Dinnerware Sets: Timeless Neutrals For Any Table

Neutral dinnerware sets are a versatile dining table pick, offering a simple palette that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. From rustic to modern, matte to glossy, there's a neutral dinnerware set to suit every style and budget.

For a classic, timeless option, the Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware set is a great choice. Its simple design and slightly angled rims make it a versatile and elegant set. If you're looking for something more rustic, the Jono Pandolfi Coupe Collection features sturdy stoneware with a sophisticated look. The clay used in this collection gives it a warm and homey feel, while the rounded, smooth edges add a modern touch.

For those who want a set that's both durable and stylish, the Gibson Round Stoneware 16-piece Dinnerware Set is a fantastic option. This set offers a smooth, flat finish with a matte glaze, and comes in a range of colourways, including white with faux metallic trim. If you're looking for something a little more special, the Leeway Home The Full Way set offers stoneware dishes in solid earth tones or with colourful striped rims.

Whatever your style, there's a neutral dinnerware set to suit your needs and elevate your dining experience.

Ceramic

Colour and Glaze

Neutral colours like white, grey, and beige are versatile and elegant choices for dinnerware. These colours can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a formal dinner party. They also provide a perfect backdrop to showcase your culinary creations without overwhelming the senses.

When it comes to glaze, a glossy finish adds a touch of elegance and pizzazz to your table setting. On the other hand, a matte finish offers a more modern and understated look. You can also opt for a two-tone effect by choosing dinnerware with a gloss finish over a matte base.

Shape and Design

The shape of your dinnerware can range from traditional round plates and bowls to more contemporary square or coupe (bowl-like plates) designs. Free-form edges give your dinnerware an organic, handmade look, while clean lines and minimalist silhouettes exude contemporary sophistication.

Size and Quantity

Consider the size of the dinnerware set and the number of pieces included. A typical dinnerware set for four people includes dinner plates, salad or dessert plates, and bowls. Some sets may also include mugs, serving bowls, and platters. If you frequently host larger gatherings, you may want to opt for a larger set or purchase multiple sets to ensure you have enough pieces.

Durability and Maintenance

Look for dinnerware that is chip-resistant and scratch-resistant, especially if you plan to use it daily. Dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe options are also convenient and reduce the risk of damage during everyday use.

Examples of Neutral Ceramic Dinnerware Sets

• East Fork Shallow Dinner Set: Handmade in Asheville, North Carolina, this earthenware set offers a down-to-earth vibe with refined silhouettes. The colours are rich and earthy, and the exposed rims provide a nice texture for both visual appeal and grip.
• AmorArc Ceramic Dinnerware Set: This 12-piece set includes hand-painted plates and bowls with a wooden-type colour bottom. It is scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
• MALACASA Mario Porcelain Dinnerware Set: A 6-piece set that is both chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making it a durable and low-maintenance option.
• Euro Ceramica Duomo 16-piece Dinnerware Set: A stylish set that serves four and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
• Leeway Home The Full Way Set: This 44-piece set offers a complete dining experience with four settings, including flatware, mugs, dinner and salad plates, bowls, and elegant stemmed wine glasses. The stoneware dishes are available in solid earth tones or with colourful striped rims for a playful touch.

Whether you prefer a classic white set or something with a modern twist, ceramic dinnerware in neutral tones is a versatile choice that will elevate your dining experience.

Stoneware

West Elm Kanto Stoneware Dinnerware

This stoneware dinnerware set is designed in Portugal and has a handmade appeal with uneven edges, a textured exterior, and a delicate foot. The set includes four small bowls, four pasta bowls, four dinner plates, and four salad plates. The pieces are generously sized, with a nice weight and depth, and come in a selection of reactive glazes, including white, blue, black, and cardamom. The set is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Pottery Barn Dinnerware Set

This stoneware set from Pottery Barn has a timeless, classic aesthetic with a slight lip on the salad and dinner plates. The white glaze has a hint of grey and brown, resulting in a versatile design that can easily be mixed and matched 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 stoneware dinnerware set is designed in the Hudson Valley and offers versatility and handmade qualities like soft rippling on the surface. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls, and comes in six stoneware shades that mix well together. The set is dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe up to 450°F.

Arhaus Twilight Dinnerware

This stoneware dinnerware set 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, and the set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four mugs. There are also a few serveware pieces, including an oval platter and serving bowl, that can be purchased separately. The set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This stoneware dinnerware set is crafted from premium stoneware with vibrant enamel glazes. The profile of the dishes is timeless, with generous sizes and streamlined shapes. Each piece features a thin three-ring design around the edge, providing a touch of country charm. The set includes four pasta or cereal bowls, four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four mugs, and is dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer-, and oven-safe up to 500°F.

Porcelain

Crate and Barrel Aspen Dinnerware Set

This set offers a classic design with clean lines and a simple, timeless style. The Aspen set is available in solid white or with grey or black bands. It includes slightly angled rims, which make the plates easy to hold and help prevent food from spilling. The set is also surprisingly stackable, given its low cost, and has a medium weight that strikes a balance between heftier options like Heath and lighter porcelain sets. The Aspen set is dishwasher, microwave, and warm-oven safe.

Our Place Dinnerware Set

Our Place is known for its bold colours and minimalist designs. Their 20-piece dinnerware set includes full-size plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, dessert plates, and cereal bowls. The plates also act as lids for the bowls, making them easy to stack and store. The set is made of ceramic with a glossy interior to prevent scratches and a satin exterior finish. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Red Vanilla Extreme Bone China Dinnerware Set

This set offers an elegant, modern design with delicate edges and sleek swoops. The white porcelain set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and triangular soup bowls. The pieces have an ultra-glossy finish and are durable, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. However, the slippery surface may cause food to slide off the plate, and the corners are prone to chipping if not carefully stacked and stored.

Corelle Winter Frost Dinnerware Set

The Corelle Winter Frost set is a budget-friendly option made of Vitrelle, a type of durable glass laminate. The set includes plates and bowls and comes in a classic white colour with a noticeable green hue. The plates have slightly angled rims, and the bowls are available in both shallow and deeper options. The set is dishwasher, microwave, and warm-oven safe. While the pieces are thin and stackable, they are surprisingly durable and chip-resistant.

Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set

The Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set is a surprising offering from the French cookware company known for its Dutch ovens. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls, all branded with the iconic Staub logo. The stoneware set has a modern organic design with a homey feel. It features a glossy enamel coating that makes it moisture-resistant, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher and microwave-safe.

Jono Pandolfi Coupe Dinnerware Set

The Jono Pandolfi Coupe Dinnerware Set is a durable option made of stoneware and handcrafted in the USA. The set includes an entrée plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl, and an Alaska bowl. The pieces have a minimalist, modern design with a grey interior (exclusive to Design Within Reach) or white colour. The set is dishwasher and microwave-safe, and the bowls are the perfect size for multipurpose use.

Earthenware

When it comes to choosing earthenware dinnerware sets, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide on the size of the set. A typical dinnerware set includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl, and a mug. However, some sets may include additional pieces such as soup bowls, dessert plates, or saucers. It is also worth considering the colour and design of the set. Earthenware dinnerware sets can range from simple and elegant to more intricate and decorative, with various patterns and glazes available.

Another important factor to keep in mind is durability. Earthenware is generally less durable than other types of dinnerware, so it is essential to choose a set that is well-made and can withstand everyday use. Reading reviews and comparing different products can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, look for dinnerware sets that are dishwasher and microwave safe, as this will make them more practical for everyday use.

• Edick 16 Piece Dinnerware Set: This set for four includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and dessert bowls. It features a simple trellis and medallion pattern in a neutral finish that will blend well with your existing pieces. The set is also microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Yemina 20 Piece Full Set: This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, dessert bowls, mugs, and saucers for four. It is crafted from lead-free, BPA-free earthenware ceramic in a glossy white glaze, giving it an elegant and traditional look. The set is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
• Bianca Leaf Round 16 Piece Full Set: This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs for four. It features a leaf design in neutral colours, adding a subtle touch of nature to your table setting.
• Dimaggio 16 Piece Dinnerware Set: This set includes dinner plates, side plates, cereal bowls, and coffee mugs for four. It features Robin's egg blue ceramic with floral detailing, giving it a charming and rustic look. The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.

When choosing an earthenware dinnerware set, it is important to consider your personal style, the size of the set, the durability of the pieces, and any additional features that may be important to you, such as microwave and dishwasher safety. By taking these factors into account, you can find a set that suits your needs and enhances your dining experience.

Glass

One popular option for glass dinnerware is the Corelle brand, which offers a range of glass dinnerware sets that are chip and crack-resistant. Corelle uses a triple layer glass construction, which makes their dinnerware sets lightweight yet durable. Their Winter Frost White set is a classic option, with a simple and elegant design. This set includes dinner plates, bread and butter plates, and bowls, and is a great fundamental basic for any kitchen. Corelle also offers sets with different designs, such as their Indigo Speckle set, which features a beautiful blue and white design.

Another popular brand for glass dinnerware is Libbey, which offers a range of clear glass dinnerware sets. Their Tempo set features sleek and sturdy clear glass plates and bowls, perfect for those who want a contemporary look.

For those who want a pop of colour, Gibson offers a range of glass dinnerware sets with colourful designs. Their Ultra Violet Floral 12-piece set features colourful flowers on glossy white dishware, adding a touch of elegance to any table setting. Gibson also offers a range of other designs, such as their Ultra Radley 12-piece set, which features scalloped edges and a simple and classic design.

When choosing a glass dinnerware set, it is important to consider the size of the set, the number of pieces included, and the design. It is also important to check if the set is dishwasher and microwave safe, as this will impact the convenience and durability of the set.

Frequently asked questions