The Ultimate Guide To American-Made Dishware: Elevating Your Dining Experience

Dinnerware sets are made all over the world, but there are many options for those who want to buy American-made. These include casual, modern, rustic, and fine china sets, with some of the most popular brands being Fiesta, HF Coors, Bauer Pottery, Corelle, USA Dinnerware Direct, Annieglass, Mosser Glass, and Haand.

Many of these brands have long histories, with some dating back to the 1800s and affected by major historical events like the World Wars. They often offer a range of colours and patterns, from matte black and white to hand-painted designs, and usually include dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs. Some sets are also oven-proof, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

Dinnerware sets

HF Coors

If you're looking for simple, plain white dinnerware, HF Coors is a great option. Their dishes are vitrified and lead-free, with most glazes, including white, being cadmium-free. The ceramic dishes are also microwave, dishwasher, freezer, oven, and broiler safe. HF Coors has been in the food service industry for almost a hundred years, so you can trust their expertise and experience. Their dinnerware sets come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3-piece to 16-piece sets.

Corelle

Corelle offers a range of casual dinnerware sets that are made in the USA. Their Livingware Dinnerware Sets come in different colours and designs, such as Winter White, Mystic Gray, and City Block. These sets are chip-resistant and safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. Corelle also offers an 18-piece dinnerware set, which includes lightweight, triple-layer glass plates and bowls that are chip and crack resistant.

Fiesta

Fiesta has been making high-quality ceramic dishes in Newell, West Virginia for over 75 years. Their 4-piece set includes a large dinner plate, a salad plate, a bowl, and a mug. You can buy as many or as few place settings as you need, making it convenient to customise your set. Fiesta offers a wide range of colour options, from classic neutrals to vibrant hues.

Lenox

Lenox is a world-renowned brand for fine china, with their only factory in the US located in Kinston, North Carolina. Their Classic White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is chip-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe, making it a great option for everyday use. Lenox also offers the French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting, which comes in several colours, including ice blue. This set is also dishwasher and microwave safe and is backed by a lifetime replacement program.

Pickard China

Pickard China is a family-owned company based in Illinois, known for their handcrafted dinnerware made by skilled artisans. Their most famous design is a simple yet elegant white china set with a gold rim and a delicate gold lion. They also offer a variety of other styles, including seasonal holiday dinnerware.

Liberty Tabletop

Liberty Tabletop is the only remaining manufacturer of silverware that is made in America. Their flatware is crafted from 18-10 chromium/nickel stainless steel, providing a brilliant shine and strong resistance to staining. Liberty Tabletop offers a range of beautiful designs, such as Pearl, Modern America, and Annapolis. They also create a line of silverware for children and toddlers.

Dinnerware materials

Dinnerware is made from a variety of materials, each with its own qualities, features, price points, and drawbacks. Here is a guide to help you choose the best material for your needs:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It typically has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware, but it is also less durable and more prone to chipping. Hand-painted designs are usually found on earthenware. It is often porous, so it should not be left submerged in water and should be checked with the manufacturer before use in the dishwasher or microwave.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware, making it more durable. The clay used to make stoneware is coarse-grain, giving it a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china. Stoneware is typically used for casual, everyday place settings and can be finished with various glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. 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. Stoneware dinnerware is usually brown or grey.

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and china are made from fine-particle clay fired at high temperatures, resulting in extremely durable and nonporous dinnerware. This process allows for a thinner and more delicately constructed body, giving it an almost translucent appearance. Most fine china is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic banding, which should not be microwaved, and citrus-scented detergents should be avoided as they can damage metal accents. China with gold or silver borders should not be microwaved. Porcelain often has an upscale look, lending itself to more formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily. Porcelain dinnerware is usually white or off-white.

Bone China

Bone china is made by combining bone ash, made from animal bones, with porcelain clay and firing it at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain. This results in a material that is very lightweight, delicate in feel, and translucent with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven, unless it has metallic banding. Bone china is typically used for formal dining occasions but can also be used daily.

Melamine

Melamine is a plastic material that is lightweight, sturdy, inflexible, and has a glossy finish. It is virtually indestructible, making it ideal for children and outdoor use. It is usually dishwasher-safe on the top rack but should not be used in the microwave or oven and should not be heated with food in it.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is glass fired at an ultra-high temperature, making it nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Dinnerware colours and patterns

Monochromatic Colours

If you want your dinnerware set to have a sleek and elegant look, consider choosing a monochromatic colour scheme. This could be an all-white dinnerware set or a set in a single bold colour like matte black or pink. This type of colour scheme creates a cohesive and elegant table setting that will never go out of style.

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns can add a modern and playful touch to your dinnerware. From concentric circles to layered shapes, these patterns create visual interest without overwhelming the eye. This style is a great way to add a bit of personality to your table setting while still keeping it sophisticated.

Nature-Inspired Designs

For a more whimsical and inviting table setting, consider dinnerware with nature-inspired patterns. This could include desert vistas, floral motifs, or even hand-painted quail. These patterns can evoke a sense of warmth and charm, making your dinner table a more welcoming space.

Bold Colours and Patterns

If you really want to make a statement with your dinnerware, consider choosing a set with bold colours and patterns. This could be a mix-and-match set in various colours or a set with a single bold pattern, like stripes or polka dots. This option is perfect if you want your dinnerware to be the focal point of your table setting.

Classic Designs

For a more traditional look, you can opt for classic dinnerware patterns like the iconic Fiestaware, which comes in a range of solid colours and has been a popular choice for decades. You can also find classic designs with a modern twist, like the Kate Spade New York dinnerware sets, which offer a contemporary take on classic china patterns.

When choosing dinnerware colours and patterns, it's important to consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to create for your table settings. Whether you prefer something simple and elegant or bold and playful, there are plenty of options to choose from among American-made dish sets.

Dinnerware manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of dinnerware in the USA. Here is a list of some of them:

Fiesta and USA Dinnerware Direct

Fiesta manufactures simple, everyday dinnerware in a range of colours, including black and white, as well as seasonal designs. Their products are made from fully vitrified, lead-free china with a colour glaze. USA Dinnerware Direct is a more modern offshoot of Fiesta, with more subtle colours and sophisticated designs.

HF Coors

HF Coors makes dinnerware in a variety of colours and patterns, from classic all-white sets to colourful and rustic pottery. Their products are made from vitrified, cadmium and lead-free ceramic and are highly chip-resistant.

Bauer Pottery

Bauer Pottery is a historic brand dating back to 1878. They produce mid-century modern dinnerware using lead and cadmium-free glazed ceramic.

Corelle

Corelle manufactures modern dinnerware using three-layer, lead-free glass. Only their Vitrelle line is made in the USA.

Annieglass

Annieglass produces luxurious, handmade glass dinnerware in Watsonville, California. Their designs are often inspired by nature.

Mosser Glass

Mosser Glass is a family-owned business that has been making glass dinnerware for over 30 years. They are based in Cambridge, Ohio.

Haand

Haand is a small company based in Burlington, North Carolina, that makes modern rustic porcelain dinnerware. Their products are lead-free and handmade by a team of around 20 people.

Bennington Potters

Bennington Potters make rustic dinnerware with a modern twist, using lead-free and cadmium-free stoneware. They are based in Bennington, Vermont.

Farmhouse Pottery

Farmhouse Pottery manufactures sustainable dinnerware and other home goods. Their products are made from lead-free and cadmium-free stoneware and New England ash wood. They are based in Woodstock, Vermont.

Emerson Creek Pottery

Emerson Creek Pottery makes cottagecore stoneware by hand in Bedford, Virginia. They use lead-free and cadmium-free stoneware and paint their products with natural elements like flowers and birds.

Rowe Pottery

Rowe Pottery handcrafts rustic ceramic dinnerware in small batches in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Their products are made from lead-free ceramic and are often hand-painted.

Stoneware & Co.

Stoneware & Co. is a family-owned business based in Louisville, Kentucky, that makes rustic-chic stoneware. They have been in business for over 300 years.

Heath Ceramics

Heath Ceramics manufactures rustic-chic dinnerware and tiles in Sausalito and San Francisco, California. They have been in business since 1948.

Hanselmann Pottery

Hanselmann Pottery is based in Corrales, New Mexico, and makes rustic stoneware dinnerware. They are a small group of young artists who took over the business in 1970.

Pickard

Pickard makes fine china dinnerware in Antioch, Illinois. They have been in business since 1893 and use traditional craftsmanship techniques. Their products are made from fine china porcelain and decorated with 24K gold, pure platinum, and brilliant cobalt.

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking manufactures glass dinnerware in Lancaster, Ohio. They have been in business for over 100 years and make a range of products including food containers, canisters, tumblers, and serving dishes.

Liberty Tabletop

Liberty Tabletop is a branch of Sherrill MFG, Inc. that makes flatware in Sherill, New York. They are an American family-owned business that manufactures their products in the USA or in partnership with other American companies.

Dinnerware retailers

There are a variety of retailers that sell dish sets made in America. Here is a list of some of the top retailers:

HF Coors:

HF Coors offers a wide range of dinnerware sets, from 3-piece to 16-piece sets. Their products are made in Tucson, Arizona, and are lead-free, chip-resistant, and safe for microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven use. They offer various designs, including matte black, white, and pink, as well as unique patterns like Aztec, Mimbreño, and Sonoran Desert.

Fiesta and USA Dinnerware Direct:

Fiesta and its modern branch, USA Dinnerware Direct, offer simple, casual dinnerware in a variety of colours and designs. Their products are made in West Virginia and include drinkware, plates, bowls, serveware, bakeware, and more. They were one of the first American companies to use lead-free ceramic glaze, and they are known for their excellent customer service and packaging.

Bauer Pottery:

Bauer Pottery is a historic American brand that dates back to 1878. They offer mid-century modern ceramic dinnerware, including dinnerware, drinkware, garden accessories, and more. Their products are made in California and are lead-free and cadmium-free.

Corelle:

Corelle is a popular American brand that offers modern, glass dinnerware. Their products are made in Illinois and are known for their three-layer, chip-resistant glass. While only their Vitrelle line is crafted in the USA, they offer a wide range of designs, including square dinnerware, florals, geometric patterns, and all-white sets.

Annieglass:

Annieglass creates luxurious, handmade glass dinnerware in Watsonville, California. Their designs are unique, often inspired by nature, and range from modern to opulent. They are committed to sustainability and using upcycled scrap glass in their manufacturing process.

Mosser Glass:

Mosser Glass is a family-owned business that has been creating high-quality, retro glass dinnerware for over 30 years. Their products are made in Ohio and include dinnerware, glassware, serveware, home decor, and gifts. They offer factory tours, providing a unique experience for customers.

Online Retailers:

Various online retailers, such as Amazon, Joss & Main, and Wayfair, also offer a wide range of American-made dinnerware. These retailers provide a convenient platform to explore different brands, designs, and price points, making it easy to find dinnerware that suits your style and budget.

These retailers showcase the diversity of American-made dinnerware, offering something for every taste, from rustic to modern aesthetics. They also highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and made-in-America products, ensuring high-quality, durable, and safe dinnerware for your home.

Frequently asked questions