The Art Of Dining: Elevating Meals With Designer Dinner Sets

A designer dinner set is a great way to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home decor. Whether you're looking for a contemporary or traditional aesthetic, there is a wide range of options to choose from. From heritage-inspired crockery to modern and eclectic designs, you can find sets in various colours, patterns, and materials like stoneware, porcelain, and bone china. These sets typically include a combination of dinner plates, side plates, cereal bowls, and even cutlery. You can also mix and match different pieces to add your unique touch to your table setting.

Luxury dinnerware

When it comes to luxury dinnerware, there are many options to choose from, ranging from heritage-inspired designs to contemporary styles. Here is a guide to help you navigate the world of luxury dinnerware:

Materials and Durability

The material of your dinnerware will impact its durability and elegance. Stoneware and earthenware are robust options, perfect for everyday use. If you're looking for something more elegant and sophisticated, consider porcelain or bone china, which are ideal for special occasions and fine dining. These materials exude luxury and are known for their delicate beauty.

Classic Whites and Neutrals

For a timeless and elegant look, classic white dinnerware sets are always in style. John Lewis offers a 12-piece porcelain dinnerware set in white, exuding simplicity and sophistication. For a subtle twist, consider their off-white stoneware dinnerware set with a swirl contrast rim. These neutral shades provide the perfect backdrop for your culinary creations.

Contemporary Colours and Prints

If you want to make a bold statement, contemporary colours and prints can transform your dining experience. Etsy offers a unique 4-person ceramic dinner set, handmade and perfect for a modern table setting. For something truly special, their Blue and Golden Côte d'Azur Porcelain Dinnerware Set adds a touch of opulence to your table.

Heritage-Inspired Crockery

Wedgwood and Royal Albert are renowned for their heritage-inspired designs, offering traditional and detailed crockery. The Wedgwood Phoenix bone china teacup and saucer, available at Selfridges, is a perfect example of their elegant craftsmanship. For a more eclectic look, consider mixing and matching pieces from their collection with contemporary white dinner sets.

Luxury Tableware

Luxury tableware extends beyond crockery, encompassing barware, crystal glassware, and cutlery. Ralph Lauren's Wyatt Barware Collection exudes opulence, with prices ranging from £55 to £825. Their Langley Champagne Flute, at £105, is a perfect example of their elegant barware. For a more whimsical touch, consider the Sterling Silver Candelabrum from Shreve, Crump & Low, available on Etsy.

Opulent Details

For a truly luxurious dining experience, it's all about the details. Consider gold-accented dinnerware, such as the Gold Decorated High-Quality Porcelain Dinnerware Set from Etsy, or the Gold Columbia Sugar Bowl and Creamer from Harrods. These opulent touches will elevate your dining table and create a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you're seeking timeless elegance or contemporary sophistication, luxury dinnerware offers something for every taste. From heritage-inspired designs to modern statement pieces, investing in luxury dinnerware will transform your dining experience and become a cherished part of your home.

Dinnerware sets

Designer dinner sets can add a touch of opulence to your home, and there are many options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a set to use every day or something more suited to special occasions, you can find a wide range of styles, from contemporary white dinner sets to bold, statement dinner sets with floral and patterned designs.

If you're searching for a heritage-inspired look, Wedgwood and Royal Albert offer crockery with traditional, detailed designs. For a more contemporary aesthetic, consider MacKenzie Childs. You can also find luxury dinnerware on Etsy, with options including gold-decorated porcelain sets, handmade ceramic sets, and black tableware sets.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's important to select a design appropriate for its intended use. Stoneware and earthenware are robust options for everyday use, while porcelain or bone china are better suited for special occasions and fine dining. You may also want to consider adding matching or contrasting extras, such as cereal bowls, serving plates, and ramekins.

• John Lewis offers a range of dinner sets in various styles, including classic whites, pale neutrals, and delicate pastels with crisp trims or stripes. They also have eye-catching patterned sets.
• Ralph Lauren's dining collection includes luxury dinnerware sets to impress your dinner guests.
• Selfridges has a modern dinnerware collection with crockery in plain colours, from deep black to fresh white, featuring subtle details like contrasting rims and speckles. Their sets typically include a combination of cereal bowls, dinner plates, and side plates.

Crockery

When it comes to crockery, there are a few key things to consider when curating your designer dinner set. Firstly, think about the occasion and the desired atmosphere. Are you celebrating a birthday or another special occasion? Or are you simply sharing a meal with your family? The type of occasion will dictate the style of crockery you opt for.

If you're seeking something timeless and traditional, consider heritage-inspired crockery from brands like Wedgwood and Royal Albert. These brands offer detailed, intricate designs that are perfect for a classic, elegant table setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more contemporary, brands like MacKenzie Childs offer modern aesthetics that can elevate your dining experience.

Another aspect to consider is the colour and pattern of your crockery. Plain colours, such as deep black and fresh white, provide a simple yet effective backdrop for the food presented on them. These colours are often chosen for a modern and eclectic look. If you want to add a touch of opulence, consider gold or silver-accented crockery for a luxurious feel. For a bolder statement, explore options with vibrant hues, abstract prints, or floral and patterned designs. These can be mixed and matched with contemporary white dinner sets to create a unique tablescape.

The material of your crockery is also an important consideration. Porcelain and bone china bring elegance to special occasions and fine dining, while stoneware and earthenware are more durable options for everyday use. When investing in a designer dinner set, it's essential to choose a material that aligns with your intended use.

Finally, think about the pieces included in the set. A standard set typically includes dinner plates, side plates, and bowls, but you may also want to consider adding extras such as serving plates, ramekins, and specialised cutlery. This will ensure you have everything you need to create a cohesive and impressive tablescape for your next dinner party.

Table settings

The way you set your table can elevate the dining experience for your guests. The more items used in a table setting, the more formal the occasion. Basic table settings are appropriate for casual events, while formal table settings are reserved for dinner parties or special occasions. Here are some tips for setting your table for a basic meal, a casual meal, and a formal event.

Basic Table Setting

• Place a simple, woven placemat in front of each seat.
• Place a dinner plate in the middle of each placemat.
• Set a folded napkin on the left side of the plate, or on top of the plate.
• Place a dinner fork on the napkin, and a dinner knife to the right of the plate.
• Finish with a water glass above the knife.

Casual Table Setting

• Use a decorative or cloth napkin, and place it under the fork.
• Add a soup spoon to the right of the knife. A salad fork is optional but should go on the left of the plate, outside the dinner fork.
• Place a wine glass to the right of the water glass.
• If eating family-style, bring serving dishes to the table and place them on cork or woven trivets.

Formal Table Setting

• Spread a tablecloth or table runner across the table, with a drop of about a foot from the table, at lap level.
• Place candles and flowers in the centre of the table. Use unscented candles and low arrangements of flowers to avoid interfering with the aroma of the food.
• Use your best tableware, including china, high-quality silver flatware, and lovely placemats and cloth napkins.
• Place a bread plate and butter knife above the forks, and a salad plate to the direct left of the forks.
• Add a dessert fork and spoon above the plate. These can also be brought out with the dessert course.
• Use stemmed wine glasses: place the white wine glass to the lower right of the water glass, and the red wine glass above them, forming a triangle.
• Place a charger (a large decorative plate) under the dinner plate.

Dinnerware materials

When shopping for a designer dinner set, it's important to consider the different materials available and their pros and cons. Here's a guide to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired at a lower temperature than other types of dinnerware. It typically has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. It is often less expensive than other materials, but it is also less durable and prone to chipping. Hand-painted dishware usually falls into this category. Earthenware is porous, so it can stain or absorb liquid, and it should not be left submerged in water. While most glazed earthenware is dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave, it is always good to check with the manufacturer first.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic, but it is more durable than earthenware as it is fired at a higher temperature and often includes vitreous (glass) material for added strength. It has a thicker and more opaque body when compared to finer materials like porcelain and china. Stoneware is commonly used for casual, everyday place settings and is very versatile and easy to maintain. It is generally safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Some brands to look for include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Porcelain

Porcelain is a fine-particle clay fired at very high temperatures, making it extremely durable and nonporous. This allows porcelain dinnerware to have a thinner and more delicate construction, giving it an almost translucent appearance. It often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to any meal. Porcelain is usually white or off-white in colour. Some brands to consider are Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Bone China

Bone china is made by combining bone ash (from animal bones) with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This results in a material that is lightweight, delicate, and translucent with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile look, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is commonly used for both daily use and formal dining occasions. Popular brands include Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

If you're looking for unbreakable plates, melamine is an excellent choice. This plastic material is lightweight, sturdy, and has a glossy finish. It is ideal for children and outdoor use as it is virtually indestructible. Melamine is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be heated or used in the microwave or oven.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is opaque glass fired at ultra-high temperatures to make it nonporous and extremely durable. Corelle is the best-known brand of vitrified glass dinnerware, known for its indestructibility. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Frequently asked questions