Dinnerware Dreams: Elevate Your Table With These Registry Selections

Choosing the best dinnerware set for your wedding registry is an important decision. It's not just about selecting something that looks good on your tabletop but also finding a set that will suit your lifestyle and unique style. When making your choice, consider the size of gatherings you plan to host, the types of food you'll serve, and the overall decor of your home.

There are numerous options available, from different materials to hand-painted designs, and various pieces included in each setting. It's recommended to register for eight place settings for a household size of four and increase that number to 12 if you envision hosting larger gatherings.

Some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a dinnerware set are the number of pieces in each set, ensuring they suit your lifestyle, and checking if they are microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Additionally, consider the material—porcelain and bone china are popular choices for their resistance to chipping and cracking, while stoneware is a durable option for a less formal look.

When it comes to aesthetics, think about how the dinnerware will complement your kitchen and tabletop. If you have a dark dining table, for example, consider lighter-hued dinnerware to create a beautiful contrast.

- Villeroy & Boch Artesano Original 16-Piece Dinnerware Set (best white dinnerware)

- Costa Nova Pearl White 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (upgrade option for white dinnerware)

- Casafina Pacifica 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (best colourful dinnerware)

- Costa Nova Brisa 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (best scalloped-edge dinnerware)

- Lenox Oyster Bay 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (best patterned dinnerware)

White dinnerware

Villeroy & Boch Artesano Original 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This rustic-chic porcelain dinnerware set is ideal for craftsman, bohemian, or mid-century modern kitchens. The simple circular design and matte finish give the four place settings a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe. The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe, and the plates feature a wide edge to minimize spills. It includes:

• 4 10.5-inch dinner plates
• 4 8.5-inch salad plates
• 4 9-inch pasta bowls
• 4 20-ounce rice bowls

Costa Nova Pearl White 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This stoneware set adds a subtle touch of whimsy to your kitchen, with embossed beading along the rounded edges of the 3-piece place settings. Produced in Portugal, the set can be used in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. It includes:

• 4 11.25-inch dinner plates
• 4 27-ounce cereal bowls
• 4 21-ounce pasta bowls

Crate and Barrel Marin White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This elevated basic set features an organic shape and hand-antiquing around the rim, giving it a bespoke feel. At under $120 for a 16-piece set, it's a great value. It includes:

• 4 dinner plates
• 4 salad plates
• 4 bowls
• 4 mugs

Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set

This affordable set includes plates, dishes, and bowls for service for 6. It's a great option if you're looking for a simple, classic design. It includes:

• 6 dinner plates
• 6 dessert plates
• 6 bowls

LE TAUCI Dinnerware Sets 12 PCS

This ceramic plates and bowls set includes a 10" dinner plate, an 8" salad dish, and a 26 oz cereal bowl. It's oven-safe and would be a great choice for everyday use or formal dinners. It includes:

• 4 dinner plates
• 4 salad dishes
• 4 cereal bowls

Fine china

When registering for fine china, you can opt for a traditional 12-piece place setting or a more modern, eclectic mix of individual pieces. You can also choose between four- or five-piece settings, with the latter being more common for formal sets. Settings typically include a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread plate or soup bowl, and a cup for coffee or tea, with the latter also including a saucer.

If you're looking for a durable, everyday set, stoneware is a good option. It's more durable than earthenware and can go in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer. Porcelain and china are also ideal for formal entertaining and everyday use, as they are extremely durable and allow for shaped detailing.

• Lenox
• Wedgwood
• Royal Albert
• Royal Copenhagen
• Noritake
• Hawkins
• Michael Aram
• Bernardaud
• Vista Alegre
• Pillivuyt
• Haviland
• Pickard

Stoneware

Zanzibar Stoneware Dinnerware Set by Euro Ceramica

The Zanzibar collection from Euro Ceramica offers a 20-piece stoneware dinnerware set that services four people. This set features an artisan design with a mix of blue and white colours. The set includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs.

Stone Lain Stoneware Dinnerware Set

The Stone Lain brand offers a 12-piece round dinnerware set in taupe. This set services four people and includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. The simple yet elegant design makes it perfect for both formal and casual gatherings.

Le Creuset Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Le Creuset is a well-known brand that offers a 16-piece stoneware dinnerware set in white. This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs. The classic design and colour make it a versatile option for any table setting.

Heath Rim Line Stoneware Dinnerware Set

The Heath Rim Line is an heirloom set of stoneware with a timeless design. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs. The handmade stoneware has a warm and homey feel yet retains a refined quality. The set is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Jono Pandolfi Coupe Stoneware Dinnerware Set

The Jono Pandolfi Coupe Collection offers sturdy and elegant stoneware. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, mugs, and saucers. The dark brown clay body gives the set a unique and earthy look. The collection is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

When choosing a stoneware dinnerware set for your registry, consider the size of the set, the colour and design, and whether it includes all the pieces you need, such as plates, bowls, and mugs. Additionally, look for sets that are dishwasher and microwave safe for added convenience.

Porcelain

Everyday Essential: Villeroy & Boch Artesano Original 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This rustic-chic Villeroy & Boch porcelain dinnerware set exudes sophistication with its simple circular design and trending matte finish. The set includes four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch salad plates, four 9-inch pasta bowls, and four 20-ounce rice bowls. It is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and the plates feature a wide edge to minimize spills. This set is ideal for couples who desire a mix of functionality and style and is priced at $220.

Upgrade: Costa Nova Pearl White 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This stoneware dinnerware set from Costa Nova exudes understated elegance with its embossed beading along the rounded edges, reminiscent of 18th and 19th-century ceramics. The set includes four 11.25-inch dinner plates, four 27-ounce cereal bowls, and four 21-ounce pasta bowls. It is microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Priced at $360, this set is a timeless choice that will complement any kitchen aesthetic.

Iittala Teema 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in White

The Iittala Teema 16-piece dinnerware set offers a modern take on traditional porcelain. The set features raised edges, providing a contained universe for your food and making it easier to scoop food with just a fork. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four soup bowls, and four pasta bowls. The set is available at Bed Bath & Beyond for $296.

Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Set

Gibson offers sleek and practical dinnerware sets at affordable prices. The Soho Lounge 16-piece Square Set, priced at $56, adds a modern touch to your table with its square shape. If you prefer a simpler design, the Gibson Rockaway 12-piece Set, priced at $40, is another excellent choice.

Corelle Dinnerware Sets

Corelle is known for its durable and chip-resistant dinnerware. The brand offers a variety of white dinnerware sets, such as the Portofino Round Dinnerware Set for 6 ($100) and the best-selling Ocean Blue Dinnerware Set for 6 ($68). Their 16-piece all-white dinnerware set ($49) is another excellent option that will never go out of style. Corelle also offers adorable cereal and soup bowls ($18) to complete your collection.

Stone Lain 16-Piece Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set

Stone Lain offers unique and stylish dinnerware sets at affordable prices. Their 16-piece Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set ($68) features a beautiful swirled design, while the Modern Gold Splash 16-piece Dinnerware Set ($120) adds a hint of glamour to your table. If you prefer bone china, Stone Lain also offers the Gabrielle 12-piece Dinnerware Set ($110) and the Weave-Embossed 16-piece Round Dinnerware Set ($90).

Glassware

When selecting glassware, it's essential to consider the types of drinks you'll be serving. Sturdy mugs are ideal for morning beverages, while classic cups and saucers are perfect for after-dinner coffee or tea. You may also want to include espresso cups and teapots in your collection if you're a tea or coffee enthusiast.

Another factor to consider is the size of your glassware. For dinner parties, it's recommended to have at least 12 place settings. A 5-piece place setting typically includes a dinner plate, salad plate, soup/pasta bowl, cup, and saucer. A 4-piece place setting substitutes a mug for the cup and saucer. You may also want to include bread and butter plates, sauce/gravy boats, and butter dishes in your collection.

When it comes to style, traditional white dinnerware is a timeless option that can be used for both casual and formal dining. However, you can also add a pop of colour or pattern to your table setting with coloured or patterned plates, linens, and serveware.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the care instructions for your glassware. Porcelain and stoneware are usually dishwasher and microwave safe, while classic earthenware pieces may require hand-washing to preserve their unique beauty.

Frequently asked questions