Dinnerware Sets: Usa-Made, Uniquely Yours

Dinnerware is an essential part of any dining table, enhancing your eating experience, making the food more attractive, and expressing your personal style. American-made dinnerware sets are becoming a rare sight, but there are still a few great options left.

- Corelle Dinnerware – This is one of the most popular American household dinnerware brands, with a factory in Corning, New York. Corelle offers a large variety of lightweight, durable, chip-resistant, and stackable dinnerware sets that are also eco-friendly, made from up to 80% recycled glass. Their most popular set is the Winter Frost 18-piece dinnerware set in classic white.

- Fiesta Dinnerware – FiestaWare manufactures all its toxin-free dinnerware sets in Newell, West Virginia. Their bright and beautiful glazed dinnerware sets are durable, dishwasher/oven/microwave-safe, and lead-free. The classic American design has a variety of collections to choose from, and many people love to mix and match.

- Lenox Dinnerware – Lenox is internationally renowned for its American-made, handcrafted fine china, with a factory in Kingston, North Carolina. They offer a wide variety of patterns, all of which are chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Their Lenox Eternal Ivory set adds elegance and style to any dinner table, with its rim of 24-karat gold.

- Kate Spade New York Dinnerware – These dinnerware sets are made by the Lenox company and offer a modern and fresh take on classic china dinnerware. The collections feature handcrafted and painted pieces that are also dishwasher-safe. The Cypress Point Dinnerware 5-Piece Place Setting suits any occasion and group of people.

- Anchor Hocking Dinnerware – Anchor Hocking is a well-known American company that manufactures high-quality glass dinnerware, bakeware, food storage, beverageware, and serveware. Their products are stackable, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe. You can buy individual pieces to customize your set.

- Pickard China Dinnerware – Pickard China is a family-owned company located in Antioch, Illinois, and the oldest fine china maker in the USA. Their dinnerware is handcrafted by skilled artisans and decorated with 24K gold, pure platinum, and brilliant cobalt. They are the official China makers for Air Force One, Camp David, and US embassies.

Dinnerware Sets

Corelle Dinnerware:

Corning, New York-based Corelle Livingware is one of the most popular dinnerware brands globally, known for its revolutionary Vitrelle, a virtually indestructible combination of two types of glass, thermally bonded into a triple-layer glass. Their dinnerware is delicate, exquisite, lightweight, thin, and strong enough to withstand decades of daily use. Corelle offers a wide range of styles, patterns, shapes, and colours, including their popular Winter Frost White collection. Their dinnerware is also chip-resistant, stackable, easy to clean, and oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fiesta Dinnerware:

Fiesta Tableware, based in Newell, West Virginia, has been manufacturing toxin-free dinnerware sets for almost 75 years. Their bright and beautiful glazed dinnerware sets are durable and dishwasher, oven, and microwave-safe. The classic American design has remained unchanged, allowing for easy replacement of broken pieces. Fiesta offers a wide variety of collections, and their sets are available in 11 vibrant colours, including white.

Lenox Dinnerware:

Lenox, located in Kingston, North Carolina, is internationally renowned for its hand-crafted fine china. They are the only bone china factory in the USA and have been in business for over 125 years. Lenox offers a wide variety of patterns, all of which are chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Their dinnerware sets feature elegant designs, such as the Eternal Ivory set with gold trim and the Autumn Dinnerware series with a beautiful floral motif. While Lenox closed its US manufacturing in 2020, their products can still be purchased online and in stores.

Kate Spade New York Dinnerware:

Kate Spade New York dinnerware sets are crafted by the Lenox company and offer a modern and fresh take on classic china dinnerware. Their collections include the Cypress Point Dinnerware 5-Piece Place Setting, which is elegant, understated, and strong enough to withstand collisions with crystal glasses. While these sets are dishwasher-safe, they cannot be used in the microwave due to their gold and platinum accents.

Anchor Hocking Dinnerware:

Anchor Hocking, based in Lancaster, Ohio, has been manufacturing high-quality glass dinnerware since 1905. Their products are stackable, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and freezer-safe. Anchor Hocking's American-made glass dinnerware does not warp, stain, smell, or leach chemicals. They offer individual pieces, allowing you to customize your set according to your needs.

HF Coors Dinnerware:

HF Coors, located in Tucson, Arizona, has been producing dinnerware for almost a century. Their dinnerware sets are made of vitrified, lead-free ceramic and are available in a variety of solid colours. HF Coors dinnerware is chip-resistant and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, broiler, and freezer.

Additional Options:

Other unique dinnerware sets made in the USA include Siterra Artist's Blend, Resona, Wazee Matte, Gibson Home Oslo, Celina, Sango Kaya, Kaden, Joss & Main Leny, and Terrazzo Melamine. These sets offer a range of styles, from rustic to modern, and are crafted from materials such as stoneware and melamine. They are also safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Dinnerware Materials

Dinnerware is available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique qualities, pros, cons, and price points. Here is an overview of some of the most common dinnerware materials:

Earthenware

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been glazed and fired. It is often less expensive than other types of dinnerware and has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel. However, it is not as durable or strong as other materials and is prone to chipping. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher-safe and can be used in the microwave, but it should not be submerged in water for long periods as it is porous and may stain or absorb liquid. Hand-painted dinnerware is typically made of earthenware.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic dinnerware. It is more durable than earthenware as the clay is fired at a higher temperature and usually has vitreous (glass) material added for strength. The body of stoneware is thicker and more opaque than finer materials like porcelain and china. It can be finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte. Most good-quality stoneware is versatile, easy to maintain, and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer. However, it should not be exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes. Some brands that offer stoneware include Pfaltzgraff, Dansk (Lenox), and Fiesta (Homer Laughlin).

Porcelain and China

Porcelain and china are both terms for dinnerware made from fine-particle clay, typically a combination of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, fired at high temperatures. This process results in extremely durable and nonporous dinnerware with a thin, delicate, almost translucent appearance. Most fine china and porcelain are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, unless they have metallic banding or accents. In that case, it is recommended to hand-wash the dishes to avoid damage to the metal. Porcelain 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 recommended brands for porcelain include Lenox, Noritake, and Villeroy & Boch.

Bone China

Bone china is made with the same ceramic materials as porcelain but with the addition of calcified bone, giving it a creamier color and more translucency. It is typically more expensive and slightly more difficult to manufacture than porcelain. Despite appearing more delicate, bone china is actually the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is usually dishwasher-safe and, unless it has metallic banding, can go in the microwave and oven as well. Recommended brands for bone china include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and Mikasa.

Melamine

Melamine is a lightweight, sturdy, inflexible plastic material with 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. Melamine dinnerware is a good option for those looking for unbreakable plates. A recommended brand for melamine dinnerware is Zak! Designs.

Vitrified Glass

Vitrified glass, such as Corelle's proprietary Vitrelle glass laminate, is glass that has been fired at ultra-high temperatures to make it nonporous and extremely durable. It is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and is a great option for those seeking lightweight, affordable, and durable dinnerware.

Dinnerware Brands

Dinnerware is an essential part of any dining table, and choosing the right set can elevate your dining experience. When it comes to unique dinnerware sets made in the USA, here are some brands to consider:

Corelle

Arguably the most popular dinnerware brand in the USA and across the globe, Corelle offers a wide range of styles, patterns, shapes, and colours. Their dinnerware is known for its durability, chip and break resistance, lightweight, and thin design. Corelle's dinnerware is made of triple-layer Vitrelle glass, which is non-porous, lead and cadmium-free, and stackable, making it ideal for small kitchens and households with children. Their products are also dishwasher, oven, and microwave-safe.

Fiesta Tableware

Fiesta Tableware has been manufacturing toxin-free dinnerware sets in Newell, West Virginia, for almost 75 years. Their bright and colourful glazed dinnerware sets are durable and dishwasher, oven, and microwave-safe. The company offers a wide variety of collections, and their classic American design has remained largely unchanged, making it easy to replace a broken piece. Fiesta's dinnerware is fully vitrified lead-free china with a colour glaze.

Lenox

Lenox is internationally known for its American-made, handcrafted fine china. The company owned the only bone china factory in the USA, located in Kingston, North Carolina, for over 125 years. They offer a wide range of patterns, and their products are chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Lenox provides a Lifetime Breakage Replacement Program for their dinnerware. However, their products should be washed by hand as they are not microwave-safe due to metallic banding.

Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York dinnerware sets are made by Lenox and offer a modern and fresh take on classic china dinnerware. Their collections feature elegant and understated designs that are handcrafted and painted. The dinnerware is strong, durable, and dishwasher-safe. However, it is not microwave-safe due to gold/platinum accents.

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking has been manufacturing high-quality glass dinnerware in Lancaster, Ohio, since 1905. Their products are stackable, taking up less space than ceramic plates. Anchor Hocking's dinnerware is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-safe. The company also offers a range of bakeware, food storage, and drinkware products.

HF Coors

HF Coors has been producing dinnerware in Tucson, Arizona, for nearly a hundred years. Their dinnerware is made of vitrified, lead-free ceramic and is available in a variety of solid colours. The plates and bowls are chip-resistant, safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, broiler, and freezer, and highly durable.

Dinnerware Styles

Materials

Vitrelle Glass is a mix of raw materials that is non-porous, durable, chip and break-resistant, lightweight, and thin. It is also dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, and hygienic. Vitrelle glass is used in Corelle dinnerware, which is one of the most popular American household dinnerware brands.

Bone China is the strongest and most durable ceramic material. It is also dishwasher and microwave-safe unless it has a metallic banding. It is typically creamier and more translucent than porcelain.

Porcelain is elegant and refined, and can be used for everyday or formal dining. Porcelain is affordable, easy to care for, and sturdy.

Stoneware is heavier and thicker than bone china, but not as strong. It is perfect for everyday use and is dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe.

Place of Origin

American-made dinnerware is known for its high quality, durability, and attention to detail. American companies are also subject to strict environmental regulations, which can help to reduce your carbon footprint. Spare parts are also easier to find, and American companies generally offer better access to customer service.

Colour

The colour of your dinner plates can affect the style and look of your dinner table, but it can also influence the presentation of your food. White dinner plates, for example, can make almost any colour of food look more vibrant and appealing.

Intended Use

Everyday dinnerware is usually made from porcelain, Vitrelle glass, or stoneware because these materials are affordable, easy to care for, and sturdy.

Formal dinnerware is usually made from fine china, bone china, porcelain, or stoneware.

Dinnerware Colours

White Dinnerware

White dinnerware is a classic choice for a reason. It provides a neutral canvas for your food, making it the star of the show. White dinnerware is also versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. It pairs well with any colour scheme and can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces. White dinnerware is a great option if you like to change up your table setting often.

Coloured Dinnerware

If you want to add a pop of colour to your table, coloured dinnerware is the way to go. A colourful dinnerware set can make a bold statement and bring a touch of personality to your dining table. When choosing a colour, consider the overall aesthetic of your dining room and the colours that dominate the space. You may also want to think about the types of food you typically serve and choose colours that will complement them. For example, if you often cook vibrant, colourful dishes, a more neutral dinnerware palette may be a better choice to avoid clashing.

Earth-Toned Dinnerware

Earth tones are a popular choice for dinnerware as they offer a warm and inviting feel to your table. Colours like brown, beige, and green can create a cosy and rustic ambiance. Earth-toned dinnerware is a great option if you want to bring a touch of nature into your dining room. It also tends to be more forgiving when it comes to food stains, as many foods are earth-toned, so any stains may be less noticeable.

Patterned Dinnerware

Patterned dinnerware can add interest and texture to your table. Patterns can range from simple stripes or dots to intricate designs and illustrations. When choosing patterned dinnerware, consider the other patterns and textures in your dining room, such as curtains, tablecloths, or centrepieces, to ensure they complement each other. You may also want to opt for a mix-and-match approach, choosing a few different patterns that share a similar colour palette to create a cohesive yet eclectic look.

Seasonal Dinnerware

If you like to switch up your dinnerware with the seasons, consider investing in a few different sets to suit the time of year. For example, a set of festive dinnerware for the holidays, a bright and colourful set for summer, and a more muted set for autumn. This can be a fun way to keep your table setting feeling fresh and exciting.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dinnerware colours, the most important thing is to choose something that reflects your personal style and taste. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and patterns to create a unique and eclectic look. Ultimately, the best dinnerware colours are the ones that make you happy and enhance your dining experience.

Frequently asked questions