Dinnerware Sets: Uncovering The Best Deals For Your Dream Tableware

Dinnerware sets the stage for memorable meals and offers an opportunity to express your personal style. A great set will bring a touch of class to any dinner table and remain in fashion for years, all while withstanding the rigors of daily use. There are endless styles and patterns to choose from, so it can feel like an impossible decision to make.

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Do you want something casual for everyday use or something more formal for special occasions? Are you looking for a durable set that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, or are you willing to sacrifice some durability for a more elegant set? Do you prefer a particular material, such as stoneware, porcelain, or glass?

Once you've considered your needs and preferences, it's time to start shopping. You can find dinnerware sets at various retailers, including Amazon, Wayfair, West Elm, and more. Many brands offer a range of options, from affordable to high-end, so you can find something that fits your budget.

Some popular dinnerware sets include the Corelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, Pfaltzgraff Trellis 16 Piece Dinnerware Set, and the Fable Basic Dinnerware Set. These sets offer a range of styles, from classic to rustic, and are made from durable materials like glass, stoneware, and ceramic.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's also important to consider the number of place settings you need and whether you want a set with matching mugs or other accessories. You may also want to think about the shape and size of the pieces, as well as the colour and pattern, to ensure they fit your aesthetic and functional needs.

With so many options available, you're sure to find a dinnerware set that suits your style and budget. Happy shopping!

Dinnerware materials and their pros and cons

Dinnerware comes in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a detailed overview of the most common types:

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired at high temperatures, making it thicker, sturdier, and more durable than other types of ceramics. It often has a ceramic glaze finish that can be shiny, matte, or satin. Stoneware is suitable for daily use and can be safely used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer. However, it is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and can be porous, trapping stains and flavours if it is not fully glazed.

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and China are made from fine particles of clay, such as kaolin and quartz, and are fired at high temperatures. This makes them extremely durable and non-porous, with a delicate and elegant appearance. Most porcelain and China are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, but those with metal accents should be hand-washed, and some have detergent restrictions.

Bone China

Bone China is a combination of porcelain and bone ash, fired at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. It has a lightweight, delicate finish with a milky appearance and is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. Most bone china is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, but it is more expensive than regular porcelain.

Earthenware

Earthenware is ceramic that has been glazed and fired, but it is not as durable as stoneware. It has a rustic, thick, and heavy appearance and is often hand-painted. Earthenware is usually dishwasher and microwave-safe, but it is prone to chipping and can be porous, trapping stains and flavours.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is made of plastic and is lightweight, durable, and virtually indestructible. It is ideal for outdoor use and families with children. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe but should not be used in the microwave or oven as it is not suitable for high temperatures.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass, such as the well-known brand Corelle, is fired at ultra-high temperatures, making it non-porous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is a practical choice for everyday use, especially for families with young children.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any home, and choosing the right one can elevate your dining experience. When selecting a dinnerware set for everyday use, there are a few key factors to consider: durability, aesthetics, functionality, and price. Here are some recommended dinnerware sets that tick all the boxes for your daily meals.

Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Rockaway set offers a perfect balance between style and functionality. With simple rounded sides and a matte glaze, these stoneware dishes exude a trendy yet unfussy design. The set includes generously sized bowls, perfect for hearty meals or desserts. Available in a range of colours, including trendy shades like soft grey, slate blue, and millennial pink, this set is a versatile choice. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it ideal for everyday use.

Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

For a durable and scratch-resistant option, the Corelle Vitrelle set is an excellent choice. Known for its resistance to breaking, chipping, and staining, this set is perfect for busy families. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, providing everything you need for mealtimes. The lightweight construction makes it easy to handle, and it stacks neatly in your cabinet. Plus, it comes in various patterns to suit your style.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

If you're seeking a classic and elegant set, the Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set is a great option. Adorned with classic blue bands on a white background, these dishes offer a timeless appeal. The wide rims provide a comfortable grip, and the set includes versatile bowl options. It performs exceptionally well in the microwave and dishwasher, making it suitable for everyday use.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

For a minimalist and modern aesthetic, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice. This set is manufactured in Portugal and features a smooth, matte finish. It includes a range of generously sized plates and bowls, perfect for any meal. The bottom of the dinnerware has a rough texture, providing a secure grip. This set is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for daily use.

Gibson Round Stoneware 16-piece Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Round Stoneware set offers a beautiful blend of style and durability. With a smooth flat finish and a matte glaze, this set exudes elegance. Available in various colours, including white with faux metallic trim, it adds a touch of sophistication to your table. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, providing a complete dining experience. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it suitable for everyday use.

These dinnerware sets offer a combination of style, functionality, and durability, making them excellent choices for your everyday dining needs.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware sets the table for a meal, but they can also set the tone for the occasion. Whether you're looking for something timeless or trendy, durable or disposable, there's a dinnerware set to suit your needs. Here are some options for dinnerware sets that are perfect for those special occasions:

Lenox Holiday Collection

The Lenox Holiday collection has been a part of holiday celebrations for generations, with its festive plates adorned with cherished holly and berries, crafted in Lenox bone china and rimmed in precious gold. This elegant dinnerware set is a wonderful addition to any holiday table, perfect for those special celebrations with family and friends.

Fiesta Dinnerware Set

Fiesta dinnerware is an iconic, colourful choice that has been manufactured in the USA since 1936. With its bright, bold glazes and concentric circles, it offers a distinctive and festive look. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and mugs, and its microwave and dishwasher-safe qualities make it a practical choice for special occasions.

Wedgwood White Dinnerware Set

For a more sophisticated and elegant option, the Wedgwood White dinnerware set is a classic choice. Introduced in the 1920s, this creamy white bone china has a traditional look with its wide rims. The footed mugs are a pleasure to sip from, and the set is both microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a practical choice for special meals with family and guests.

Fable Basic Dinnerware Set

Fable offers a simple yet high-quality look with its hand-finished pieces from Portugal. The set includes generously sized plates and a variety of bowls, perfect for any meal. The unique feature of this set is the ability to mix and match colours within the set, allowing you to create a unique and personalised table setting for those special occasions.

Certified International Reactive Glaze Soup Crocks

For a unique and artistic touch to your table setting, the Certified International Reactive Glaze soup crocks are a perfect choice. These stoneware crocks come in a set of six assorted glaze colours, adding a blend of charm and resilience to your dining experience. With a generous 20 oz capacity and thoughtful handles, these ribbed ceramic crocks are both practical and elegant, perfect for a cosy dinner with loved ones.

Whether it's a holiday celebration or a special gathering with friends, these dinnerware sets are sure to elevate your dining experience and make your special occasions even more memorable.

Dinnerware sets for outdoor use

Meri Meri Reusable Bamboo Plates

Meri Meri's bamboo plates are strong enough to withstand drops and scrapes and are available in unique shapes and colours. They are not suitable for holding very hot food, though, as they are only suitable for hot food up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

Poketo Bamboo Salad Plate Set

Poketo's bamboo plates are lightweight, pretty, and environmentally friendly. They are commercially compostable and can tolerate hot foods, as they can support a maximum temperature of 248 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they are not very durable and scratch easily.

Xenia Taler Terrazzo Side Plates

Xenia Taler's bamboo plates come in a variety of colours and patterns and you can create your own custom set by mixing patterns and sizes. However, they are only suitable for holding food heated up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit and they scratch easily.

Falcon Enamelware Plate Set

Falcon Enamelware's dinnerware set is simple, classic, and versatile. The dishes are able to withstand real heat or cold and are available in a variety of colours. They are durable and passed all of the stress tests, but they are usually more expensive than other options.

Red Co. Enamelware Dinner Plates

Red Co.'s enamelware dishes are durable, affordable, and come in classic and vintage patterns. They performed just as well as the Falcon Enamelware set in withstanding drops, sauce stains, and scratches.

Pillowfort Plastic Dinnerware

Pillowfort's plastic dinnerware is cute and inexpensive. The plates are colourful, light, and extremely durable. They are also the only dishes among the picks that are safe for reheating in the microwave. However, they scratch very easily.

West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Set

West Elm's melamine dinner plates come in a rainbow of muted colours and are sturdy and scratch-resistant. However, they are not microwave-safe and cannot be purchased individually or mixed in colour when ordering.

Williams Sonoma Sicily Outdoor Melamine Dinner Plates and Soleil White Melamine Dinner Plates

Williams Sonoma's melamine dinner plates are the most traditional-looking and substantial set. They are thicker and weigh more than any other pick and they passed all of the stress tests with flying colours. However, they are also the priciest.

Lekoch 16-Piece Bamboo Dinnerware Set

Lekoch's bamboo dinnerware set is attractive and durable, with plates that look like handmade pottery. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad/dessert plates, four bowls, and four cups. They are dishwasher-safe but are not microwave-safe.

Craft & Kin Woodgrain Melamine Dinnerware Set

Craft & Kin's melamine dinnerware set has a striking rustic wood aesthetic and is great for casual dining. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad/dessert plates, and four bowls. They are dishwasher-safe but are not microwave-safe and already have a bit of a rough finish.

Gufaith 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set

Gufaith's melamine dinnerware set looks like turquoise stoneware with a brown accent rim. It is lightweight yet sturdy and includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls. The pieces are easy to clean but are not microwave-safe.

Dinnerware sets by material

Dinnerware sets come in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Here's a rundown of the most common materials and what to expect:

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is often heavier and more opaque than porcelain. It usually has a rustic, earthy aesthetic and may be finished with a matte or glossy glaze. Stoneware is known for its durability, making it a popular choice for everyday use. However, it can be prone to chipping and may not stack as neatly as other materials. Stoneware is typically microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, but always check the manufacturer's care instructions before use.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is widely used for dinnerware. It has a glossy, non-porous surface and is known for its durability. Porcelain dinnerware often has a classic, elegant look and can range from simple white sets to more colourful and patterned options. It is generally microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, but some sets with decorative edges or patterns may have specific care instructions.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash in its composition, giving it a translucent, milky appearance. It is known for its lightweight yet durable construction and is often considered more elegant and formal than other materials. Bone china dinnerware sets usually include plates, bowls, and mugs, and some may also offer additional pieces like teacups and saucers. While bone china is generally microwave and dishwasher-safe, it is important to check the care instructions as some sets with gold or silver trim may have specific restrictions.

Glass

Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known Corelle brand, is known for its durability and chip-resistance. It often has a simple, modern aesthetic and is suitable for both everyday use and outdoor dining. Glass dinnerware is typically microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it is important to handle it with care as it can shatter if dropped on hard surfaces.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is made of plastic and is a lightweight and durable option, especially for outdoor dining or households with children. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from sophisticated solids to traditional prints and florals. Melamine dinnerware is usually dishwasher-safe, but it is not suitable for microwave use.

When choosing a dinnerware material, consider your personal style, the intended use, and the level of durability you require. Each material has its own unique characteristics, so it's important to select the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions