Dinnerware Duos: Elevating The Rental Dining Experience

Dinnerware sets the tone for your dining experience, whether it's a casual meal for one or a fancy dinner party. The best dinnerware sets should be durable enough to withstand frequent use and cleaning, while also reflecting your personal style. Here's an introduction to some of the top dinnerware sets available, offering a range of styles and budgets to suit your needs.

If you're seeking an all-in-one solution, the Our Place Classic Stacking Set is a fantastic option, with 20 pieces that stack neatly and resist cuts and stains. For those who prioritise value, the Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set offers an impressive number of pieces for a very reasonable price, and it also resists scratches and stains. Corelle's Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set is another durable and scratch-resistant choice, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

For a more elegant and high-end option, consider the Wedgwood Gio 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, which offers a unique and subtle textural design. This bone china set is lightweight, thin, and neatly stackable, making it a great blend of delicacy and durability. If you're drawn to rustic charm, the Vietri Italian Lastra Collection, handcrafted in Italy from Italian stoneware, exudes luxury and is chip and break-resistant.

For a modern twist, the Jono Pandolfi Coupe 4-Piece Place Setting offers handmade stoneware in a sleek, contemporary design. This set includes a versatile bowl perfect for salads or pasta. And if you're seeking a true pop of colour, the Fiesta 12-Piece Bistro Dinnerware Set delivers with its range of 13 bright colours.

Ultimately, the best dinnerware set for you will depend on your personal style, budget, and specific needs, whether that's durability, elegance, or a mix of both.

Durability

Materials

• Earthenware: While it has a casual, rustic look, earthenware is delicate and easily chipped. It's usually lightweight, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe if glazed.
• Stoneware: Stoneware has a similar rustic look to earthenware but is stronger and less prone to breaking. It's generally microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and its bulkier shape may not stack as compactly in cabinets.
• China or Porcelain: China and porcelain are durable and have a non-porous glaze. They can be microwaved and dishwashed, though not always if they have gold or silver trim. Porcelain is more affordable, while bone china is lighter and more expensive, often reserved for formal occasions.
• Melamine: Melamine is a lightweight, break-resistant plastic. It's perfect for outdoor dining or families with children, but it's not microwavable and may wear down with frequent dishwashing.
• Glass: Glass dinnerware, like Corelle's Vitrelle glass, is durable and non-porous. It's chip, crack, and shatter-resistant, making it a great choice for everyday use.

Specific Dinnerware Sets

• Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set: Corelle's glass dinnerware is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and shattering. It includes appetizer plates and bowls, which some may find on the smaller side.
• Gibson Rockaway Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This stoneware set offers a spare, unfussy design with rounded sides and a matte glaze. The bowls are generously sized, and the pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
• Pfaltzgraff Trellis Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This set offers a rustic, vintage look with a subtle scrolled pattern and wide rims. The mugs are large, and the set is microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
• Fiesta Dinnerware Set: Fiesta is a distinctive, iconic brand with bright, bold glazes and concentric circles. The salad plates are large, and the set is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. However, some colors may be discontinued.
• Amazon Basics Melamine Dinnerware Set: These melamine plates can fool guests into thinking they're ceramic, with sophisticated colors and patterns. The salad plates and bowls are bigger than most, and the set is dishwasher-safe, but not microwavable.
• Wedgwood White Dinnerware Set: This elegant bone china set has wide rims and footed mugs with thin, pleasant-to-sip lips. The mugs may be too small for some, and the set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Fable Basic Dinnerware Set: Fable offers a simple, organic look with slightly upturned rims on the plates, providing ample space. The set includes deep and wide bowls, and you can mix and match colors within the set. It's dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Price

Dinnerware sets can vary in price depending on the number of pieces included, the materials used, and the brand. Here is a breakdown of the price ranges for some of the best dinnerware sets available:

Budget-Friendly Options:

Dinnerware sets in this category typically range from $30 to $70 for a complete set, or around $2 to $6 per piece. These sets usually include the basic pieces needed for a place setting, such as a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and sometimes a mug. Some popular options in this price range include:

• Amazon Basics 16-piece Dinnerware Set ($35)
• Gibson Home Rockaway 12-piece Dinnerware Set ($38)
• Corelle Vitrelle 18-piece Dinnerware Set ($40)
• Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-piece Dinnerware Set ($70)

Mid-Range Options:

These dinnerware sets typically range from $90 to $200 and offer more unique designs, higher-quality materials, or additional pieces. You can expect to pay around $5 to $15 per piece within this price range. Some popular options include:

• Dansk Cafe Blanc Dinnerware ($90)
• Our Place Dinnerware Set (starting at $145)
• Fable Basic Dinnerware Set ($272)
• Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set (starting at $117)
• Lenox Blue Bay 12-piece Dinnerware Set ($119)

High-End Options:

For those seeking luxury or more specialized dinnerware, prices can range from $200 to over $500 for a complete set, or $15 to $40 per piece. These sets often include larger or more specialized pieces and are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Some options in this price range include:

• Wedgwood White 16-piece Dinnerware Set ($485)
• Costa Nova Dinner Plate Set ($33 per plate)
• Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set ($200)
• Vietri Italian Lastra Collection ($178 for a 4-piece set)
• Fable New York Colorful Bamboo Dinnerware ($32 per piece)

Materials

Dinnerware sets are available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, bone china, stoneware, earthenware, glass, and melamine. Each material has its own unique characteristics and advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common materials for dinnerware sets:

Ceramic

Ceramic dinnerware is a popular choice for its versatility and durability. It is made from clay that has been fired at high temperatures, resulting in a non-porous and glossy finish. Ceramic dinnerware is typically microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, making it convenient for everyday use. Ceramic sets can range from classic white to colourful designs, offering a wide range of options to suit different styles.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is known for its refined and elegant appearance. It is made from clay fired at high temperatures and typically has a white and shiny finish. Porcelain dinnerware sets are often more affordable alternatives to bone china, offering durability and a sleek aesthetic. They are usually microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, making them suitable for everyday use.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that includes bone ash in its composition, giving it a translucent and milky appearance. It is known for its lightweight yet durable nature, making it a popular choice for formal dinnerware. Bone china sets often have wide rims, contributing to a traditional look. While bone china is generally safe for the microwave and dishwasher, some sets with gold or silver trim may require special care.

Stoneware

Stoneware has a rustic and earthy appeal, often featuring uneven edges and textured exteriors. It is made from fired clay and is usually heavier and more opaque than porcelain. Stoneware sets can come in a variety of glazes and colours, offering a unique and handcrafted look. They are typically microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, making them a practical choice for everyday use.

Earthenware

Earthenware has a casual and rustic appearance, often resembling handmade pottery. It is made from clay and has a more porous surface than stoneware. While it may be less durable and prone to chipping, earthenware sets can offer a unique, handcrafted charm. Earthenware is generally microwave and dishwasher-safe, but it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines.

Glass

Glass dinnerware, such as the well-known Corelle brand, is known for its durability and chip-resistance. Glass sets are often lightweight and stackable, making them ideal for everyday use and space-saving in cabinets. They are typically microwave and dishwasher-safe, but it is important to handle them with care to avoid shattering.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is a lightweight and break-resistant plastic option, perfect for outdoor dining or families with children. Melamine sets come in various sophisticated colours and patterns, offering an elegant alternative to traditional plastic plates. While melamine is dishwasher-safe, it is not suitable for microwave use due to the high heat affecting the finish.

Shapes

When it comes to choosing a dinnerware set, there are a variety of shapes to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best shape for your needs:

• Rimmed vs. Rimless Plates: Rimmed plates have a raised edge that can provide a nice frame for your food and make it easier to carry. However, rimless plates, also known as coupe plates, offer a more modern look and maximise the surface area for your food.
• Wide vs. Straight vs. Sloped Rims: Wide-rimmed plates provide a convenient grip and can help contain messier dishes. Straight-walled plates have a sleek, modern aesthetic and maximise flat surface area, but food may slide around more. Sloped rims offer a compromise between the two, providing some containment while still allowing for ample space.
• Bowl Shapes: Consider the depth and shape of bowls. Shallow bowls are great for cereal, desserts, and small portions, while deeper bowls are more versatile and can accommodate larger servings, making them ideal for pasta, soup, or salads. Some sets also offer a variety of bowl shapes and sizes to suit different needs.
• Mug Handles: Pay attention to the size and shape of mug handles. Smaller looped handles may be polarising, with some users finding them uncomfortable to hold, while others prefer them. Wider handles that accommodate two or more fingers are generally more comfortable and secure.
• Stackability: If storage space is a concern, look for dinnerware sets with pieces that stack neatly and compactly. This is especially important for larger or more uniquely shaped items.
• Overall Design: The overall design and shape of your dinnerware should complement your style and the ambiance you want to create. Consider whether you prefer a more modern or rustic look, and whether you want your dinnerware to make a statement or blend seamlessly into the background.

Patterns

• Solid colours: A simple yet elegant approach is to opt for solid colours like white, black, grey, or blue. These colours provide a neutral canvas for your meals and can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces.
• Geometric designs: For a modern and sleek look, consider dinnerware with geometric patterns such as stripes, circles, or squares. These patterns can add interest and texture to your table setting.
• Organic shapes: If you prefer a more natural and rustic aesthetic, look for dinnerware with organic shapes and curved lines. These pieces often have a handcrafted feel and may feature uneven edges or textured surfaces.
• Floral patterns: Floral patterns can add a touch of elegance and charm to your table. Look for delicate floral motifs or bold botanical prints to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.
• Abstract designs: Abstract patterns, such as splatter paint, speckles, or marbling, offer a unique and artistic touch to your dinnerware. These designs can be subtle or bold, depending on your preference.
• Colourful motifs: Bright and vibrant colours can make a statement and bring a playful vibe to your table. Consider dinnerware with colourful rims, concentric circles, or other eye-catching motifs.
• Gold or silver trim: For a touch of luxury and sophistication, opt for dinnerware with gold or silver trim. This can include gilded edges, banded patterns, or intricate filigree designs.
• Retro designs: Retro-inspired dinnerware sets are also popular, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Look for sets with vintage-style patterns, such as polka dots, geometric shapes, or colourful florals.

Frequently asked questions