Dinner Plates For Daily Use

Dinner plates are an essential part of any kitchen, and choosing the right ones can elevate your dining experience. When selecting daily-use dinner plates, it's important to consider both style and durability. You want plates that are sturdy enough for everyday use, but also elegant enough to impress your guests.

There is a wide variety of dinner plates available, from classic white porcelain plates to colourful stoneware options. You can also choose between fully-coordinated sets or mix-and-match individual pieces to create a unique table setting. Some popular options include the Crate & Barrel's Mercer Dinner Plates, which are perfect for everyday use, and the Jasper Conran for Wedgwood White Bone China Dinner Plates, which offer a timeless and elegant look.

Ultimately, the best dinner plates for you will depend on your personal style and needs. Whether you prefer a simple, understated look or something more eye-catching, there are plenty of options to choose from to create the perfect tablescape.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware is an important part of setting the mood for any occasion, be it a casual solo meal or a fancy dinner date. Here are some dinnerware set options for those special occasions:

Lenox French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting

This stoneware set is a perfect choice for a formal or special occasion. It comes in two colours, white and ice blue, and has a textured design on the rims, giving it a sweet and elegant look. The set includes a dinner plate, a side plate, a bowl, and a mug. While it is dishwasher-safe, it may show marks from cutting and fork scrapes, which can be removed with a non-abrasive cleanser. Lenox also offers a lifetime replacement program for broken dishes.

Red Vanilla Extreme Bone China Dinnerware Set

This bone china set exudes refinement and elegance with its delicate edges and sleek swoops. It is available in a bright white colour and includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and triangular soup bowls. Smaller sets and serving platters are also available. The pieces are sturdy enough for daily use and can be cleaned in the dishwasher and used in the microwave. However, care must be taken when stacking and storing to avoid chipping the corners.

Jars Cantine Collection

This stoneware collection from France has a unique, elegant appeal with its soft, muted colours and glossy glaze. The dinnerware has a white clay body, giving it a porcelain-like appearance. The angled lip on the dinner plates adds a subtle touch of interest. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, cereal bowls, tumblers, and mugs. It is both dishwasher and microwave safe. While the unglazed areas on the underside of the bowls may require extra care to keep clean, they add to the rustic charm of the set.

Leeway Home The Full Way Set

Leeway Home offers a comprehensive package with their 44-piece Full Way set, which includes four place settings with dinner and salad plates, bowls, mugs, flatware, and elegant stemmed wine glasses. The stoneware dishes come in solid earth tones or with colourful striped rims. This set is perfect for those who want to elevate their dining experience and create a cohesive tablescape for special occasions.

Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plates

For a unique and playful touch to your table, consider these dinner plates shaped like cabbage leaves. Inspired by the ceramic art of Portuguese ceramist Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, these plates bring a cheeky and whimsical element to your dining. They are perfect for creating a vegetable-themed tablescape that is both fun and elegant.

These dinnerware sets will undoubtedly enhance your special occasions, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your table. Whether you prefer classic elegance or playful charm, these options will help you set the mood and make your dining experience memorable.

Stoneware and earthenware for durability

Stoneware and earthenware are two popular options for dinner plates and other tableware. They are both made from clay, but there are some key differences between the two materials that affect their durability.

Stoneware is a type of clay fired at high temperatures, typically between 2,150°F and 2,345°F. This high firing temperature gives stoneware its durability and dense, stone-like appearance. Stoneware is also thicker than other types of tableware, such as porcelain and china, which contributes to its durability. Stoneware is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb water, and it can resist scratches, even from steel points. It is also dishwasher-safe and can be used in the oven, microwave, and freezer, although it should not be subjected to wild temperature swings. Overall, stoneware is a good choice for dinner plates and other tableware that will be used frequently and need to withstand daily washing.

Earthenware, on the other hand, is fired at lower temperatures, typically around 1,945°F. This makes it less durable and more porous than stoneware. Earthenware must be glazed or painted before use to make it more watertight, but it can still be prone to chipping and breaking. Earthenware is also not dishwasher-safe and should not be used in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher unless specifically indicated by the manufacturer. However, earthenware is a good choice for decorative pieces or outdoor pots and decorations due to its aesthetic qualities and ability to absorb water.

In terms of appearance, stoneware typically has a grey or buff colour, with glazes that offer a rock-like appearance. Earthenware usually has a greenish-grey colour in its raw state, but it can also be found in orange, red, or white, depending on the amount of iron oxide in the clay. Both stoneware and earthenware can be glazed to add colour and finish, with stoneware often featuring colour patterns that resemble natural stones.

When choosing between stoneware and earthenware for dinner plates, it is important to consider the intended use. Stoneware is a more durable option that can withstand frequent use and washing, while earthenware is more economical and decorative but less durable and more prone to chipping and breaking.

Porcelain and bone china for elegance

Porcelain and bone china plates are elegant and durable options for daily use dinnerware. Porcelain is a versatile material that can be used to create plates with a variety of styles, from rustic to modern designs. For a sleek and sophisticated look, porcelain plates with thin rims and a smooth finish are a great choice. These plates often have a simple and practical design, making them perfect for everyday use. On the other hand, bone china is a type of porcelain that stands out for its characteristic whiteness and translucency. It is made by mixing bone ash with other materials, resulting in elegant plates that are perfect for formal dining and special occasions.

When choosing porcelain plates for daily use, consider options like the Crate & Barrel Mercer Dinner Plates, which offer a casual yet special look. These plates have a faint lip, maximising the surface area, and are stackable, making them convenient for storage. Additionally, they are microwave and oven-safe, making them practical for everyday meals. For a more rustic and vintage vibe, the West Elm Kaloh Stoneware Dinner Plates are a great option. These plates have a natural tone, a sleek lip, and a textured underside. They are also dishwasher and microwave-safe.

If you prefer the durability and bright white colour of porcelain, the Public Goods Dinner Plates are an excellent choice. These plates are high-fired, making them extremely durable and suitable for microwave, oven, and freezer use. For a classic and timeless design, the Jasper Conran for Wedgwood White Bone China Dinner Plates are an elegant option. These plates have a simple shape with an elevated edge, providing ample usable surface area. They are also chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making them suitable for everyday use.

Bone china and porcelain plates offer elegance and durability for your dining experience. Whether you choose a rustic stoneware design or a sleek modern look, these plates will surely elevate your daily meals and special occasions.

Dinner plate shapes and sizes

Dinner plates come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. When selecting dinner plates, it is important to consider the type of use they will be subjected to. For daily use, durability is a key factor. Stoneware and earthenware are robust options that can withstand everyday wear and tear, while porcelain and bone china are more elegant choices, better suited for special occasions and fine dining.

The standard size for dinner plates ranges from 9.75 inches to 11 inches in diameter. Some plates have a lip or rim, which reduces the surface area available for food but allows for easier stacking. For instance, Crate & Barrel's Mercer Dinner Plates have a faint lip, maximising the surface area, while also being stackable. Other plates, like the Year & Day Big Plates, are rimless, providing more usable space.

Square plates are also available and can add a modern or unique touch to your table setting. The size and shape of the plate can impact the dining experience. Larger plates with a minimal rim, such as the Amazon Basics White Dinner Plates, provide ample space for food presentation. Smaller plates with a straight-sided lip, like the Our Place Main Plates, offer a more intimate dining experience.

The depth of the plate is another factor to consider. Shallow plates are ideal for foods that are saucy or have liquid components, as they prevent spilling. Deeper plates, on the other hand, are better suited for meals with more solid components or when larger portions are desired.

When choosing a dinner plate, it is also worth considering the overall weight and thickness of the plate. Heavier plates, like West Elm's Kaloh stoneware dinner plates, often indicate higher quality and durability. Thicker plates may also have a more substantial feel and be less prone to chipping or breakage.

In addition to size and shape, dinner plates come in a variety of colours and designs. Classic white plates, such as those offered by John Lewis, are versatile and elegant. However, coloured plates, like the teal blue and sage green options from Next UK, can add a pop of personality to your table.

Ultimately, the best dinner plate for daily use will depend on your personal preferences, the type of cuisine you typically serve, and the overall dining experience you wish to create.

Dinnerware colour options

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your dinnerware, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the occasion and how often you plan to use the dinnerware. If it's for daily use, you might want to opt for something durable and understated. On the other hand, if it's for a special occasion or fine dining, you may want to choose something more elegant and sophisticated.

Another factor to consider is the colour scheme and decor of your home. You'll want to select dinnerware that complements your style and taste. Popular colour options include classic whites, pale neutrals, and delicate pastels. These colours are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with other colours or patterns. For example, you could choose a white dinnerware set with a crisp trim or stripes for a simple yet elegant look.

If you want to make a bolder statement, consider opting for eye-catching prints or vibrant colours like teal, sage green, or black. These colours can add a touch of personality and flair to your table setting. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with different shades of the same colour to create a unique and cohesive look. For instance, you could mix and match various shades of blue or green to create a calming and harmonious tablescape.

Finally, consider the material of your dinnerware. Stoneware and earthenware are excellent choices for durability, while porcelain and bone china exude elegance and sophistication. Ultimately, the colour and material you choose should reflect your personal style and the intended purpose of the dinnerware.

Frequently asked questions