Dinnerware Sets For The Distinguished Dude: Elevating Mealtime With Style

Dinnerware sets the table for memorable meals and offer 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. Here are some of the best dinnerware sets for a dude:

- Fable: This dinnerware has a simple, organic look that communicates high quality in an understated way. It’s manufactured in Portugal and hand-finished so each piece is slightly different. With only a slight upturn at the rim, the dinner and salad plates give a wide surface for generous portions. This set includes deep bowls for granola or yogurt and wider ones for rigatoni, noodles, or risotto. In addition to speckled white, these pieces come in blush pink, dove gray, midnight blue, and beachgrass green.

- Gibson: Gibson offers relatively affordable dinnerware sets that are sleek, match-all and practical for entertaining. Specifically, we covet the Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Set for a bit of a modern touch, along with the Rockaway 12-Piece Set if you want a simpler bundle. Gibson also offers more coffeehouse-style collections, including the Casa Azul 16-Piece Set and the Elite Althea 16-Piece Set.

- Corelle: Corelle has some wonderful white dinnerware bundles, with a touch of color that still honors the match-all lean. The brand’s Portofino Round Dinnerware Set for 6 and best-selling Ocean Blue Dinnerware Set for 6 are two of our favorites. Its all-white dinnerware set is another 16-piece offering that deserves much acclaim (not to mention, a set that’ll last for years). Corelle also has some of the most precious cereal and soup bowls we’ve ever seen. The best part? All Corelle dinnerware is chip and scratch-resistant.

- Stone Lain: Stone Lain has gorgeous bone China options, including the Gabrielle 12-Piece Dinnerware Set and the Weave-Embossed 16-Piece Round Dinnerware Set. We recommend the brand’s beautiful swirled 16-Piece Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set and Modern Gold Splash 16-Piece Dinnerware Set for a hint of style that some other sets don’t offer.

- Pfaltzgraff: Pfaltzgraff has some wonderful textured sets that are sure to garner compliments from your guests. Notably, its Trellis White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set and Bella 12-Piece Dinnerware Set add a glimmer of farmhouse-style and earthiness to your home, respectively. We thought we had our two favorites on deck but then we saw the unique Cheateau Cream 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set that has delicately scalloped detailing on the edge. For an elevated nature pattern that’s a more cherry take on your plain white set, consider the Annabelle 16-Piece Dinnerware Set.

Dinnerware materials: Stoneware, porcelain, bone china, glass, and more

Dinnerware can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a list of the most common materials used to make dinnerware, along with their unique characteristics:

• Stoneware: Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired at a high temperature, making it more durable than earthenware. It is often used for casual, everyday place settings and is typically safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque appearance than finer materials like porcelain and china. Some popular brands that make stoneware dinnerware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).
• Porcelain: Porcelain is made from a fine-particle clay that is fired at a high temperature, resulting in a durable, non-porous, and translucent material. It allows for shaped details to be incorporated into the design and often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions. However, it can also be used every day to add a touch of elegance to any meal. Popular brands that make porcelain dinnerware include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.
• Bone China: Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash in its composition, which gives it a unique milky and translucent appearance. It is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware, despite its fragile presentation. Bone china is typically dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave and oven unless it has metallic banding. Popular brands that make bone china dinnerware include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.
• Glass: Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known brand Corelle, is made from vitrified glass, which is fired at an ultra-high temperature to make it non-porous and extremely durable. Glass dinnerware is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is a great option for college students, families with kids, or anyone looking for an inexpensive and durable set.
• Melamine: Melamine is a type of plastic that is lightweight, chip-resistant, and has a glossy finish. It is ideal for children and outdoor use and is usually dishwasher-safe, but not suitable for the microwave or oven. Melamine dinnerware sets are often inexpensive and can be a great option for those on a budget.

Dinnerware sets for different occasions: Everyday, formal, outdoor, and more

Dinnerware sets can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, bone china, stoneware, earthenware, glass, and melamine. Each material has its pros and cons, and some are more suitable for everyday use than others. Here are some recommendations for dinnerware sets for different occasions:

Everyday Dinnerware

Everyday dinnerware should be durable, easy to clean, and budget-conscious. Porcelain and stoneware are good choices as they are chip-resistant and can usually be washed in the dishwasher. Here are some recommendations for everyday dinnerware:

• Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Corelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Stone Lain Coupe Dinnerware Set
• Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Gibson Elite Althea 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Our Place Dinnerware Set
• Fable Basic Dinnerware Set

Formal Dinnerware

Formal dinnerware should be elegant and refined, and it can be made from materials such as bone china or porcelain. Here are some recommendations for formal dinnerware:

• Wedgwood White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Lenox French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting
• Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Williams Sonoma Brasserie Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Jono Pandolfi Coupe 4-Piece Place Setting
• Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set

Outdoor dinnerware should be durable and easy to clean. Melamine dinnerware is a good choice for outdoor use as it is lightweight, shatterproof, and usually dishwasher-safe. Here are some recommendations for outdoor dinnerware:

• Amazon Basics Melamine Dinnerware Set
• The Gap Home Flowing Watercolors 8-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Martha Stewart Gold Rimmed 12-Piece Fine Ceramic Dinnerware Set
• Luminarc Arty French Glass Dinnerware
• Casafina Taormina Dinnerware Collection

Dinnerware set pieces: Plates, bowls, mugs, and more

Dinnerware sets are a great way to express your personal style and set the tone for your dining table. They also offer an opportunity to create a cohesive look by mixing and matching pieces from different collections. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right dinnerware set pieces, including plates, bowls, mugs, and more.

Plates

When selecting dinner plates, consider the size and shape that best suit your needs. Round plates with rims provide a classic look and help contain food, while straight-sided plates offer a modern aesthetic and maximise food presentation space. If you entertain frequently, consider investing in charger plates, which are larger plates that act as a base for dinner plates and add a touch of elegance to your table setting.

Bowls

Bowls come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so choose ones that align with your dining habits and preferences. Deeper bowls are ideal for pasta, soup, and cereal, while shallower bowls work well for salads, desserts, or side dishes. Consider having a variety of bowl sizes and shapes in your dinnerware set to accommodate different types of meals and occasions.

Mugs

Mugs are an essential component of a dinnerware set, especially if you enjoy a hot beverage with your meal. Look for mugs with comfortable handles that are easy to grip and a size that suits your beverage preferences. Some dinnerware sets also offer cups and saucers, which can be great for tea or coffee drinkers who prefer a more delicate drinking experience.

Additional Pieces

In addition to the standard dinnerware pieces, you may want to consider adding some extra items to your collection. Salad plates, bread plates, and dessert bowls can enhance your table setting and provide variety. Serving platters, gravy boats, and other serving pieces can be useful for family-style meals or when hosting guests. Don't forget to consider your storage space when adding additional pieces to your dinnerware set.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's important to think about the materials used. Stoneware, porcelain, bone china, and glass are popular options, each offering unique advantages. Stoneware is known for its durability and earthy appeal, while porcelain provides a sleek and elegant look. Bone china has a translucent, milky appearance and is highly regarded for its refinement. Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known Corelle brand, is almost indestructible and an excellent choice for everyday use.

Dinnerware set colours: White, colourful, and patterned

White dinnerware sets are a classic choice, and they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They are also versatile and can be used for both formal and informal dining. White dinnerware sets are also easy to match with other tableware and decor.

On the other hand, colourful dinnerware sets can add a touch of personality and fun to your table. They can be used to create a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere, making them perfect for casual gatherings and everyday use. Colourful dinnerware sets can also be a great way to showcase your unique style and taste.

Patterned dinnerware sets can be a great way to add interest and texture to your table. They can be used to create a cohesive look, especially when paired with complementary table linens and centrepieces. Patterned dinnerware sets can also be a great way to make a statement and showcase your personal style.

Dinnerware set brands: Corelle, Gibson, Fable, and more

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any household, and choosing the right one can elevate your dining experience. Here are some of the top dinnerware brands in the market, offering a range of styles and features to suit different needs and preferences:

Corelle

Corelle is a well-known brand that offers durable and stylish dinnerware sets. Their products are made of triple-layer glass, which makes them chip and crack-resistant. The brand has a variety of patterns and designs available, including their popular Winter Frost White collection. Corelle sets are also microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient for everyday use.

Gibson

Gibson provides an extensive range of dinnerware sets at affordable prices. Their collections feature modern designs and simple, elegant styles. Gibson sets are usually made of stoneware or porcelain and are safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher. The brand offers a range of bundle options, from coffeehouse-style collections to simple and practical sets.

Fable

Fable is a Canadian brand that offers sustainable and minimalist dinnerware sets. Their products are designed in Vancouver and handcrafted in Portugal using traditional ceramic techniques. Fable sets are known for their unique, earthy aesthetic and are available in a range of muted colours. The brand prioritises functionality, with sets including different types of plates and bowls to suit various dining needs.

Pfaltzgraff

Pfaltzgraff is a brand that offers rustic and vintage-style dinnerware sets. Their Trellis collection, for example, features a subtle scrolled pattern and random dark markings that give it an antique look. Pfaltzgraff sets are made of stoneware and are microwave and dishwasher-safe. The brand also offers a range of textured sets that add a touch of charm to any table setting.

Fiesta

Fiesta is an iconic American brand that has been manufacturing dinnerware since 1936. Their classic dinnerware set features bold glazes and concentric circles, available in a range of vibrant colours. Fiesta sets are made of ceramicware and are microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe. The brand offers a variety of place settings and individual pieces, allowing customers to mix and match colours and create a unique table setting.

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics provides a simple and affordable dinnerware solution. Their 18-piece kitchen dinnerware set is an excellent option for those looking for a basic, no-frills set. The set includes service for six and is made of porcelain. Amazon Basics sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient for everyday use.

These brands offer a diverse range of dinnerware sets to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for something elegant and sophisticated or simple and functional, these brands have something to offer.

Frequently asked questions