Dinnerware Sets: Elevating Your Dining Experience

There is a wide variety of dinnerware sets available for purchase, with different sets catering to different needs and preferences. For instance, while some dinnerware sets are ideal for everyday use, others are more suited for special occasions or as gifts. Dinnerware sets also come in different materials, such as porcelain, bone china, stoneware, and melamine, and in a range of colours, styles, and sizes. Some sets are designed with a specific number of place settings in mind, such as for 4, 6, or 8 people. When choosing a dinnerware set, it is important to consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the durability and ease of maintenance, such as whether the set is dishwasher-safe.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware sets are an extension of your style and help create the right ambiance for any occasion. Here are some dinnerware sets that are perfect for special occasions:

Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This artistic crockery set features images of butterflies and flowers on every piece. Made from porcelain, this set is designed to last. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and mugs, serving six people at a time. It complements a contemporary and oriental-style dining setup and is microwave-safe.

Gibson Elite Althea 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This stoneware set is ideal for casual dining with bold fashion colours. Each piece features a unique design painted with a reactive glaze, ensuring no two sets are exactly alike. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, serving four people. The durable stoneware and glaze provide a combination of style and functionality.

Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting

Fiesta offers a range of bright and bold colours in a classic style. The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug, with additional matching pieces available. The dishes are durable, microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe. They also come with a five-year chip resistance warranty.

Royal Albert Rose Confetti 5-Piece Bone China Place Setting

This vibrant and elegant set includes a teacup, saucer, dinner plate, bread plate, and butter plate, serving one guest. The bone china material is scratch-resistant, and the set is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your table.

Wedgwood Renaissance Gold 5-Piece Place Setting

This indulgent and elegant set includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, teacup, and saucer, all rendered in a bold Wedgwood blue finish with intricate gilded detailing. Made from fine china, this set is perfect for a formal dinner setting.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of our daily lives, and choosing the right one can elevate your dining experience. Whether you are looking for an everyday set or something more special, here are some options that will meet your needs and suit your style.

Corelle Winter Frost Dinnerware Set

If you are looking for a durable and affordable dinnerware set, the Corelle Winter Frost collection is a great option. Introduced in 1970, this set includes plates and bowls made of Vitrelle, a type of durable glass laminate. The set is ideal for college students, families with children, or those who enjoy outdoor dining. The pieces are thin and stackable, taking up minimal space in your kitchen cabinets. While the set does not include mugs, it is dishwasher, microwave, and warm-oven safe.

Gibson Home Rockaway Round Stoneware Dinnerware Set

For a simple and trendy dinnerware set, consider the Gibson Home Rockaway Round Stoneware collection. This set offers a spare and unfussy design with rounded sides and a matte glaze. The stoneware dishes are available in a variety of colours, including soft grey, slate blue, and millennial pink. The set includes generously sized bowls that can accommodate a variety of meals, from chowder to fruit cobbler. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and the rimless coupe shape of the plates makes them easy to stack.

Pfaltzgraff Trellis 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

If you prefer a rustic or vintage look for your dinnerware, the Pfaltzgraff Trellis set is an excellent choice. This stoneware set features a subtle scrolled pattern and random dark markings that give it an antique-like appearance. The plates have wide rims that contribute to the classic look, and the mugs are generously sized for coffee or tea. The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.

Fiesta 12-Piece Classic Dinnerware Set

For a burst of colour on your dinner table, consider the Fiesta 12-piece Classic Dinnerware Set. This iconic set, manufactured in the USA since 1936, features bright, bold glazes and concentric circles along the rim. The set is available in a variety of colours, including poppy red, daffodil yellow, and lapis blue. You can purchase sets in a single colour or mix and match pieces to create a festive and vibrant table setting. The plates are large enough for generous portions, and the set is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Amazon Basics Melamine Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a lightweight and break-resistant option, the Amazon Basics Melamine Dinnerware Set is a great choice. This set offers a sophisticated look with 27 different colour and pattern options, including rustic solids, traditional prints, and flowered designs. The salad plates are larger than average, providing ample space for appetisers or desserts. While the set is dishwasher-safe, it is not suitable for microwave use.

Wedgwood White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

For a classic and elegant option, consider the Wedgwood White 16-piece Dinnerware Set. Introduced in the 1920s, this bone china set features wide rims and a traditional look. The footed mugs have thin lips and easy-to-grasp handles, making them perfect for tea or coffee. While the set is elegant, it can also be used for family meals or formal entertaining. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Fable Basic Dinnerware Set

For a simple yet high-quality dinnerware set, consider the Fable Basic Dinnerware Set. This set, manufactured in Portugal, has a simple, organic look with slightly upturned rims on the plates, providing ample space for your meals. The set includes deep bowls for cereal or yogurt and wider bowls for pasta or risotto. You can choose from a variety of colours, including speckled white, blush pink, dove grey, and midnight blue. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave-safe.

Dinnerware sets by material

When shopping for dinnerware, you will come across a variety of materials, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is an overview of the most common types of dinnerware materials to help you make an informed decision:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware and is commonly used for hand-painted designs. Earthenware has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. However, it is not as durable as other materials and is prone to chipping. It is also porous, so it should not be left submerged in water as it can absorb liquids and stains. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher and microwave safe, but it is always good to check with the manufacturer.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware that is typically more durable than earthenware. It is made by firing clay at a higher temperature and usually includes vitreous (glass) material for added strength. Stoneware has a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china. It often features a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Stoneware is commonly used for casual, everyday place settings and is versatile and easy to maintain. It is generally dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and china are terms used for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically comprising feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. This clay is fired at a high temperature, resulting in extremely durable and non-porous dinnerware. The firing process allows for thinner construction, giving the pieces a translucent appearance and enabling shaped details in the design. Most porcelain and china dinnerware are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless they have metal accents. Porcelain often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to your meals.

Bone China

Bone china is made by combining bone ash (derived from animal bones) with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This process results in a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile appearance, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china can be used daily or reserved for formal dining occasions, offering versatility and elegance to your table.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is made of plastic and is known for its indestructibility. It has a lightweight yet sturdy feel and a glossy finish. It is ideal for children and outdoor use as it is virtually unbreakable. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be used in the microwave or oven, and it should not be heated with food in it. It is a budget-friendly option that offers versatility and durability.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is created by firing glass at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a non-porous and extremely durable material. The best-known brand of vitrified glass dinnerware is Corelle, known for its indestructibility. Vitrified glass is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. Its durability makes it ideal for families with young children or those seeking practical and casual dinnerware for everyday use.

Dinnerware sets by colour

Dinnerware sets are available in a variety of colours and styles to suit your unique tastes and dining table aesthetic. Here are some options to consider:

Blue and Green Sets

Blue and green stoneware dinnerware sets can evoke a coastal feel. You can complement these sets with ocean-inspired centrepieces such as candle lanterns with shells or sand dollars. Some blue and green options include:

• The Villa della Luna® Blue Dinnerware Set from Pfaltzgraff.
• The French Countryside® 16-piece Dinnerware Set from Mikasa.
• The Euro Ceramica Zanzibar Double Bowl 16-piece Dinnerware Set from Amazon.
• The Stone Lain Coupe Stoneware Dinnerware Set from Bed Bath & Beyond.
• The Corelle Cobalt Circles 16-piece Dinnerware Set from The Home Depot.

Black and Grey Sets

Black or charcoal grey dining plate sets can make any meal look striking and elegant. You can pair these sets with simple table linens, such as a white tablecloth or runner, to ensure all eyes stay on the tableware. Some black and grey options include:

• The Delray Grey 4-piece Place Setting from Mikasa.
• The Le Creuset Dinnerware Set from Crate & Barrel, which comes in a creamy glaze.
• The Latitude Run® Tanglewood 12-piece Dinnerware Set from Wayfair, which features an artistic effect with soft lines and a unique speckled design.
• The Gibson Home Brist Melamine Plastic Dinnerware Set from Amazon, which comes in assorted colours.

White and Off-White Sets

White and off-white dinnerware sets are classic and versatile. You can pair them with satin-finish silverware and a linen tablecloth for a traditional tabletop look. Some white and off-white options include:

• The Trellis White Square 16-piece Dinnerware Set from Mikasa.
• The Corelle 16-piece Vitrelle Livingware Dinnerware Set in Frost White from Target.
• The Tabletops Gallery Adams 40-piece White Dinnerware Set from Bed Bath & Beyond.
• The Farmhouse Collection from Crate & Barrel, which features a crisp white porcelain design with a low profile for easy stacking.
• The Certified International Easter Morning 16-piece Dinnerware Set from The Home Depot.

Multi-Coloured Sets

Multi-coloured dinnerware sets can add a fun and bold touch to your dining table. You can find sets in hues of blue, red, brown, green, yellow, and more. Some multi-coloured options include:

• The Royal Doulton Multicoloured Tableware Collection, which includes dinner plates, bowls, mugs, and accent dinner sets.
• The Bungalow Rose Mandala Porcelain China Dinnerware Set from Wayfair, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns.
• The Gibson Elite Capetown Assorted Colour Reactive Glaze Stoneware Dinnerware Set from Amazon.
• The Gibson Home Dinah 16-piece Double Bowl Stoneware Embossed Speckled Dinnerware Set from Bed Bath & Beyond.
• The Certified International Tunisian Sunset 16-piece Dinnerware Set from Wayfair.

Dinnerware sets by brand

When it comes to choosing a dinnerware set, there are several brands to consider, each offering a range of styles, colours, and materials to suit different needs and aesthetics. Here is an overview of some popular brands and their dinnerware collections:

Pfaltzgraff

Pfaltzgraff offers a diverse range of dinnerware sets, catering to various tastes and occasions. Their collection includes the elegant "French Lace" set in both white and green, the rustic "Farmhouse Hen" set, and the vibrant "Tea Rose" set. Pfaltzgraff also offers seasonal options like the Winterberry" set and the "Snow Flurry" set. Their sets typically range from 16 to 32 pieces, serving four to eight people.

Mikasa

Mikasa presents an extensive collection of dinnerware sets, from classic to contemporary designs. The "Italian Countryside" and "French Countryside" sets exude rustic charm, while the "Platinum Crown" and "Stanton" sets offer a more luxurious dining experience. Mikasa also has playful options like the "Red Berries" set and the "Sunflower" set. Their sets range from 12 to 40 pieces, catering to four to eight people.

Lenox

Lenox is known for its modern dinnerware sets, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and materials. The "Blue Bay" series stands out with its mix-and-match textile-inspired patterns. The "Tin Can Alley" collection showcases understated minimalist design, while the "Disney Luna" set adds a touch of magic to mealtimes. Lenox provides sets for both everyday use and special occasions, ranging from 8 to 50 pieces.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond carries various dinnerware sets to suit different preferences. The "Euro Ceramica White Essential" set offers a classic porcelain option, while the "Stone Lain Lauren Stoneware" set provides a rustic charm. For a more modern look, the "Gibson Home Dinah" set features a double bowl design with embossed speckles. Bed Bath & Beyond's sets range from 16 to 40 pieces, catering to a variety of household sizes.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel boasts an impressive selection of modern dinnerware sets that blend style and functionality. The "Marin Eco Collection" is crafted from 90% recycled clay, offering an eco-friendly option. The "Le Creuset Collection" is a hardworking stoneware collection that's oven-safe, making it ideal for everyday use. The "Logan Stacking Collection" is designed for space-saving, featuring elegant porcelain pieces. Crate & Barrel's sets cater to those seeking both style and practicality.

Fitz and Floyd

Fitz and Floyd offer a range of dinnerware sets to elevate any dining experience. The "Platinum Vine" and "Gold Serif" sets exude elegance and luxury. For a more playful touch, the "Flamingo Fling" and "One Fish Two Fish" sets offer outdoor melamine options. The "Everyday White" collection provides a classic and versatile choice. Fitz and Floyd's sets range from 12 to 32 pieces, serving four to eight people.

Frequently asked questions