The Dinnerware Dilemma: Navigating The Cost Of Tableware

average cost of dinnerware set

The cost of a dinnerware set can vary depending on the quality, material, and number of pieces included. Generally, a decent, good-quality place setting can range from $30 to $60, with higher-end options costing hundreds of dollars. The price also depends on whether the set is sold individually, as a place setting, or as a box set. While individual pieces offer more flexibility, box sets are often more affordable, with some 16-piece sets costing under $100. However, box sets may lack the option to purchase additional pieces or replacements, making it difficult to expand or maintain the set over time.

Characteristics Values
Number of pieces 4-30
Material Porcelain, stoneware, glass, bone china, melamine, earthenware
Dishwasher-safe Yes
Microwave-safe Yes
Oven-safe Yes
Freezer-safe Yes
Price £20-£55

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Porcelain dinnerware sets

When choosing a porcelain dinnerware set, it is important to consider the size, weight, and design of the pieces. You should also ensure that the set is microwave and dishwasher-safe for convenience. Here are some options for porcelain dinnerware sets to get you started:

AmazonBasics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set includes six dinner plates, six dessert plates, and six bowls. It is microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven-safe, making it a convenient and versatile option for everyday use. The classic white colour gives it a chic and elegant look.

Argos Home 18-Piece Porcelain Dinner Set

This set includes six dinner plates, six side plates, and six side bowls. It is a robust and stylish option, perfect for everyday use or dinner parties. The classic white colour will match any home decor.

Stone Lain Porcelain Dinnerware Sets

Stone Lain offers a variety of porcelain dinnerware sets in different colours and designs, such as the Stone Lain Gabrielle 24-piece set and the Stone Lain Clara 32-piece set. These sets are available at Macy's and are perfect for those looking for a larger set to serve a bigger group.

222 Fifth Porcelain Dinnerware Sets

222 Fifth offers a range of porcelain dinnerware sets with beautiful designs, such as the Peacock Garden set and the Eliza set. These sets typically include 16 pieces, which is enough to serve four people.

MALACASA Flora 18-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This set, available at Home Depot, includes enough dinnerware to serve six people. It has a simple and elegant design, perfect for everyday use or formal dinners.

These options provide a good starting point for those looking to purchase porcelain dinnerware sets. It is always a good idea to check customer reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

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Stoneware dinnerware sets

Stoneware is a great option for dinnerware as it is durable and long-lasting. It is a type of vitreous or semi-vitreous pottery that is made from clay, feldspar, and quartz, and fired at high temperatures. It is a popular choice for dinnerware as it is affordable, easy to care for, and sturdy. Here are some options for stoneware dinnerware sets:

Zanzibar 20-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set

This set from Euro Ceramica is a service for four and includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs. It has a beautiful artisanal design with a reactive glaze, making each piece unique. The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Stone Lain Jessica Stoneware 12-Piece Round Dinnerware Set

This set from Walmart includes four 10.25-inch dinner plates, four 7.5-inch salad plates, and four 5.5-inch bowls. It is made of stoneware with a reactive glaze finish, giving it a beautiful, rustic look. The set is dishwasher safe and comes in a variety of colours including taupe, aqua, and light grey.

Stone Lain Logan Stoneware 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Also from Walmart, this set includes four 10.25-inch dinner plates, four 7.5-inch salad plates, and four 5.5-inch bowls. It is made of stoneware with a reactive glaze finish and has a modern design with clean lines and angles. The set is dishwasher safe and comes in black or aqua.

Brambly Cottage Kalig Handmade Stoneware Dinnerware Set

This 24-piece set from Wayfair includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. It features a unique design with blue spirals and brown spots, outlined with black lines. The set is made of durable and chip-resistant stoneware, with a high-temperature glaze that makes it easy to clean. It is also microwave and dishwasher safe.

Stone Lain Lauren Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set from Walmart includes four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 7.5-inch salad plates, and four 5.5-inch bowls. It is made of stoneware with a reactive glaze finish and has a modern, round silhouette. The set is dishwasher safe and comes in a variety of colours including light grey, charcoal, and off-white.

Le Creuset 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Available at Crate & Barrel, this set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls. It is made of durable stoneware and has a simple, elegant design. The set comes in a variety of colours including white, oyster grey, and chambray blue. It is dishwasher, microwave, oven, and broiler safe.

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Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Materials and Durability:

  • Bone China: Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes calcified bone, giving it a creamy colour and translucent appearance. It is typically more expensive and slightly lighter than regular porcelain but equally durable.
  • Porcelain: Porcelain is the most common type of dinnerware, made from a combination of clay, feldspar, and quartz. It comes in various colours and glazes, ranging from bright white to blue-grey.
  • Stoneware: Stoneware is a type of vitreous or semi-vitreous pottery, often with speckles or other unique textures. It is usually thicker and heavier than porcelain but not necessarily more durable.
  • Other Materials: For special occasions, avoid materials like plastic, metal, or melamine, which are less practical and elegant.

Design and Aesthetics:

  • Timeless vs. Trendy: Opt for classic designs over trendy patterns, which may become dated over time. White dinnerware is always in style and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
  • Mix and Match: Feel free to mix and match dinnerware sets. Combining classic pieces with more ornate serving platters or colourful glassware can create a unique and elegant tablescape.
  • Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of each piece to ensure they suit your needs and storage space. Wider rims on plates provide more negative space, while narrower rims offer more room for food. Shallow bowls are better for soups and stews, while deeper bowls are ideal for cereal or salads.

Recommendations:

  • Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plates: These plates are inspired by Portuguese ceramic art, shaped like cabbage leaves, adding a unique and cheeky touch to your table.
  • Leeway Home The Full Way Set: This 44-piece set includes stoneware dishes in solid earth tones or with colourful striped rims, along with elegant stemmed wine glasses.
  • Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This artistic set features images of butterflies and flowers, complementing a contemporary or oriental dining setup.
  • Blue Elephant Zoec Porcelain China Dinnerware Set: This elegant set features a classic natural element style that is safe for the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer.
  • Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This classic white porcelain set is an affordable and versatile option, safe for the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven.

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Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are a great way to elevate your dining experience. They come in a variety of materials, colours, and designs, and can be used for both everyday meals and special occasions. Here are some options for dinnerware sets that are perfect for everyday use:

Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set is made of triple-layered glass, which makes it chip-resistant and lightweight. It includes dinner plates, bread plates, and soup/cereal bowls. The classic white colour gives it a simple and elegant look.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet Porcelain Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Zen set is an elegant white porcelain set with a square design. It is scratch and chip-resistant, making it durable for everyday use. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls, providing service for up to eight people.

Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set

This set offers a simple and classic design, perfect for everyday use. Made of porcelain, the set includes dinner plates, dishes, and bowls, providing service for six people. It is microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, making it convenient and practical.

Euro Ceramica Essential Collection Porcelain Dinnerware Set

The Euro Ceramica set is a classic white porcelain set that offers service for four people. It includes dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls, making it a practical choice for everyday meals. The set is also dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe.

Corelle Everyday Expressions 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set from Corelle is an eco-friendly and durable option, made with triple-layered glass. It includes dinner plates and bowls with a higher rim design, providing a unique look. The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.

These dinnerware sets offer a range of styles and materials to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect set to suit your everyday needs and elevate your dining experience.

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Dinnerware sets for families

Dinnerware is an important part of any family meal, and choosing the right set can elevate your dining experience. When selecting dinnerware for your family, there are a few key factors to consider, such as durability, material, design, and price. Here are some recommendations to help you make the perfect choice:

Durability and Material

Stoneware, porcelain, and bone china are excellent choices for everyday use due to their durability and ease of care. Stoneware, known for its rustic charm, offers a unique aesthetic with its thick build and natural speckles. Porcelain, the most common type of dinnerware, comes in a wide range of colours and glazes, providing an elegant option for any table setting. Bone china, a type of porcelain with added calcified bone, has a creamier colour and more translucency, making it a sophisticated choice. These materials are long-lasting and suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Design

When choosing a design, consider a classic look with neutral shades that will stand the test of time. White dinnerware is a safe bet, as it provides a blank canvas for any meal and can be easily mixed and matched with colourful serving pieces. If you prefer patterns, opt for something that aligns with your family's style and personality. Remember to choose a set that complements your existing tableware and linens.

Price

The cost of dinnerware can vary, ranging from a few dollars per piece to hundreds of dollars for fine china sets. A decent, good-quality place setting typically starts at around $30 to $60. Consider your budget and whether you need a complete set or individual pieces. Buying open-stock sets gives you the flexibility to customise your collection and easily replace any broken items.

Recommendations

For a versatile and durable option, the AmazonBasics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice. This set includes six dinner plates, six dessert plates, and six bowls, providing service for six people. It's made of classic white porcelain that can withstand the heat of the oven and the cold of the freezer, making it perfect for everyday use and elegant enough for special occasions.

If you're looking for something more colourful, the SO’HOME 12 Piece Blue Glaze Stoneware Dinner Set offers a bold contemporary touch with its glazed stoneware design. This set includes four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls, providing service for four.

For families who want a complete set, the Argos Home 60 Piece Essential Kitchen Starter Set is an excellent option. It includes dinner and side plates, mugs, and bowls, making it perfect for hosting family gatherings or parties.

Remember to consider your family's needs, style preferences, and budget when choosing a dinnerware set. By selecting the right combination of durability, design, and price, you can elevate your family's dining experience and create lasting memories around the table.

Frequently asked questions

The cost of a dinnerware set can vary depending on the quality, material, and number of pieces included. On average, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 for a good-quality place setting. Some retailers offer discounts when purchasing multiple place settings.

It is important to consider the weight, size, shape, and pattern of the dinnerware set to ensure it suits your needs and preferences. You may also want to think about the material, with porcelain, bone china, stoneware, and Vitrelle glass being popular choices for everyday use.

Dinnerware sets can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including online stores and physical stores such as John Lewis, Argos, Wayfair, Amazon, and IKEA.

A typical dinnerware set usually includes dinner plates, side plates, and bowls. Some sets may also include mugs, teacups, and saucers. It is worth checking the specifics of each set before purchasing to ensure it includes the pieces you require.

The care instructions for your dinnerware set will depend on the material. Some materials, such as bone china, may require hand washing, while others, like porcelain, stoneware, and Vitrelle glass, are often dishwasher-safe. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your dinnerware set.

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