Your journey to being the “hostess doing the mostest” begins with serving a photo-ready table-scape — elegant plates, bowls and dishes are a must.
But, it’s no surprise we all cringe when we hear the words “fine China.” Immediately, our minds see the dollar signs escalate, though there are some wonderful dinnerware sets online that you can snag more affordably.
Amazon, Frontgate and West Elm are just a few retailers that have exquisite dinnerware. Best of all, many don’t break your wallet.
To prepare your table, we curated a unique edit of the 19 best fine China and dinnerware brands. After cooking with some of the best air fryers, pressure cookers, woks and, of course, the fan-favorite Always Pan and Caraway Cookware Set, you can render your home like an interior design pros.
Among our top online destinations for these potential registry items, we included several individual selections to make your shopping experience as stress-free as can be (because we love to wine and dine just as much as you do).
(Related: Best flatware and silverware sets, Best cookware sets)
Take a look below to get incorporate dinnerware that’ll have your next meal looking like a work of art.
Gibson
As one of Amazon’s best-selling brands, Gibson offers relatively affordable dinnerware sets that are sleek, match-all and practical for entertaining. Specifically, we covet the Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Set ($56) for a bit of a modern touch, along with the Rockaway 12-Piece Set ($40) if you want a simpler bundle.
Gibson also offers more coffeehouse-style collections, including the Casa Azul 16-Piece Set ($63) and the Elite Althea 16-Piece Set ($50). For less than $100, the brand is a steal.
Corelle
Corelle has some wonderful white dinnerware bundles, with a touch of color that still honor the match-all lean. The brand’s Portofino Round Dinnerware Set for 6 ($100) and best-selling Ocean Blue Dinnerware Set for 6 ($68) are two of our favorites.
Its all-white dinnerware set ($49) is another 16-piece offering that deserves much acclaim (not to mention, a set that’ll last for years). Corelle also has some of the most precious cereal and soup bowls ($18) we’ve ever seen.
The best part? All Corelle dinnerware is chip and scratch-resistant. One of our editors has had her set for 10 years and has still yet to damage any pieces.
Stone Lain
For designer-looking dinnerware sets with a more affordable ticket price, you can’t beat Stone Lain. Not only does the brand have multiple options, but its soiree of items in each set is impressive.
We recommend the brand’s beautiful swirled 16-Piece Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set ($68) and Modern Gold Splash 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($120) for a hint of style that some other sets don’t offer. Plus, Stone Lain has gorgeous bone China options, including the Gabrielle 12-Piece Dinnerware Set ($110) and the Weave-Embossed 16-Piece Round Dinnerware Set ($90).
Pfaltzgraff
As one of our favorite dinnerware set brands to add to your wedding registry, Pfaltzgraff has some wonderful textured sets that are sure to garner compliments from your guests. Notably, its Trellis White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($54) and Bella 12-Piece Dinnerware Set ($78) add a glimmer of farmhouse-style and earthiness to your home, respectively.
We thought we had our two favorites on deck but then we saw the unique Cheateau Cream 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set ($58) that has delicately scalloped detailing on the edge. For an elevated nature pattern that’s a more cherry take on your plain white set, consider the Annabelle 16-Piece Dinnerware Set (now $100).
Fable
With a commitment to sustainability, the stoneware from Fable are gorgeously understated, giving them an aesthetic that minimalists will adore. Designed by artisans in Portugal, each plate, bowl and saucer are made using traditional ceramic making techniques combined with modern technology. This results in one-of-a-kind pieces that can be passed on through generations, while being enjoyed every day. If you’re just beginning to build your dinnerware collection, consider starting with the Base Dinnerware Set ($299). It comes with four dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls and breakfast bowls, plus is available in an assortment of incredible colors. For set that includes plates for desserts, as well as mugs, go for the Classic Dinnerware Set ($598).
Along with dinnerware, Fable has drinkware and cutlery that will make your dining table sing.
Lorenzo & Royalty Porcelain
Lorenzo and Royalty Porcelain, two fine China brands, simply scream regal. Above all else, we cherish Royalty Porcelain’s Vintage 47-Piece Gold Dinnerware Set ($350) and the Lorenzo Victoria 57-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set (now $the 300) — two bourgeois options Kate Middleton would approve of.
The brand’s 57-Piece Bone China Set ($300) is unlike any other, too, with its white and ornate charm.
Lenox
Lenox is a surefire leader in the dinnerware sets department, known for its exquisite patterns and smooth-as-skin surfaces. We are all heart eyes about the brand’s French Perle Scallop 12-Piece Dinnerware Setting ($107) and the Blue Bay Place 12-Piece Setting ($175) — investment-worthy options that will appeal to your inner host or hostess.
The timeless Vintage Jewel 5-Piece Place Setting ($107) is a brass-leaning unique offering, too.
Casafina
If fine stoneware is what you crave, you’ll like the dinnerware from Casafina. The brand has been gracing dinner tables since 1981 and has a myriad of options that are as durable as they are beautiful. From the minimally simplistic, as seen in the Pacifica Dinnerware Collection (from $59) to the modern style of the Ceramic Dinnerware Collection (from $66), there’s an option sure to meet your budget and taste. Currently, we’re lusting after the Casafina Taormina Dinnerware Collection (from $99). It’s made from natural resources in Portugal and has gold trim around each piece. It’s the type of set that’s elegant enough to host holiday festivities and other special occasions with, and you have the option of ordering as many plates, bowls or mugs as you need.
Le Creuset
You may recognize Le Creuset for making some of the best cookware around. However, the iconic culinary brand has more than dutch ovens up its sleeve. It also has lovely dinnerware, perfect for Sunday family dinners and plating midnight snacks. Peruse the options and you’ll find collections with bold colors, different glazes and styles.
We like the idea of building our dinnerware collection the way we want it, which is totally possibly if you shop Le Creuset online. From pasta bowls (from $56) in deep blue to salad plates (from $44) in red, every piece you need to outfit your tablescape is there. Of course, if you’d like to keep things simple (we understand not everyone likes the shopping process), there’s the Vancouver 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($249.99) to add to your cart. The bestseller is easy to clean, comes with a 10-year warranty and features a non-porous glaze that’s scrumptious to the eyes! The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls and mugs, and is available in practically every color of the rainbow, too, so you really can have it your way!
Lemeya
Dinnerware can be pricey, so we’re glad dinnerware brands like Lemeya exist. Along with being affordable, the collections are huge, so you can host the extended family or an intimate but largish soiree without worry of running out of saucers or plates. Don’t believe us? Check out the Basic 30-Piece Dinnerware Set. It’s currently on sale for $79, but even at full retail price, it’s only $159. If 30 of anything is too much for you, go for the Basic 24-Piece Set, which is only $69. It’s made of fine porcelain, features both round and square edges, includes three different types of plates and comes with six saucers and cups.
Material
Some of us don’t have huge dinner parties (or families) and that’s okay! There’s no rule that says you have to be the hostess with the mostest to have beautiful dinnerware. For those of us who are entertaining for one, consider shopping the stoneware pieces from Material. Along with being affordable (starting at $45), they have a minimal but elegant design to take you through breakfast, lunch and dinner with style. The Place Setting ($115) is a good place to start, coming with a full plate, half plate and bowl, and being available in three earth tones. The pieces are dishwasher safe, too, and can even go into the microwave.
Leeway Home
As one of our favorite kitchen brands, Leeway Home has an exquisite collection of everything you’ll ever need to entertain. What’s great about Leeway Home is its make-your-own kits, allowing you to hand-pick exactly how many of each essential you’ll need.
However, The Full Way 44-Piece Set ($275) will save you a lot of money (and time picking out flatware and drink-ware individually). Available in several color-ways, you’ll be impressed with the quality and simplistic nature this brand provides.
Villeroy & Boch
We couldn’t not include Bloomingdale’s here. We find Villeroy & Boch’s luxe offerings to be one of our favorite treasures as far as dinnerware sets go.
Its luxury Cellini 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (now $150) is second to none. Not to mention, V&B has a must-buy Manufacture Rock Glassware (now $76 for a set of four) and Artesano Eye Catcher Centerpiece (now $270) to match — the latter absolutely perfect for appetizers.
Williams Sonoma
When we think of Williams Sonoma, we think of add-to-cart steals for your home. The brand’s new Beaded Coupe Dinnerware Set with a cereal bowl ($443 for a 30-pack) is a lovely option for your dining table.
What’s more, the Wedgewood Renaissance Gold 5-Piece Dinnerware Set ($265) is great if you love the look of navy, gold and white, along with the San Francisco Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($296) from fan-favorite brand Le Creuset.
Williams Sonoma also has a 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($130) from its in-house brand, Open Kitchen, that’s just as lovely.
Kolah
If you’re looking for a simplistic dinnerware set with some luxe charm, seek no further than West Elm’s flagship brand, Kolah. From its 20-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set ($154) and Stoneware Pasta Bowl Sets ($from 41.60), you won’t be disappointed.
Plus, West Elm has you covered if you’re simply looking for plates and only plates. Its matching Stoneware Dinnerware Plates ($42) is a well-priced set of four that’s bound to match any kitchen.
Amazon Basics
As its best-selling line suggests, Amazon Basics is giving you the necessities your kitchen needs (for a basic, middle-of-the-road price). Its 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set ($48) is a service for six with more than 18K rave reviews. The all-white look will never go out of style, either.
Moreover, there’s a more modern offering, the brand’s 18-Piece Square Dinnerware Set ($54).
Walmart
Apt for the outdoors, melamine dinnerware sets will be easy to clean yet still vibrant and trendy for your guests to love. Specifically, we adore Walmart’s Martha Stewart Gold Rimmed 12-Piece Fine Ceramic Dinnerware Set ($76), along with The Gap Home Flowing Watercolors 8-Piece Dinnerware Set ($25).
Not only do both sets look great (especially for the warmer months) but they’ll add some color to your dining table and a pop of cheeriness to your overall space. Aside from melamine sets, be sure to check out Walmart’s full list of dinnerware, as linked below, for more options.
Kate Spade
Kate Spade isn’t just known for fashion and accessories — the brand has also dipped into elegant dishes. Spruce up your dinnertime with a Deco Dot 12-Piece Dinnerware Set ($165) made from a durable stoneware that gives it that glossy white finish. You can bring some pop of color with the 8-piece mini Luna Nesting Set ($127), which also features polka dots with interior vibrant colors.
If you’re moving in to a new place, Kate Spade has a 16-piece New York Charlotte Street West Dinnerware Set ($300) that’ll have you set for dinner parties, brunches and more.
Elama
Elama will take you outside your traditional smooth and plain dinnerware. For some added texture and pops of color, they’ll have you serving dinner in style. Upgrade your current dishes with the Round Stoneware Embossed Dinnerware 16-piece set ($49) or the 16-Piece Reactive Glaze Ceramic Stoneware Dinnerware ($121) for more subtle color.
Our Place
From the makers of the fan-favorite Always Pan (which we reviewed and love), the brand also have an assortment of ceramic dinnerware collections that are worth checking out. Our favorite? The 36-piece Everyone’s Invited Dinnerware Collection ($485). Each piece has a semi-matte glossy exterior and can be stacked to save space. If you’re not planning on hosting an event for 36 friends any time soon, consider the Starter Set ($160). It’s available in five different colors, and comes with two different sets of plates, and four bowls. And don’t forget that the brand has a wonderful cutting board we adore, too!
What dinnerware material is best?
This is a great question that can be difficult to answer. While there are many different dinnerware materials, some work better for daily use, while others are best for special occasions. When picking your set, consider how often you intend to use it, whether you need something that can be placed in the dishwasher or can withstand being used for multiple meals, several times a day. All of this can help determine what’s truly the best dinnerware material for you and your needs.
To simplify the process (who knew plates and bowls could be so complicated, right?), here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of different dinnerware materials.
- Stoneware: Also called “ceramics,” stoneware is durable, thanks to its thicker and heavier nature. Sturdier than porcelain, it often has a minimal or rustic look that works well for the day to day. Some brands that make incredible stoneware dinnerware are: Fable, Material, and Gibson.
- Porcelain: Many love porcelain dinnerware for its glossy appearance and inherent elegance. It’s not as durable as stoneware, but it’s still chip-resistant and often can be placed in the dishwasher and microwave. While many prefer it for formal affairs, like holiday dinners, it can also be used on a regular basis. If you’re in the market for porcelain dinnerware, we highly recommend checking out the collections from Stone Lain.
- Glass: If you like your dinnerware to have a modern edge, glassware may be the way to go. Unlike other materials, it is more fragile, so it may not best for households with little children. One brand we like that makes gorgeous glass-based dinnerware is Luminarc. It’s made in France, and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Bamboo and Wood: For those who want to keep their table eco-friendly, wooden or bamboo dinnerware is an option. It should be noted that it’s not the best for acidic foods, which can seep into the material and cause a stain.
- Bone China: Similar to porcelain, bone china has a glossy, regal appearance. It’s made with bone ash and is extremely delicate. Because of this, many people save it for special occasions. One dinnerware set made with the material that we love is the Gibson Elite Collection. It comes with 16 pieces in total, features an embossed design and is under $100.
- Melamine: Melamine is made of plastic, which makes it light and durable. Although it’s not something people pass down from one generation to the next, it’s practical, affordable and works well for every day. Although some may think this sort of material sounds “cheap,” there is a variety of brands that work with this material to make it look expensive and eye-catching. One of our favorite picks is the Gibson Home Rockabye Dinnerware Set ($40), which comes with 12 pieces and has more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon.
What are the most durable dishes to buy?
Dinnerware can be expensive, so it makes sense to find a set that can withstand daily use. For this reason, many opt for dinnerware made of porcelain or stoneware. The materials have different looks, but both are durable, and can be used for formal and informal occasions.
Additionally, both porcelain and stoneware can generally be placed in the dishwasher and microwave, making them more convenient to use. Both can also go in the oven.
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