Dinnerware Sets For Every Taste: Exploring Houzz's Collection

Dinnerware is an essential part of every household, and choosing the right set can elevate your dining experience. Whether you're looking for a special gift or everyday tableware, there is a wide range of dinnerware sets available to suit your unique style and needs. From modern and colourful sets that make a bold statement, to classic white ceramic plates that are timeless and versatile, the options are endless. With trusted brands like Corelle, Pfaltzgraff, Lenox, and Crate & Barrel offering various pieces, materials, and designs, you're sure to find the perfect dinnerware set to complement your dining aesthetic.

Stoneware and porcelain dinnerware sets are available in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs

Stoneware

Stoneware is a popular choice for everyday dishware. These dishes are durable, affordable, and generally safe to use in the dishwasher or microwave. Stoneware dishes come in natural colours like white and grey, as well as fun, bold colours like red and turquoise. Some dishes also feature eye-catching patterns.

Porcelain

Porcelain dishes are similar in look to bone china dishes but are generally thicker and more durable overall. These dishes feature a glazed finish that will beautifully reflect the light.

Patterns and Designs

Dinnerware sets come in a range of popular colours including white, black, grey, red, blue, pink and more, as well as patterned and in different shapes, including square.

Sets

Most dinnerware sets come with 16 matching pieces, or enough to set the table with four identical place settings. These sets include the following pieces:

• Four dinner plates to serve main course meals
• Four salad plates to serve salads or appetisers
• Four mugs perfect for serving hot beverages like coffee or tea
• Four deep, tall cereal bowls or four shallow, wide soup bowls

Though 16-piece sets are the most common option, some sets come with 12 or 20 pieces. 12-piece sets generally include everything from the 16-piece sets except for the mugs. 20-piece dinnerware sets include the dinner plates, salad plates, mugs and bowls as well as four extra pieces, which are usually saucers for the mugs.

Dinnerware sets can be casual or formal, with casual sets often including bowls and mugs, and formal sets including bread plates and saucers

Dinnerware sets the tone for your dining table and can complement your meals, so it's important to choose the right set for your needs. Dinnerware sets can be casual or formal, with casual sets typically including bowls and mugs, and formal sets including bread plates and saucers.

Casual dinnerware sets are perfect for everyday use and often feature fun, eclectic designs and colours. They are usually made from durable materials such as stoneware, earthenware or melamine, which are microwave and dishwasher-safe. These sets typically include bowls and mugs, making them ideal for informal meals and everyday use.

On the other hand, formal dinnerware sets are usually made from fine materials such as china or porcelain. These sets are elegant and sophisticated, often featuring precious metals like gold, silver or platinum trim. Formal sets typically include bread plates and saucers, making them perfect for special occasions and formal dinners.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's important to consider how it will be used. If you're looking for a set to use every day, go for something durable and microwave/dishwasher-safe. If you're looking for a set for special occasions, you can opt for something more ornate, perhaps with metallic trim.

It's also worth considering the size of the set and how many place settings you'll need. A set of four to six place settings is usually sufficient for a couple or small family, while a larger family may require eight to twelve settings.

Finally, think about the pattern and colour of the dinnerware. Plain white sets are versatile and inexpensive, while colourful or patterned sets can add a unique touch to your table. You can also mix and match patterns and colours to create a unique, eclectic look.

Dinnerware sets can be dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any kitchen, and it's important to choose a set that suits your needs and tastes. When shopping for a new dinnerware set, it's worth considering whether the set is microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe. Here are some options for dinnerware sets that are safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, and ovens:

Houzz Dinnerware Sets

Houzz offers a wide range of dinnerware sets in various styles, colours, and materials. Here are some options from Houzz that are safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, and ovens:

• Zanzibar 20-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set by Euro Ceramica: This vibrant and colourful set is crafted in durable oven-safe stoneware and is safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.
• Portmeirion Sophie Conran 4-Piece Place Setting: This understated and organic set is crafted from fine porcelain and features a traditional hand-thrown pottery look. It is safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, and ovens.
• Simply White 16-Piece Coupe Dinnerware Set by 10 Strawberry Street: This classic and durable set is made of porcelain and is safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens.
• Casafina Pacifica 16-Piece Place Setting: This simple and modern set is made of porcelain and is safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, and ovens.
• Lorren Home Trends 57-Piece Bone China Charlotte Service for 8: This elegant bone china set features a wavy edge and a luxurious gold border design. It is safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.

Other Dinnerware Sets

In addition to Houzz, there are many other retailers that offer dinnerware sets with similar features. Here are some options from other retailers:

• Wayfair Basics 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This simple and sophisticated set is made of porcelain china and is safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.
• Rachael Ray Cucina 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This stylish and durable set is made of stoneware and is safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, and ovens.
• Euro Ceramica Diana 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This unique and modern set features a reactive metallic finish and is safe for use in dishwashers.
• Ten Strawberry Street Nova 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This minimalist and modern set is made of stoneware and is safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens.
• Kate Spade New York 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: This elegant and playful set is made of porcelain and is safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.

Dinnerware sets can be made from porcelain, stoneware, glass, ceramic, or china

Dinnerware sets are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique qualities, pros, and cons. Here is an overview of four common materials used to craft dinnerware: porcelain, stoneware, ceramic, and china.

Porcelain Dinnerware

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is renowned for its strength and durability. It is made from a fine-particle clay composed of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, which is fired at a high temperature. This process results in dinnerware that is nonporous, thin, and delicately constructed, often with translucent appearances and intricate shaped details. Porcelain dinnerware is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. It often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily to elevate any meal. Some notable brands that offer porcelain dinnerware include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Stoneware Dinnerware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is commonly used for dinnerware. It is made from refined clay with coarse additives and fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. Stoneware is known for its durability, affordability, and versatility. It has a rustic aesthetic and can hold heat well, making it suitable for baking. However, stoneware tends to have a coarser grain, making it more challenging to clean, and it can be absorbent and prone to scratching surfaces. Stoneware is generally dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer-safe, but it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Popular brands for stoneware dinnerware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Ceramic Dinnerware

Ceramic is an umbrella term for a hard, durable, yet brittle substance used to create all traditional pottery and dinnerware. It is made from clay, which typically consists of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and water, with the addition of other metals or minerals to enhance specific characteristics. Ceramic dinnerware is formed into desired shapes and then fired at temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln, making it rigid, durable, and moisture-resistant. It is often coated with a transparent or opaque glaze to seal the surface and enhance its decorative appeal. Ceramic dinnerware can be further categorized into subtypes like earthenware and stoneware, which differ in terms of clay refinement, firing temperatures, and porosity.

China Dinnerware

China, also known as fine china, is a specific type of ceramic dinnerware that is typically associated with high-quality, elegant pieces. It is usually made from smooth, white kaolin clay, giving it a distinctive look and feel. China is known for its strength, thinness, and lightweight construction. It is often decorated with painted or glazed designs and may be gilded to enhance its elegance. Fine china is generally dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, but it should not be microwaved if it has metal gilding. Brands that offer fine china dinnerware include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Dinnerware sets can be lightweight and designed for everyday use

• The Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma 16-piece dinnerware set is a crowd-pleasing set that you can't go wrong with. It features dinner and salad plates with wide rims and small bowls suitable for cereal or starter portions of soup. The set didn't stain or scratch and the bowl didn't get hot in the microwave.
• The Gibson Home Rockaway 12-piece dinnerware set is a good value option. It has a simple, unfussy design and is available in eight colours, including slate blue and millennial pink. The bowls are very large, with a more-than-three-cup capacity.
• The Corelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a good everyday option. It is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and shattering and can be microwaved and put in the dishwasher. It comes in a variety of patterns, including simple geometrics, florals, and Mediterranean-inspired designs.
• The Fable Basic Dinnerware Set is a good ceramic option. It has a simple, organic look and is manufactured in Portugal. The plates have a wide surface and the bowls are available in a range of lovely shades.
• The Amazon Basics 16-piece dinnerware set is a super budget-friendly option. It is lightweight and basic and didn't scratch during testing. The bowls are a bit small.
• The Wedgwood White 16-piece dinnerware set is a good splurge option. It is refined and elegant, with wide rims that contribute to its traditional look. The footed mugs have thin lips and easy-to-grasp handles.

Frequently asked questions