood and style of your table. Whether you're looking for a bold statement or a subtle accent, here are some options for 32-piece dinnerware sets, service for 8, organised by colour:

White

White dinnerware sets offer a classic and elegant look that can easily be paired with other colours and table settings. The Over and Back 32-piece porcelain dinnerware set from Home Depot is a simple yet stylish option. For a more intricate design, the Pfaltzgraff Sylvia set features a pattern of raised curls framed by beaded bands, adding a traditional style to your table.

Blue

Blue dinnerware sets can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, perfect for a relaxing dining experience. The Stone Lain Brasa set from Wayfair offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic with its rustic-chic combination of colours, including blue. For a bolder pattern, the Euro Ceramica Duomo set from Home Depot features a patterned Italian design in multiple colours, including blue.

Green

Green dinnerware sets can bring a touch of nature to your table and are perfect for those who love to entertain outdoors. The vancasso 32-piece set from Home Depot offers a modern and smooth dark green design. For a pop of colour, the Stone Lain Serenity set from Wayfair combines dark grey and cream with speckles, creating a trendy and cool atmosphere.

Red

Red dinnerware sets are perfect for making a bold statement and adding a touch of warmth to your table. The Stone Lain Albie set from Home Depot combines red and black for a sleek and modern look. For a more square-shaped option, the Gibson Soho Lounge set from Wayfair offers a contemporary design, elevating any dining occasion.

Multi-coloured

Multi-coloured dinnerware sets are perfect for those who want to add a pop of colour and playfulness to their table. The Bungalow Rose Doranna set from Wayfair features an exquisite boho-chic vibe with four mixing place settings, each with its own unique colours and patterns. For a more subtle mix of colours, the Brambly Cottage Kants set from Wayfair and Home Depot features a glamorous swirl pattern in various shades, adding a vintage vibe to your dining experience.

Dinnerware sets by material

When shopping for a 32-piece dinnerware set, you will come across various materials, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is a guide to help you choose the best dinnerware set material for your needs:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware and typically features hand-painted designs. Earthenware has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. However, it is not as durable or strong as other materials and is prone to chipping. It is also porous, so it should not be left submerged in water. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher and microwave safe, but it is always good to check with the manufacturer.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware that is slightly more durable than earthenware. It is made by firing clay at a higher temperature and usually includes vitreous (glass) material for added strength. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china. It can be finished with various glaze textures, such as shiny, satin, or matte. Stoneware is commonly used for casual, everyday place settings and is very versatile and easy to maintain. It is typically dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer-safe, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Porcelain/China

Porcelain and China are terms used for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically comprising feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. This material is fired at a high temperature, making it extremely durable and non-porous. The high firing temperature allows the body to be thinner and more delicately constructed, giving it a translucent appearance. Most fine china is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has gold, silver, or platinum borders. In that case, it should not be microwaved, and citrus-scented detergents should be avoided as they can damage metal accents. Porcelain often lends itself to more formal dining occasions due to its upscale look, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to any meal.

Bone China

Bone China is made by combining bone ash (from animal bones) with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This produces a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile appearance, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china can be used daily or reserved for formal dining occasions, offering versatility and reliability.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is made of plastic and is known for its indestructible and inflexible yet glossy finish. It is lightweight, sturdy, and ideal for children and outdoor use. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be microwaved or heated with food in it. It is a budget-friendly and versatile option, available in various styles that mimic fine china, earthenware, or bold colours.

Vitrified Glass/Laminated Glass

Vitrified glass is opaque glass fired at ultra-high temperatures to make it non-porous and extremely durable. The best-known brand of vitrified glass dinnerware is Corelle, which is virtually indestructible and will not chip or break when dropped. It is safe for the dishwasher and microwave and is ideal for family environments, especially those with young children.

Dinnerware sets by brand

There are a variety of brands that offer 32-piece dinnerware sets, service for 8. Here is a list of some popular brands and their product offerings:

Stone Lain

Stone Lain offers a wide range of 32-piece dinnerware sets in various colours and designs. Some of their popular sets include:

• Stone Lain Brasa: Available in modern farmhouse style with a rustic-chic look.
• Stone Lain Celina: Features a unique lipped edge on the salad plates and a glossy or matte black finish.
• Stone Lain Lauren: This set offers an off-white colour palette, creating a trendy yet classic look.
• Stone Lain Albie: Speckled white design, available in both 32-piece and 24-piece sets.
• Stone Lain Grao: Stoneware set with a reactive glaze, giving each piece a unique colour.
• Stone Lain Elica: A modern 24-piece set with blue and grey plates and bowls for 8.
• Stone Lain Laro: A 24-piece black stoneware set.
• Stone Lain Daisy: White and black round dinnerware set, also available in a 24-piece set.
• Stone Lain Coupe: Service for 8 with a black matte finish.

Gibson

Gibson offers a variety of dinnerware sets, including:

• Gibson Soho Lounge: Square-shaped 16-piece or 40-piece sets in multiple colours, including red, black, and blue.
• Gibson Home Zen Buffet: Square 24-piece porcelain set in white with a hard glaze.
• Gibson Elite: Stoneware sets in various colours, such as teal, soft grey, and blue. Available in 16-piece or 40-piece sets.
• Gibson Home: White porcelain sets with black rims, available in 16-piece or 40-piece sets.

Pfaltzgraff

Pfaltzgraff offers elegant dinnerware sets, including:

• Pfaltzgraff Sylvia: A 32-piece white dinnerware set.
• Pfaltzgraff Filigree: A 32-piece service for 8, with a unique design.
• Pfaltzgraff Evergreen Ernie: A 32-piece green dinnerware set.

Vancasso

Vancasso offers colourful and unique dinnerware sets:

• Vancasso Soho: Square ivory white 32-piece set made of stoneware.
• Vancasso Bubble Green: A 32-piece ceramic dinnerware set.
• Vancasso Bonita: A multicolour 18-piece stoneware set with hand-painted spirals.
• Vancasso Bonbon: Beige 24-piece dinner set with hand-painted spirals, service for 6.

Mikasa

Mikasa offers elegant fine china dinnerware sets, such as the 40-piece Napoleon Bee set and the Italian Countryside White Bone China set.

These brands provide a range of options to choose from, each with its unique style, colour, and design. Whether you're looking for a modern, rustic, or classic aesthetic, these brands have you covered for your dining needs.

Frequently asked questions