Everyday Elegance: Choosing The Perfect Dinnerware Set For Your Oven-To-Table Needs

Dinnerware sets the table 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.

When shopping for dinnerware sets, evaluate the material, care instructions, price, and pieces. For example, are you looking for a basic, kid-friendly set of plates and bowls for everyday use? You might look into sets made of melamine, an extra-durable material that can go in the dishwasher. Or would you rather invest in a collection that you can add to with additional platters, serving bowls, trays, and tumblers? Consider sets that let you build the collection yourself. From outdoor-friendly options to contemporary ceramics, here are the best dinnerware sets for your kitchen.

Best for Everyday Use: Corelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Corelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a great option for everyday use. This set includes six settings, each with a 10.25" dinner plate, 6.75" appetizer plate, and 18-ounce soup and cereal bowl. The set is available in a variety of patterns, ranging from simple geometrics to florals and Mediterranean-inspired designs, and you can choose between round or square shapes. The dinner plates are ample in size, while the appetizer plates and bowls are on the smaller side compared to other sets. The set is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and shattering, and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher. It also stacks neatly in the cabinet, and additional pieces can be purchased separately or to replace any broken items. The Corelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a durable and versatile option that offers good value for money.

Best Budget: Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a super budget-friendly dinnerware set, the AmazonBasics 16-piece porcelain dinnerware set is a great option. At $2.25 per piece, it's an affordable choice for those looking to furnish on a budget, or for those looking for dinnerware for a camper or RV.

The set includes four dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, and is lightweight and basic. While it's not the most beautiful set, it gets the job done. The set is also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 572°F.

During testing, the bowls were found to be a bit small, but the set didn't scratch during durability tests.

Best for Formal Occasions: Bernardaud Palmyre Dinnerware Collection

If you're looking for a timeless set from a renowned French brand, the Bernardaud Palmyre Dinnerware Collection is the one for you. Each item is sold separately, meaning you can build your ideal dinnerware collection piece by piece. The collection includes 10.5-inch dinner plates, 8.5-inch salad plates, 6.5-inch bread and butter plates, tea cups and saucers, gravy boats, soup tureens and platters. The modern set is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Best Stoneware: Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware

The Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware set is a stylish and modern-looking set that is perfect for everyday use. The set includes two bowls, which is always handy, and the plates have a unique concentric circle design on the surface. The set comes in a range of fun colours, including mustard, olive, and sky, as well as the more traditional bone white. The plates are slightly sloped, which gives them a modern feel, but also provides a little corralling of food. The set is also available in a range of sizes, from a 16-piece set to individual place settings, which is great for adding to your collection or replacing broken items. The dinnerware is also very durable, being both dishwasher and microwave safe, and oven safe up to 450°F. The set has received rave reviews, with 5-star ratings across the board. One reviewer says that it is a "beautiful set" and they "can't wait to use it", while another comments on the "timely (FAST!) delivery". The only downside is that one of the salad plates arrived with a couple of scratches, but this is a minor issue. Overall, the Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware set is a great choice for those seeking a modern and durable dinnerware set.

Best for Families: Lenox Blue Bay Melamine 20-Piece Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a dinnerware set that's suitable for families, the Lenox Blue Bay Melamine 20-Piece Dinnerware Set is a great option. Here's why:

First and foremost, this set stands out for its durability. Melamine is a type of break-resistant plastic that is perfect for households with children or for outdoor dining. The Lenox set includes not only the standard dinner and salad plates, but also tumblers, serving platters, and salad bowls—offering a comprehensive solution for family meals or al fresco dining.

The set's striking blue and white pattern adds a stylish touch to your table. With its lightweight construction, the Lenox Blue Bay set is easy to handle, making it ideal for both everyday use and special occasions.

While the Lenox Blue Bay set is top-rack dishwasher-safe, it's important to note that melamine should not be used in the microwave, as it can be prone to overheating.

Overall, the Lenox Blue Bay Melamine 20-Piece Dinnerware Set is a fantastic choice for families, offering durability, style, and versatility at a reasonable price.

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