Earthen Elegance: Elevating Dinnerware With English Earthware Sets

English earthenware dinnerware sets are a great way to bring artisanal flair to your kitchen table. They are suitable for everyday dining and formal occasions, and come in a variety of styles, sizes, and combinations. You can opt for a simple dinnerware set with a white glaze to keep the focus on your centerpiece, or choose something more eye-catching with colourful glazes and decorative rims. English earthenware dinnerware sets are also available in a range of materials, including stoneware, ceramic, bone china, and porcelain, to suit your personal preference. These sets typically include dinner plates, side plates, bowls, mugs, and even platters, so you have everything you need for a complete table setting.

Microwave and dishwasher-safe sets

When it comes to choosing microwave and dishwasher-safe dinnerware, there are several options available. Here are some recommendations to help you make an informed decision:

Stoneware:

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is often favoured for its rustic and earthy aesthetic. It is generally safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher; however, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures, making it durable and less prone to chipping compared to other materials. It is also relatively thick, giving it a sturdy feel.

Porcelain:

Porcelain dinnerware, often referred to as china, is a popular choice due to its durability, weight, and affordability. It is usually safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave, but do check the manufacturer's instructions. Porcelain has a glazed, non-porous surface, making it suitable for everyday use and formal occasions.

Bone China:

Bone china is a delicate yet durable material that often has a milky white, luminous glaze. It is lightweight and thin, making it ideal for formal dinnerware. While most bone china is dishwasher-safe, it is essential to avoid sudden temperature changes to prolong its longevity. Additionally, bone china with metallic banding should not be used in the microwave.

Laminated Glass (Vitrelle):

Laminated glass, also known as Vitrelle, is an incredibly durable material often used in dinnerware sets. It is resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching, and staining. This material is suitable for both indoor and outdoor dining, offering versatility and longevity.

Microwave and Dishwasher-Safe Dinnerware Sets:

When choosing a dinnerware set, consider the number of settings, the types of dishes included, dish shape, size, and durability. Here are some specific options:

• Gibson Soho Lounge Matte 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set includes six dinner plates, six dessert plates, and six bowls. It is made of durable stoneware that is dishwasher and microwave-safe.
• Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set features images of butterflies and flowers and is made of porcelain. It includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six mugs, serving six people.
• Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set: This versatile and durable set includes mugs, dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and salad bowls. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe and offers excellent value for money.
• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set is chip-resistant and safe for both the microwave and dishwasher. It includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six bowls, offering functionality and durability.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: This set offers a minimalist aesthetic with a modern feel. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four large pasta bowls, and four small breakfast bowls. The dishes are made of stoneware and have shown resistance to scratching and staining.
• Fortessa Los Cabos Dinnerware Set: This trendy set features coloured glass plates that allow your tablecloth to show through. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four cereal bowls, and four pasta bowls. The set has been praised for its durability and resistance to scratching and staining.
• Lenox Blue Bay 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set stands out with its organic, wavy shape and gold rims. It includes four dinner plates, four dessert plates, and four bowls. The gold rims remained intact after 14 cycles in the dishwasher, and the set is also microwave-safe.
• Williams Sonoma Apilco Tradition Blue-Banded Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This classic set features wide rims and is available in 5-, 16-, and 20-piece sets. It withstood 14 wash cycles and showed no signs of wear or staining.

These options offer a range of styles, materials, and piece counts to suit your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to review the care instructions and durability features to ensure your dinnerware set lasts for years to come.

Multi-coloured sets

If you're looking for a burst of colour in your dinnerware, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Villa D'Este Home

The Villa D'Este Home range offers two sets of 18 pieces each. The first is the Baita set, which features six different place settings, each with a unique decoration or colour. The second is the Shiraz set, which also includes six different place settings, but with a mix of porcelain and stoneware. The porcelain plates are elegant and lightweight, while the stoneware plates retain heat for soups and stews.

Euro Ceramica

Euro Ceramica offers several multi-coloured sets, including the 16-piece Galicia Collection, the 32-piece Bonbon Blue set, and the 18-piece Albero set. The Bonbon Blue set is particularly unique, featuring a hand-painted spiral pattern.

Vancasso

Vancasso offers a wide range of multi-coloured sets, including the 32-piece Navia Nature set, the 16-piece Starry Green set, the 20-piece Bubble Brown set, the 16-piece Bella set, and the 48-piece Vine Embossed set. The Navia Nature set is described as having a vintage look, while the Starry Green set features a reactive glaze, giving it a rustic chic style.

Spode

Spode offers a 4-piece Christmas Tree dinnerware set, featuring the traditional holiday turkey. This set is made of high-quality earthenware and is chip-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

Barbary & Oak

Barbary & Oak offers the 16-piece Oslo set, which comes in white and peppermint green.

Johnson Brothers

Johnson Brothers offers the 20-piece Devon Cottage set in blue, as well as the 4-piece Willow place setting in blue and white.

American Atelier

The American Atelier 16-piece Bargello Holiday Dinnerware Set features a unique Christmas-themed design in green.

These options provide a vibrant and eclectic addition to any table setting, perfect for those who want to add a splash of colour to their dining experience.

Stoneware sets

Stoneware is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and rustic, handmade appeal. When shopping for stoneware dinnerware sets, it's important to consider the size and shape of the pieces, the glaze and colour, and how they can be cared for. Here are some options for English stoneware dinnerware sets:

West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware

This collection is designed in Portugal and features a handmade appeal with uneven edges, a textured exterior, and delicate foot. The reactive glazes used on this design will ensure that each piece is one of a kind. The set includes four small bowls, four pasta bowls, four dinner plates, and four salad plates, and is available in a range of colours including white, blue, black, and cardamom. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Pottery Barn Dinnerware Set

This stoneware collection from Pottery Barn is simple and timeless in its aesthetic, with a slight lip on the salad and dinner plates. The white glaze has hints of grey and brown, making it versatile and able to pair with other pieces. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four soup bowls, and is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece stoneware set is designed in the Hudson Valley and features a perfect blend of versatility and handmade qualities. The plates are large and flat, while the pasta bowls are low and wide, making them suitable for a variety of dishes. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls, and comes in six stunning shades. It is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 450°F.

Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware

This galactic-inspired dinnerware collection from Arhaus features a unique hand-painted treatment with a reactive glaze that blooms into a wide range of blues. Each piece has a classic shape with a gentle lip. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four mugs, as well as optional serveware pieces sold separately. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

East Fork 7-Piece You're-All-Set Set

East Fork's stoneware combines simplicity, timelessness, versatility, and durability. Their "You're-All-Set" set includes seven pieces that will carry you from appetisers to dessert, including a mug, bitty bowl, breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate, and dinner plate. You can choose from a range of core shades or limited-edition glazes. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Costa Nova Ceramic Dinnerware

This stoneware collection from Costa Nova features a handmade shape and inky black matte glaze that will elevate any dish. The set includes four pasta bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates, with the option to purchase coordinating coffee mugs separately. Please note that these pieces are not microwave safe.

Sets with bowls

If you're looking for English earthenware dinnerware sets with bowls, there are several options to choose from. Here are some sets that include bowls, along with other pieces:

Elements 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set includes four dinner plates, four medium plates, and four cereal bowls. It features modern glazes and a simple shape design, making it perfect for everyday use and ideal for those who want a timeless yet contemporary style. The set is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Villa D'Este Home Shiraz Dinnerware Set

This set includes six dinner plates, six soup plates, and six fruit plates. It combines porcelain and stoneware for a mix of functionality and refinement. The flat and fruit plates are made of fine white porcelain, while the soup plates are made of durable enamelled stoneware to retain heat. This set is also microwave safe.

Anicia Tague 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set includes four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls, all with a square shape and made from chip-resistant stoneware. It's perfect for a modern home and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Birch Lane™ Sonny Earthenware Dinnerware Set

Although the number of pieces in this set is unclear, it likely services four people and includes plates and bowls.

Spode Christmas Tree Set

This set includes dinner plates, cereal bowls, side plates, and mugs, all made of fine earthenware and dishwasher safe. The exact number of pieces in this set is unclear.

In addition to these options, there are also individual bowls available that could be mixed and matched to create a custom set. For example, Etsy offers a set of four grey pasta bowls from CooksProfessionalGB, and a set of six vintage French glazed earthenware mixing bowls.

Sets with plates

There are many English Earthenware dinnerware sets with plates available. Here are some options:

Spode Christmas Tree Set

This set includes dinner plates, cereal bowls, side plates, and mugs. It is dishwasher safe and features a festive Christmas tree design.

Johnson Brothers Devon Cottage Set

The Johnson Brothers Devon Cottage 20-piece dinnerware set features a blue and white design. It is made of earthenware and includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and mugs.

Villa D'Este Home Marrakech Dinnerware Set

The Villa D'Este Home Marrakech dinnerware set is perfect for those who love bright colours and oriental style. The set includes six dinner plates, six soup plates, and six fruit plates. It is made of porcelain china and stoneware and is microwave safe.

Gibson Elite Matisse 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Elite Matisse dinnerware set comes in a vibrant cobalt blue colour. It includes service for four people, with four dinner plates, four side plates, four bowls, and four mugs.

Euro Ceramica Zanzibar Double Bowl 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Euro Ceramica Zanzibar dinnerware set features a floral multicolor design. It includes service for four people, with four dinner plates, four side plates, four bowls, and four mugs.

Portmeirion Botanic Roses 3-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Portmeirion Botanic Roses dinnerware set is made of earthenware and features a peach motif. It includes service for one person, with a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a cereal bowl.

Frequently asked questions