Dinnerware Du Jour: Elevating Meals With Statement Sets

Dinnerware sets are an extension of your personal style and can help create the right ambiance for any occasion. Whether it's a casual solo meal or a fancy dinner date, the right dinnerware can elevate any table. From classic, all-white plates to colourful, hand-thrown ceramics, there are endless styles to choose from.

If you're looking to make a statement with your dinnerware, consider a set with bold colours or unique shapes. For a more modern look, opt for square dish sets or plates with straight walls. If you want to add just a touch of colour, dinner sets with colourful rims or reactive glazes can provide a playful touch.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it's important to consider not only the aesthetics but also the functionality and durability of the pieces. Look for sets that are scratch- and stain-resistant, and that are easy to drink and eat from. It's also worth thinking about how you'll be using the dinnerware – if you're looking for everyday use, go for something durable and easy to care for.

So, make a statement and have fun with your dinnerware choices! Whether you're going for a bold and modern look or a more subtle and classic style, there's a dinnerware set out there that's perfect for you.

Vibrant hues and bold designs

For something a little more fun and modern, the Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware set is a great option. This set features short, straight walls and concentric circles on the surface of the plates, and it comes with two bowls – a pasta bowl and a cereal bowl. The set is available in a range of fun colours like mustard, sky, and olive. You can also purchase additional plates and bowls, as well as mugs and pinch bowls, separately.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set is a great choice. This set features a slight wave to the edge and a gently rippled surface, adding a bit of charm. It also comes with two bowls – a pasta bowl and a breakfast bowl – and is available in some lovely shades that you can mix and match.

For a budget-friendly option that still makes a statement, check out the Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set. This all-white dinnerware set will get the job done without breaking the bank. It comes with service for four, including dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, and mugs. The mugs are small and have thin, unobtrusive lips, making them perfect for coffee or tea.

If you're looking for something truly unique, the Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting might be the perfect choice. This iconic dinnerware features vibrant hues and concentric circles and has a whole fan base. The set includes a wide bowl, salad plate, dinner plate, and mug, and it's available in individual place settings or as a service for four.

Timeless white dinnerware

White dinnerware is a timeless classic that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some options for timeless white dinnerware sets that will elevate your dining experience:

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set offers a contemporary and timeless appeal with its sleek, white design. The set is made of durable porcelain, safe for use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, making it a practical and convenient choice for everyday use. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs, providing a complete dining solution.

Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This all-white dinnerware set exudes elegance and simplicity. The set features wide-rimmed dinner and salad plates, small bowls suitable for cereal or soup, and a slightly tapered mug with a comfortable handle. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe, ensuring convenience and easy maintenance.

Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set

Fable Home offers a ceramic dinnerware set that has gained a cult following. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and breakfast bowls, providing a complete dining solution. The pieces are made from locally sourced recycled ceramics and are fired twice to ensure durability. The set is available in four calming colours, allowing you to mix and match to create a unique tablescape.

Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware

The Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware from Crate and Barrel is a timeless and elegant choice. With its clean lines and simple design, this set will never go out of style. The slightly angled rims on the plates and bowls add a subtle touch of sophistication. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and each piece is microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.

Corelle Winter Frost Dinnerware Set

The Corelle Winter Frost collection is a classic choice that has been around since 1970. This set offers incredible durability and is ideal for those who want something functional and long-lasting. The set includes plates and bowls, all made of Vitrelle, a type of durable glass laminate. While the set doesn't include mugs, it is microwave, dishwasher, and warm-oven safe.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Rigby Dinnerware Starter Set: Features angled plate rims to prevent food from slipping and a simple yet substantial design.
• Bauer Pottery Russel Wright American Modern Dinnerware: Brings back the iconic designs of famed industrial designer Russel Wright, offering a timeless and versatile option with its curved silhouettes and rounded corners.
• Year & Day Dinnerware Set: Provides a minimalist design with a modern semi-matte finish. The rimless plates are sleek and durable, and the set can be customised to include flatware, drinkware, and serveware.
• IKEA FÄRGKLAR 24-piece Dinnerware Set: Offers a budget-friendly option with a modern design. The set includes dinner plates, side plates, and bowls in six soft colours and two finish options.
• Jars Cantine Collection: Features a white clay body and a glossy glaze, giving it a sophisticated and elegant look. The set includes plates, bowls, and mugs, and each piece is sold separately, allowing for easy customisation.

Stoneware plates

Benefits of Stoneware Plates

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is typically heavier and more opaque than porcelain. It is made from fired clay and can be finished with either a matte or glossy glaze, giving it a versatile look that can range from rustic to modern. Stoneware is known for its durability, making it a great choice for everyday use. It is usually microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer-safe, although it's important to check the specific care instructions for your plates. Stoneware is also chip-resistant, although it is prone to glazing defects and chipping if not handled with care.

Specific Product Recommendations

West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware Set

This stoneware dinnerware set is a great option if you're looking for a simple, rustic design. The set is designed in Portugal and features handmade appeal with uneven edges, a textured exterior, and subtle speckling. It includes small bowls, pasta bowls, dinner plates, and salad plates, all generously sized and weighted. You can choose from a variety of neutral reactive glazes, including classic white, blue, black, and cardamom. The set is both dishwasher and microwave-safe.

Gibson Round Stoneware 16-piece Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this stoneware dinnerware set from Gibson is a great choice. It has a smooth, flat finish with a matte glaze and comes in various colorways, although the white set with faux metallic trim is particularly elegant. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, serving four people. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a durable and stylish option for both raucous family dinners and fancy dinner parties.

Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set

For a slightly asymmetrical look that adds a touch of charm, the Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set is a great option. It features a gentle wave to the edge and a rippled surface, with two bowls that are perfect for pasta or breakfast. The set is available in a range of lovely shades, and you can even mix and match the colors to create your unique set. It is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe up to 450°F. However, do note that the plates may develop very light scratches over time.

Stone Lain Stoneware Dinnerware Set

For a bold statement, consider the Stone Lain stoneware dinnerware set. This set offers a variety of colors and unique designs, such as the Celina set in black matte or the Grace set in white. The sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, although the exact pieces may vary depending on the collection. Stone Lain stoneware is generally microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient and stylish choice for your dinnerware.

Roan Iris Simple Stoneware Plate

If you're looking for something more understated, the Roan Iris Simple Stoneware Plate is a perfect choice. These plates are handmade using sand stoneware and finished with an ivory glaze, with the rim left unglazed to highlight the warmth of the sand clay. They are available in two sizes – dinner plates and salad plates – and are microwave, dishwasher, and food-safe. Please note that each piece is unique and will have variations in design and size due to their handmade nature.

Bone china

Purio Bone China Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece bone china dinnerware set from Crate & Barrel includes dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, mugs, and an oval platter. The set is elegant and timeless, perfect for those who want to add a special touch to their dining experience.

Wedgwood Bone China Tableware

Wedgwood offers a range of bone china tableware with bold and beautiful designs. Their collection includes dinnerware sets, plates, bowls, serveware, and more. The bone china pieces are innovatively designed and can be mixed and matched to create beautiful memories.

Mikasa Bone China Dinnerware Sets

Mikasa offers a variety of bone china dinnerware sets in different patterns and colours. Some of their popular sets include the Italian Countryside White Bone China Dinnerware Set, the Trellis White 36 Piece Dinnerware Set, and the Wildflower Garden Square 16 Piece Dinnerware Set. These sets are perfect for those who want to make a statement with their dinnerware.

Lenox Westmore Dinnerware

This bone china dinnerware set from Bloomingdale's offers a sophisticated and elegant look for your dining table. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, perfect for everyday use or formal gatherings.

Royal Crown Derby Dinnerware

For those who want to add a touch of royalty to their dining experience, Royal Crown Derby offers elegant bone china dinnerware. Their sets feature intricate designs and gold detailing, making them perfect for special occasions or for those who want to make a statement with their dinnerware.

Porcelain

• Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set: This set is a surprising find from French cookware company, Staub. The set includes a homely cereal bowl, and versatile salad and dinner plates. The set is both dishwasher and microwave-safe, and scratch-resistant.
• West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware: This set has a simple, rustic design, with textured exteriors and subtle speckling. The set is dishwasher and microwave-safe.
• Our Place Dinnerware Set: This set includes a range of plates, bowls, and mugs, with a satin finish and stacking capabilities. The set is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe.
• Red Vanilla Extreme Bone China Dinnerware Set: This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and soup bowls. The set is dishwasher-safe, and the plates are designed with a lip to prevent food from sliding off.
• Vietri Italian Lastra Collection: This set is handcrafted in Italy, and is chip and break-resistant. The set is dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven-safe.

Frequently asked questions