Dinnerware Sets For The Modern Family: Finding The Perfect Balance Of Style And Functionality

Dinnerware sets the table for memorable meals and offer an opportunity to express your personal style. Choosing the best dinnerware set for you isn't always a cinch. The best dinnerware set will be the one you love to use every day and when guests visit, too. Depending on your household, there might be a more practical option to consider. 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.

Material: Porcelain, stoneware, bone china, glass, or melamine?

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is made from a fine-particle clay, which is comprised of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. It is fired at a higher temperature than other types of ceramic, making it extremely durable and nonporous. This process also allows porcelain to be thinner and more delicately constructed, giving it an almost translucent appearance. Porcelain is often used for more formal dining occasions, but it can also be used every day to make any meal a little more elegant.

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is made from clay and has a more opaque appearance than porcelain. It is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, which makes it less durable. Stoneware is typically used for casual, everyday place settings and is usually finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte.

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash in its clay body. This gives bone china a milky appearance and makes it stronger and more durable than porcelain. It is also less brittle and more resistant to breaking. Bone china is often used for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used for everyday meals.

Price: Budget-friendly or splurge-worthy?

When it comes to dinnerware, there's a wide range of prices to suit different budgets. The "right" price depends on your budget, but there are some great options at a variety of price points. Here's a look at some budget-friendly and splurge-worthy dinnerware sets:

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're looking for a durable and wallet-friendly option, the Amazon Basics 16-piece dinnerware set is a great choice. Made of porcelain, this set includes six each of salad plates, dinner plates, and cereal bowls. It's safe for the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven, making it convenient and versatile. At around $2.25 per piece, it's a fantastic value.

Another budget-friendly option is the Gibson Home Rockaway 12-piece dinnerware set. This stoneware set comes in a range of colours, including trendy shades like slate blue and millennial pink. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, and salad bowls, making it versatile for different meals. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe, and at under $70 for 30 pieces, it's a fantastic deal.

The Corelle 18-piece dinnerware set is another excellent choice for families or those looking for durability. This glass dinnerware is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and shattering. It comes in various patterns and shapes, and the pieces stack neatly, saving cabinet space. While the bowls and appetizer plates are on the smaller side, the set is a great value, often priced under $70.

Splurge-worthy Options

If you're looking for a more luxurious dinnerware set, the Wedgwood White 16-piece dinnerware set is a classic choice. This bone china set has a creamy white colour and wide rims, giving it a traditional yet elegant look. The footed mugs are a pleasure to sip from, and the set is microwave and dishwasher-safe. However, at around $485, it is an investment.

For a modern and stylish option, consider the Fable Basic Dinnerware Set. This set, manufactured in Portugal, has a simple yet elegant design with slightly upturned rims on the plates, providing ample space for your meals. The set includes deep bowls for yogurt or granola and wider bowls for pasta or risotto, and you can mix and match colours within the set. Priced at around $272 for a four-piece place setting, it's a moderately expensive option.

The Made In The Tabletop Set is another splurge-worthy option that offers a comprehensive set of dinnerware and flatware. This porcelain set includes dinner plates, appetizer plates, bread and butter plates, entree bowls, side bowls, and stainless steel flatware. It has a beautiful, glossy finish and colourful rims, giving it a unique look. While it is pricey, with the "Complete" set costing around $589, there are also "Essential" and "Starter" sets available at lower price points.

In conclusion, there are fantastic dinnerware options to suit a variety of budgets. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly set for everyday use or a splurge-worthy set for special occasions, you can find something that suits your needs and style.

Number of settings: How many people will you be serving?

The number of settings in a dinnerware set is an important consideration when making a purchase. The number of settings will determine how many people can be served at once and is usually based on the size of the household and how often guests are entertained.

Most dinnerware sets range from one setting to six settings, with four to six place settings being the most common for families. A place setting typically includes a dinner plate, a salad or dessert plate, a bowl, and a mug or cup. Some sets may also include additional pieces such as serving bowls, platters, or trays.

If you are looking for a basic, kid-friendly set, you may want to consider melamine dinnerware, which is durable and easy to clean. On the other hand, if you entertain guests frequently, you may want to invest in a more formal set with additional pieces that can be added on, such as serving bowls, platters, or trays.

Open-stock dinnerware is another option that allows you to purchase individual pieces and create a custom number of settings. This can be useful if you need to replace broken items or want to add to your collection over time. However, open-stock dinnerware tends to be more expensive than curated sets.

Pieces: Plates, bowls, mugs, or more?

Dinnerware sets typically include a dinner plate, a side plate, a bowl, and a mug. However, some sets may include pasta bowls, soup bowls, dessert plates, and even teacups and saucers. The number of pieces in a dinnerware set can vary, but most include four or six place settings.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it is important to consider the number of place settings you require, the types of dishes included, the shape and size of the pieces, the material, and the colour and pattern. It is also worth considering whether the set is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe.

• Plates: Dinnerware sets typically include both dinner plates and side plates. Dinner plates are larger and are used for the main course, while side plates are smaller and can be used for salads, desserts, or bread and butter. Some sets may also include bread and butter plates, which are even smaller and are designed specifically for bread and butter or small appetisers.
• Bowls: Dinnerware sets usually include a standard bowl that can be used for soup, cereal, or dessert. Some sets may also include larger pasta bowls or smaller rice bowls.
• Mugs: Mugs are typically included in dinnerware sets and are used for hot beverages like coffee or tea. Some sets may also include teacups and saucers, which are smaller and more delicate, and are often used for tea or espresso.

Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, oven-safe?

Dinnerware sets are available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, bone china, stoneware, glass, and melamine. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are more durable than others. Here are some care instructions for the different types of dinnerware:

Dishwasher-Safe Dinnerware

Most dinnerware sets are dishwasher-safe, but it's always good to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Bone china, porcelain, stoneware, and ceramic dinnerware are usually dishwasher-safe. Melamine dinnerware, a type of plastic, is also dishwasher-safe and very durable. However, it is important to note that melamine should not be used in the microwave as it can be damaged by the high temperatures.

Microwave-Safe Dinnerware

Many dinnerware sets are also microwave-safe. Porcelain, bone china, stoneware, ceramic, and glass dinnerware are often safe to use in the microwave. However, it is important to check the care instructions, as some dinnerware with decorative edges or patterns may not be microwave-safe. Melamine dinnerware should be avoided in the microwave as it can be damaged by the heat.

Oven-Safe Dinnerware

Some dinnerware sets can also be used in the oven, but it is important to check the maximum heat-safe temperature provided by the manufacturer. Bone china, porcelain, and stoneware are often oven-safe, but again, always check the care instructions. Glass dinnerware, such as the popular Corelle brand, is also oven-safe. However, it is important to note that melamine dinnerware should not be used in the oven as it can melt or release toxic chemicals at high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions