Dinnerware Sets: Elevate Your Table With These Picks

Dinnerware is more than just vessels for serving and eating food. They are an extension of your style and help create the right ambiance for any occasion, be it a casual solo meal or a fancy dinner date. A good dinnerware set not only sets the stage for memorable meals but also offers an opportunity to express your personal style.

Business Insider has curated a list of the best dinnerware sets you can buy. The list includes an array of timeless, well-made dinnerware options, across a wide range of prices, that are versatile enough to work for most occasions. The recommendations are based on more than 200 hours of research and testing of more than 50 sets since 2016.

The main considerations when shopping for dinnerware are durability and aesthetic appeal. Bone china, porcelain, and china are the most popular materials. China is an all-encompassing term for vitreous ceramic dinnerware. It is brittle, glassy, and does not absorb water well. Porcelain, a subset of china, is made from quartz, feldspar, and clay and heated in a kiln. Bone china, which gets its name from the calcified bone included in its composition, is lightweight and surprisingly strong. It is also usually more expensive.

The right dinnerware set can have a profound impact on how you enjoy a meal. A sophisticated, uniform table setting suggests an attention to detail that diners will also recognize in the dishes you serve. Consequently, a top-quality dinnerware set is a must for any home chef who takes pride in entertaining guests or preparing delicious meals for their family.

- Gibson Home Casa Stella Dinnerware Set: This set is the best overall pick as it is cost-effective, durable, and offers several attractive styles and designs to choose from.

- Nevaeh White by Fitz and Floyd Rim Dinnerware: This is the best all-white dinnerware set. It is made of high-quality bone china, which makes it more pliable, lighter, and thinner.

- Fiesta Dinnerware Place Setting: This set is the best vitrified ceramic dinnerware set. It has an almost cult following and comes in a variety of beautiful shades.

- Brasserie All-White Dinnerware Place Settings: This set is the best heavy-duty dinnerware option. It is made of high-fired porcelain and can handle your oven's broiler.

- AmazonBasics Dinnerware Set: This is the best affordable dinnerware set. It is BPA-free and made of AB-grade porcelain. It is dishwasher, freezer, oven, and microwave safe.

Dinnerware materials

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider the different materials available and choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Here are the most common types of dinnerware materials:

Bone China

Bone china is a type of ceramic dinnerware made from a combination of bone ash, which comes from cow bones, and porcelain clay. It is fired at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain, resulting in a lightweight, delicate, and translucent material with a milky appearance. Despite its fragile appearance, bone china is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware option. It is typically dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave and oven unless it has metallic banding. Bone china is ideal for both everyday use and formal dining occasions. Well-known brands that offer bone china dinnerware include Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, and Mikasa.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of china made from a combination of clay, feldspar, and quartz, fired at very high temperatures. It has a non-porous surface and excellent durability due to the high firing temperatures. Porcelain dinnerware is usually dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe, unless it has metallic accents. It often has an upscale look, making it suitable for formal dining occasions, but it can also be used daily to add elegance to any meal. Some brands that offer porcelain dinnerware include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of ceramic dinnerware made from stoneware clay fired at high temperatures. It is thicker and more opaque than porcelain and china and is often finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Stoneware is typically used for casual, everyday place settings and is very versatile and easy to maintain. It can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer but should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Some brands that offer stoneware dinnerware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Melamine

Melamine is a type of plastic material that is lightweight, shatterproof, break-resistant, and ideal for children and outdoor use. It has a sturdy, inflexible feel and a glossy finish. Melamine dinnerware is usually dishwasher-safe but should not be used in the microwave or oven, and it should not be heated with food in it. While it may be too casual for formal dining, it is a great option for casual and outdoor dining. Zak! Designs is a popular brand for melamine dinnerware.

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is glazed and fired at a lower temperature than bone china, porcelain, or stoneware. It has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel but is not as durable or strong as other types of dinnerware. It is often porous, so it should be avoided from being submerged in water for long periods. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave but check with the manufacturer for specific care instructions. Earthenware offers a casual and durable option for everyday use.

Dinnerware sets for different budgets

Dinnerware is an important part of the dining experience, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right set. Here are some recommendations for dinnerware sets that cater to different budgets:

Luxury Options:

For those who are willing to splurge on high-quality dinnerware, consider the following options:

• Wedgwood: A renowned brand that offers unique and long-lasting dinnerware that can be passed down through generations. While it comes at a high price, Wedgwood is often the choice of royalty and nobility, and you can find their products online at various retailers.
• Noritake: A Japanese brand that has been around for over a century, offering a large variety of formal and casual dinnerware options. Their Colorwave stoneware collection comes in 28 colours.
• Heath Ceramics Rim Line: An heirloom set of stoneware with a timeless design crafted by Edith Heath in 1960. It has a refined yet warm and homey feel, and single pieces can be purchased to incorporate into other stoneware sets.
• East Fork: Handmade stoneware with a similar aesthetic to Heath Ceramics but at a slightly lower price point. The clay body is less porous, making the exposed rims less susceptible to staining.
• Jars Cantine Collection: This elegant French stoneware collection has a white clay body and a soft, muted colour palette. It is handmade in the same French village where the company was founded in 1857, ensuring a dedication to quality.

Mid-Range Options:

If you're looking for a balance between quality and price, consider these options:

• Our Place: A great choice for ethically sourced, functional, and unique dinnerware. They offer hand-painted porcelain plates and nesting bowls, as well as hand-blown drinking glasses. You can purchase individual pieces or bundles at a better value.
• Lenox: An American company offering high-quality dinnerware in various materials, including porcelain, bone china, stoneware, melamine, and metal. They provide a replacement program for registered dinnerware, ensuring a lifetime of use.
• Crate & Barrel: Their Mercer line is perfect for minimalists, featuring an all-white design that is simple yet elegant. The porcelain dinnerware is also low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe.
• Fiesta: A classic American Art Deco dinnerware set with a full spectrum of colours. It is sturdy, moderately priced, and comes with a five-year chip-replacement warranty.
• Iittala Teema Collection: A sleek, mid-century modern dinnerware set created by Finnish designer Kaj Franck. The angular design and high rims make it both aesthetically pleasing and functional, especially for those with limited hand mobility.

Budget-Friendly Options:

For those on a tight budget, there are still some great options available:

• Gibson: Offers a wide range of budget-friendly dinnerware, including chip- and scratch-resistant melamine options that are perfect for outdoor dining or households with children.
• AmazonBasics Dinnerware Set: A cost-effective and durable set made of AB-grade porcelain. The set is dishwasher, freezer, oven, and microwave-safe, making it versatile and easy to maintain.
• Corelle Winter Frost: An affordable and durable dinnerware set made of Vitrelle, a type of durable glass laminate. It includes plates and bowls, and its thinness makes it ideal for those with limited storage space.
• IKEA's 365+ Dinnerware: A very inexpensive option, although the collection doesn't offer as many pieces as some other budget-friendly sets. The glaze is even, but some testers found the mug too big and the bowl too wide.

Dinnerware for different occasions

Dinnerware is an important part of the dining experience, and different occasions call for different styles. Here are some suggestions for dinnerware sets that will suit a range of occasions:

Everyday Use

For everyday use, you'll want dinnerware that is durable, easy to clean, and budget-conscious. Consider a simple, classic design that won't look dated in a few years' time. White dinnerware is a popular choice as it goes with everything, but you could also opt for a subtle pattern or a pop of colour. Some good options for everyday dinnerware include:

• Gibson Home Casa Stella Dinnerware Set
• AmazonBasics Dinnerware Set
• Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware
• Mikasa Delray Collection
• Corelle Winter Frost

Formal Occasions

For formal occasions, such as dinner parties or special celebrations, you might want to opt for something a little more elegant and sophisticated. Porcelain or bone china are good choices of material, and you might want to choose a set with more intricate details or a unique pattern. Some suggestions for formal dinnerware include:

• Wedgwood Dinnerware
• Lenox French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting
• Jars Cantine Collection
• Rigby Dinnerware
• Fable New York Dinnerware

Outdoor Dining

When dining outdoors, it's important to choose dinnerware that is durable and won't break if it's accidentally dropped. Melamine is a popular choice for outdoor dinnerware as it is lightweight, shatterproof, and often comes in fun, colourful designs. Some options for outdoor dinnerware include:

• Fable New York Dinnerware
• Fable New York Bamboo Dinnerware
• Lovette Indoor/Outdoor 16-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set
• Gibson Melamine Dinnerware

Casual Gatherings

For casual gatherings with friends or family, you might want dinnerware that is a bit more fun and relaxed. Perhaps choose a set with a unique design or an interesting shape. Here are some ideas:

• Fiesta Dinnerware
• Our Place Dinnerware
• East Fork Pottery
• Food52 Dinnerware
• Lulu and Georgia Dinnerware

Dinnerware for different aesthetics

Dinnerware is an important part of the dining experience, and choosing the right set can elevate your table setting. Whether you are looking for something elegant and sophisticated or fun and whimsical, here are some options for dinnerware sets that cater to different aesthetics:

Minimalist

For a minimalist look, consider the Crate & Barrel Mercer line, which offers an all-white dinnerware set with flat bottoms, providing a simple yet elegant look. Another option is the Amazon Basics Dinnerware Set, which offers a classic white design that is safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

Rustic

If you are looking for a rustic aesthetic, East Fork Pottery offers a slightly rustic yet contemporary set, with plates and bowls that have raised sides to prevent food from rolling off. The Jars Cantine Collection is another option, with a glossy glaze and soft, muted colours that give it a rustic yet modern feel.

Colourful

For a pop of colour, the Fiesta Dinnerware Place Setting offers dinnerware in a wide range of colours, from Ivory and Tangerine to Daffodil and Turquoise. The Fable New York dinnerware set is another colourful option, made from organic bamboo fibre and non-GMO corn starch, with a range of beautiful summery hues.

Sophisticated

For a more sophisticated aesthetic, the Wedgwood dinnerware set is a good choice, with bold patterns that are sure to make a statement. The Mikasa Delray Collection and Lucerne White Collection offer a similar level of sophistication at a more affordable price point, with a simple yet elegant design and a bright and creamy hue.

Whimsical

For a whimsical and playful look, the Confetti Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware Set from Zak Designs offers attractive, playful colours and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining. The Bornn enamel dinnerware set from Food52 also adds a touch of whimsy to your table, with swirling pastel colours and a unique, marbled design.

Eco-Friendly

If you are conscious of the environment, the Fable New York dinnerware set is a great eco-friendly option, made from renewable bamboo and non-GMO corn starch. The Our Place dinnerware set is another eco-friendly choice, with ethically sourced materials and a focus on supporting female entrepreneurs.

Dinnerware for different purposes

Dinnerware is an important part of the dining experience, and different types of dinnerware are suitable for different purposes. Here are some options for dinnerware sets that can be used for various occasions, along with their unique features and benefits:

Everyday Dinnerware

For everyday use, opt for casual, neutral designs that are durable, easy to clean, and budget-conscious. Stoneware and melamine are great choices as they are sturdy and dishwasher-safe. Gibson, for example, offers a range of budget-friendly and chip-resistant melamine dinnerware that is perfect for outdoor dining or households with children.

Formal Dinnerware

For formal occasions and special dinners, porcelain or china sets a sophisticated tone. Fine china, made from vitreous ceramic, is often reserved for such occasions. Bone china, a type of fine china, is known for its durability, lightweight, and elegant appearance. Brands like Lenox offer high-quality bone china dinnerware with a Replacement Promise, ensuring they will replace any broken items for free upon registration.

Dinnerware for Entertaining

When entertaining guests, consider dinnerware that makes a statement and reflects your personal style. Unique designs, vibrant colours, and interesting textures can elevate the dining experience. Our Place, for instance, offers ethically-sourced, hand-painted dinnerware with a one-of-a-kind look, perfect for those seeking something special.

Eco-Friendly Dinnerware

For environmentally conscious individuals, there are eco-friendly dinnerware options made from sustainable materials. Fable New York's dinnerware set, available at Food52, is an excellent example. It is crafted from organic bamboo fibre, non-GMO corn starch, and food-grade BPA-free melamine, offering a durable yet eco-friendly option.

Open-Stock Dinnerware

Open-stock dinnerware provides the flexibility to customise your collection. Individual pieces can be purchased to create a unique set or to replace broken items. Brands like Mikasa offer a wide range of dinnerware patterns and styles, making it easy to mix and match or expand your collection.

Budget-Friendly Dinnerware

For those on a budget, there are cost-effective options that don't compromise on style. AmazonBasics Dinnerware Set, for instance, offers a classic white dinnerware set at an affordable price, perfect for those moving into their first apartment or seeking a simple, no-frills option.

In conclusion, when choosing dinnerware, consider your needs and purposes. From casual everyday meals to formal gatherings, the right dinnerware can enhance your dining experience and make a lasting impression.

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