The Ultimate Guide To Brand Name Dinnerware Sets: Elevating Your Dining Experience

Choosing the right dinnerware set can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. Dinnerware sets come in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, bone china, stoneware, glass, and melamine. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, elegance, and maintenance.

When selecting a dinnerware set, it is essential to consider factors such as the number of place settings required, the shapes and sizes of the pieces, the colour and pattern, and the reputation of the brand or manufacturer. It is also worth noting that some materials, like bone china, are more delicate and may not be suitable for everyday use, while others, like melamine, are lightweight and ideal for outdoor dining or families with young children.

- Gibson: Offers sleek and practical dinnerware sets at affordable prices.

- Corelle: Known for their durable glass dinnerware in a variety of patterns and colours.

- Stone Lain: Provides elegant dinnerware with a modern touch, including swirled marble and gold-accented designs.

- Pfaltzgraff: Features textured sets with a farmhouse or earthy aesthetic.

- Fable: Specialises in sustainable stoneware crafted by artisans in Portugal, offering understated yet gorgeous designs.

- Lenox: Renowned for exquisite patterns and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for formal occasions.

- Le Creuset: In addition to cookware, they offer vibrant and stylish dinnerware collections.

- Lemeya: Provides affordable and extensive dinnerware sets, perfect for hosting large gatherings.

- Material: Offers minimalist stoneware at affordable prices, suitable for everyday use.

- West Elm: Features stoneware sets with textured patterns, adding visual interest to your table.

Porcelain

Gibson Home Oslo Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece set from Gibson is a great option for those who want a simple and elegant porcelain dinnerware set. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is chip and scratch-resistant. It is also available in a square shape. Gibson offers a range of other porcelain dinnerware sets in various styles and colours, such as the Casa Azul 16-piece set and the Elite Althea 16-piece set.

Elama White Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This 18-piece set from Elama is perfect for those who want a classic white porcelain dinnerware set. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is chip-resistant. Elama also offers a range of other porcelain dinnerware sets with unique designs, such as the Luna 18-piece set and the Round Stoneware Embossed Dinnerware 16-piece set.

Euro Ceramica Essential Collection Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece set from Euro Ceramica is a classic white porcelain option that would suit any dining table. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is chip-resistant.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece set from Amazon Basics is perfect for those who want a simple and affordable porcelain dinnerware set. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is microwave and dishwasher-safe. Amazon Basics also offers a modern 18-piece square dinnerware set.

Pfaltzgraff Cassandra 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece set from Pfaltzgraff is a great option for those who want a traditional porcelain dinnerware set. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is chip-resistant. Pfaltzgraff offers a range of other porcelain dinnerware sets with unique designs, such as the Trellis White 16-piece set and the Bella 12-piece set.

Stone Lain Brushed Square Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece set from Stone Lain is perfect for those who want a unique porcelain dinnerware set with a brushed design. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is chip-resistant. Stone Lain also offers a range of other porcelain dinnerware sets with modern designs, such as the Modern Gold Splash 16-piece set and the Weave-Embossed 16-piece set.

In addition to these options, there are several other brand-name porcelain dinnerware sets available from retailers such as The Home Depot, Wayfair, Williams Sonoma, and West Elm. When choosing a porcelain dinnerware set, consider the size of the set, the inclusion of mugs, and any unique designs or colours that suit your style.

Stoneware

West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware

This stoneware collection is designed in Portugal and features all the charm of a bespoke collection. Each piece is unique, with uneven edges, a textured exterior, and a delicate foot. The reactive glazes used on this design will ensure that your dinnerware is truly one of a kind. The set includes four small bowls, four pasta bowls, four dinner plates, and four salad plates, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Pottery Barn Dinnerware Set

Pottery Barn is a go-to destination for durable tabletop pieces, and their Nico dinnerware set is a timeless classic. The simple and versatile design of this stoneware collection makes it easy to pair with existing pieces or mix and match with other lines for a unique look. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four soup bowls, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece stoneware collection from Hawkins New York is both versatile and elegant. The handmade qualities, such as the soft rippling on the surface, give the set a unique, organic appeal. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls, and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450°F.

Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware

The Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware collection is a galactic-inspired set of stoneware that will make a memorable impression on your table. Each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted, ensuring subtle differences in shape, size, and glaze. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four mugs, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Heath Ceramics Rim Line

The Heath Ceramics Rim Line is an enduring classic, first designed by Edith Heath in 1960. This handcrafted stoneware has a timeless design and a refined, yet warm and homey feel. The unglazed stoneware rims give the collection an earthy signature look. The set includes a variety of pieces, such as dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

East Fork 7-Piece You're-All-Set Set

East Fork's stoneware combines simplicity, timelessness, versatility, and durability. Their rustic design, ultra-pigmented hues, and subtle speckling make this set a stunning addition to any table. The 7-piece set includes a mug, a dinner plate, a side plate, a cake plate, an everyday bowl, a breakfast bowl, and a bitty bowl, and is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Bone China

History:

Composition:

The composition of bone china varies slightly depending on the standards set by different countries. The bone ash content, which comes from animal bones, ranges from 25% in the USA to 36% in China. The traditional formulation for bone china is about 25% kaolin, 25% Cornish stone, and 50% bone ash. The bone ash gives bone china its unique creamy, soft colour and makes it stronger and more durable than other types of porcelain.

Benefits and Uses:

Care and Maintenance:

Brand Recommendations:

When purchasing bone china, it is essential to choose reputable brands to ensure quality and durability. Here are some recommended brands for bone china dinnerware sets:

• Wedgwood: Known for its high-quality bone china with sophisticated designs.
• Lenox: Offers elegant bone china dinnerware with a timeless and luxurious appeal.
• Mikasa: Provides refined bone china sets at affordable prices, similar in quality to Wedgwood.
• Spode: A historic brand associated with the development of bone china, offering durable and elegant bone china products.
• Royal Crown Derby, Royal Doulton, and Mintons: Other well-known English brands that produce or have produced bone china.

Melamine

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of melamine dinnerware sets in various colours, patterns, and styles. Some options include:

• AELS Melamine Dinnerware Set in Light Blue
• Certified International Portofino 12-Piece Set in Multi-Colour
• Gibson Home Almira Melamine Dinnerware in Assorted Colours
• Rustic Farmhouse 12-Piece Set in Grey
• MissYIP Melamine Dinnerware Set in Blue
• Gibson Home Mauna Melamine Plastic Dinnerware Set in Brick Floral
• Elama Ester 12-Piece Set in Multi-Colour
• Gibson Home Soho Grayson Square Melamine Plastic Dinnerware Set in Grey

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports reviewed several melamine dinnerware sets and recommended the following:

• Certified International Talavera 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set - a well-balanced set with a charming design.
• Sandia Melamine Dinnerware - a chic and simple set with a unique, irregular edge.
• Zak Designs Confetti 12-piece Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, and Bowl Set - a lightweight and adorable set.
• The Pioneer Woman Country Splatter 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set - an inexpensive set with a cute, old-fashioned look.

Target

Target offers a variety of melamine dinnerware sets, including:

• Gibson Everyday Alhambra Blues 12-Piece Set in Blue and White
• Gibson Studio California Mauna 12-Piece Set in Grey
• Gibson Home Rockabye 12-Piece Double Bowl Set in Green
• Gibson Home Canyon Crest 12-Piece Round Set in Blue
• Vera Cruz 12-Piece Set by Certified International
• Gibson Elite 12-Piece Melamine Brist Set

Macy's

Macy's carries melamine dinnerware and plates in a range of styles, including:

• Certified International Talavera 12-Piece Set
• Fortessa Palace Melamine Dinnerware Collection
• Q Squared Heritage Melamine Dinnerware Collection
• Fortessa Sandia Melamine Dinnerware Collection
• Laurie Gates by Gibson Mauna Ice Melamine Dinnerware 12-Piece Set
• Fortessa Camp Blue Melamine Dinnerware Collection
• Gibson Canyon Crest Stackable Matte Melamine 12-Piece Set

Wirecutter

Wirecutter reviewed outdoor dinnerware sets and recommended the following melamine options:

• West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Set - sturdy and cheerful plates in summery colours.
• Williams Sonoma Sicily Outdoor Melamine Dinner Plates and Soleil White Melamine Dinner Plates - substantial and sophisticated plates that feel almost like ceramic.

Glass

Types of Glass Dinnerware

Brands and Styles

There are several well-known brands offering glass dinnerware sets, including Corelle, Gibson, Libbey, and Latitude Run.

Corelle offers a range of classic and elegant designs, such as their Livingware Winter Frost Glass Dinnerware Set, which is chip and break-resistant. Their sets typically include 12 or 18 pieces, with some larger sets offering service for up to 12 people.

Gibson has a variety of stylish and durable options, such as their Ultra Radley 12-piece set, which features scalloped edges and is both impact and chip-resistant. They also offer sets with colourful designs, like their Ultra Violet Floral 12-piece set.

Libbey's Tempo set is a popular choice for those seeking a sleek and sturdy option, with square clear glass plates and bowls.

For a contemporary chic look, Latitude Run's Gemayel set offers a modest design with thick and durable clear glass.

Unique Designs

If you're looking for something unique, DishesOnly offers a range of designer and handmade glass dinnerware. Their collection includes luxury printed sets, as well as handmade pastel and transparent glass plates and bowls.

With so many options available, you're sure to find a glass dinnerware set that suits your style and functional needs.

Frequently asked questions