Elegant Dinnerware: Elevating The Dining Experience With Luxurious Plate Sets

Fancy dinner plate sets can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. Whether you're looking for something timeless and classic or bold and colourful, there is a wide range of options to choose from. From classy stoneware to elegant porcelain, you can find the perfect set to complement your unique style and theme. If you want to make a statement, consider a colourful set with a coastal feel or a modern dark-coloured set. For a more traditional look, opt for a white dish set with delicate details or a set with a matte finish. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as square dish sets for a contemporary aesthetic. Don't forget to consider the number of place settings you need and whether you prefer dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe options.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware sets can elevate your dining experience and make your special occasions memorable. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the perfect dinnerware set for those memorable meals:

Choosing the Right Dinnerware Set for Special Occasions

The right dinnerware set can enhance your dining experience and make your special occasions even more extraordinary. Here are some factors to consider when choosing dinnerware for those memorable meals:

• Material and Durability: Opt for high-quality materials such as porcelain, stoneware, or tempered glass. These materials are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Look for chip-resistant and scratch-resistant options to ensure your dinnerware set lasts for many special occasions.
• Colour and Design: Choose a colour and design that reflects your style and the tone of your special occasion. White dinnerware sets are timeless and versatile, perfect for everything from elegant dinner parties to festive holiday gatherings. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider sets with colourful rims or reactive glazes for a subtle touch of originality.
• Size and Quantity: Consider the number of guests you typically host for special occasions. It's advisable to get a larger set than your usual household size to accommodate unexpected guests. A 24-piece dinnerware set is a good option for six people, providing extra pieces for any last-minute additions to your guest list.
• Special Features: Look for dinnerware sets that are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe. These features will make it easier to prepare and clean up after your special meals, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.

Recommended Dinnerware Sets for Special Occasions

Now that you know what to consider, here are some specific dinnerware sets that could be perfect for your next celebration:

• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set offers triple-layer glass, chip resistance, and lightweight plates and bowls. It's a best-seller and an excellent option for everyday use or more formal gatherings.
• Stone Lain Coupe Dinnerware Set: This set stands out with its black matte finish, adding a modern and elegant touch to your table. It's a popular choice for those seeking something unique yet classic.
• Gibson Home Oslo 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set: If you're looking for a touch of sophistication, this set features a white and black rim design. Its timeless style and durability make it a versatile option for special occasions.
• Elama Fine Round Gloss Dinnerware Dish Set: This 16-piece set combines black and white marble for a sleek and stylish look. It's an excellent choice if you want to add a touch of luxury to your table setting.
• Le Creuset Dinnerware Set: For a warm and inviting ambiance, consider this stoneware collection finished in a creamy glaze. It's oven-safe up to 500 degrees, making it ideal for serving hearty meals during winter gatherings.
• Primrose Gold Dinnerware: This stunning collection features a ring of gold and a speckled reactive glaze, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to your table setting. It's perfect for celebratory dinners and festive occasions.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any kitchen, and choosing the right set for everyday use is crucial. When selecting a dinnerware collection, consider factors such as material, colour, and design to suit your unique taste and lifestyle. Here are some options and tips to help you make the right choice:

Material and Durability:

When choosing dinnerware for everyday use, consider materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Stoneware and porcelain are popular choices due to their sturdiness and versatility. Stoneware has a rustic charm with its naturalistic design details, while porcelain offers a classic look with contemporary styles. For added convenience, opt for dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe options, such as those offered by IKEA, to make mealtimes and cleanups a breeze.

Colour and Style:

The colour of your dinnerware set can either make a bold statement or provide a versatile backdrop to your culinary creations. Neutral hues like white, off-white, grey, and beige are timeless and elegant choices that complement any tablescape. They provide the perfect canvas for experimenting with colourful textiles and centrepieces during different seasons. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more distinctive style, consider bolder colours like black, charcoal grey, or even a hint of coastal blue or green to add a unique touch to your dining experience.

Set Size and Purpose:

Consider the size of the dinnerware set to accommodate your everyday needs and occasional gatherings. A larger set with more pieces, such as a 24-piece collection, is ideal for families and unexpected guests. You can keep a smaller set for everyday use and bring out the larger set for special occasions or when entertaining a larger group. This ensures you have the right tableware for every occasion, from intimate dinners to festive celebrations.

Design and Versatility:

When selecting a design, look for a clean and simple style that will complement various dishes and any existing tableware you may have. For instance, a set with subtle grooves, soft hues, or a minimalist silhouette can add elegance to your everyday meals. Square dish sets offer a modern appeal, especially when paired with black flatware and serveware. If you enjoy hosting outdoor gatherings, consider durable melamine dinnerware that can withstand the demands of backyard dining.

Popular Options:

Several retailers offer a wide range of dinnerware sets suitable for everyday use. IKEA, for example, provides affordable and stylish options with their FÄRGKLAR and GODMIDDAG collections. Target offers a variety of styles, including timeless white ceramic plates and classy stoneware. For a more luxurious option, Crate & Barrel's Le Creuset Collection features a hardworking stoneware collection that is oven-safe and finished with a creamy glaze.

In conclusion, when choosing dinnerware sets for everyday use, consider factors such as durability, colour, set size, and design to suit your personal taste and lifestyle. By selecting the right combination of style and functionality, you can elevate your everyday meals and create memorable dining experiences.

Dinnerware sets by colour

When choosing a dinnerware set, the colour is an important consideration. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect set based on colour:

White Dinnerware Sets

White dinnerware sets are timeless and versatile. They can be used for everyday meals as well as special occasions. White sets with clean lines or delicate details can be paired with satin-finish silverware and linen tablecloths for a traditional look. For a modern twist, opt for square white dish sets and contrast them with black flatware and serveware.

Black Dinnerware Sets

Black or charcoal grey dinnerware sets provide a striking backdrop for any meal. They can be paired with simple table linens, such as a white tablecloth and matching cloth napkins, to ensure all eyes are on the tableware.

Blue Dinnerware Sets

Blue stoneware dinnerware sets evoke a coastal feel. They can be complemented with ocean-inspired centrepieces, such as candle lanterns with shells or sand dollars. For a modern look, choose a darker shade of blue.

Green Dinnerware Sets

Green dinnerware sets can also bring a touch of nature to your table. Opt for glossy stoneware in pastel green for a dining room with Nordic décor.

Multi-Coloured Dinnerware Sets

Multi-coloured dinnerware sets add a fun and bold touch to your dining table. They come in a variety of patterns and designs, including modern abstract styles, classic floral designs, and contemporary geometric patterns. These sets usually include three to six complete place settings, each with a dinner plate, soup/salad plate, dessert plate, bowls, and mugs.

Neutral Dinnerware Sets

Neutral dinnerware sets, such as those in off-white or pale grey, can have free-form edges to give a handmade look that feels organic and rustic.

Other Colours

Dinnerware sets also come in a variety of other colours, including red, orange, yellow, mauve, and beige. You can choose a set that matches your existing tableware or complements your dining room décor.

Remember, when choosing a colour, consider the mood you want to set, the occasion, and how it will complement your table linens and centrepieces.

Dinnerware sets by material

When shopping for dinnerware, you will come across a variety of materials, each with its own qualities, features, price points and drawbacks. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware and typically features hand-painted designs. It has a thick, heavy and rustic look and feel, but it is not very durable and is prone to chipping. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave, but it should not be left submerged in water as it is porous and may absorb liquid.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware, usually more durable than earthenware as it is fired at a higher temperature and often has vitreous (glass) material added for strength. It has a thicker and more opaque body than finer materials like porcelain and china, and it can be finished with a glossy, satin or matte glaze. Stoneware is typically used for casual, everyday settings and most good-quality options are versatile, easy to maintain and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer. However, stoneware should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Porcelain/China

Porcelain and china are terms used for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically comprising feldspar, kaolin and quartz, which is fired at a high temperature. This makes the dinnerware extremely durable and non-porous, allowing for a thinner and more delicate construction that gives it a translucent appearance. Most fine china is dishwasher, microwave and oven-safe, unless it has gold, silver or platinum borders. In this case, it should not be microwaved and citrus-scented detergents should be avoided as they can damage metal accents. Many people choose to hand-wash their metal-accented porcelain dishes. Porcelain often lends itself to more formal dining occasions due to its upscale look, but it can also be used every day.

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 produces a material that is lightweight, delicate, translucent and has a milky appearance. Despite its fragile presentation, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is generally dishwasher-safe and, unless it has metallic banding, can be used in the microwave and oven. Like porcelain, bone china can be used daily or reserved for formal dining occasions.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass is glass that has been fired at an ultra-high temperature, making it non-porous and extremely durable. The best-known vitrified glass dinnerware is Corelle, which is virtually indestructible and safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Melamine

Melamine is a lightweight plastic material with a sturdy, inflexible feel and 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 it should not be used in the microwave or oven and should not be heated with food in it.

Dinnerware sets by brand

There are many brands that sell fancy dinnerware sets. Here are some of them:

Corelle

Corelle offers a range of dinnerware sets made from triple-layer glass and chip-resistant materials. Their sets come in various colours, including Winter Frost White, Cherish, Brushed Silver, Portofino, Country Cottage, Bella Faenza, Linen Weave, Square Timber Shadows, and Mystic Gray. The sets typically include 12 to 18 pieces, perfect for serving four to six people.

Gibson

Gibson provides an array of dinnerware options with unique designs and colours. Some of their collections include the Home Zen Buffet, Oslo, Elite Green Lantern, Soho Lounge, and Elite Dreamweaver. Their sets are often made of porcelain or stoneware and are chip and scratch-resistant. Gibson's dinnerware sets usually serve four, with some larger sets serving six.

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics offers a simple and elegant 18-piece kitchen dinnerware set in white. It includes plates, dishes, and bowls for six people and is also available in a 16-piece set.

Elama

Elama presents dinnerware sets with contemporary designs, such as the Fine Round Gloss set in black and white marble and the Luxmatte set in black. Their sets typically include 16 to 24 pieces, perfect for a fancy dinner for four.

IKEA

IKEA's dinnerware sets combine practicality with style. Their collections include the FÄRGKLAR, GODMIDDAG, FAVORISERA, VÄRDERA, and STRIMMIG sets. IKEA offers a range of set sizes, from 12 to 24 pieces, ensuring you have everything you need for a stylish dinner.

Euro Ceramica

Euro Ceramica offers porcelain dinnerware sets in classic white. Their 16-piece set is a timeless and versatile option for any table.

Frequently asked questions