How to Choose Dinnerware for Your Home
By samantha dicriscio

A Stylish and Practical Guide

Dinnerware isn’t just a necessity—it’s an expression of your personal style and a key ingredient in the recipe for a welcoming dining experience. Whether you're serving weeknight takeout or hosting a festive dinner party, the right plates, bowls, and mugs elevate your table and reflect your lifestyle. But with so many materials, colors, and styles to choose from, how do you find the set that suits you best?

Here’s your complete guide to choosing dinnerware that balances beauty, durability, and function.

1. Know Your Needs: Everyday vs. Occasion

Start by considering how you'll use your dinnerware. Everyday Use: If your plates are in constant rotation, prioritize durability and dishwasher/microwave safety. Look for stoneware or porcelain that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Special Occasions: Hosting formal dinners? Opt for elegant bone china or porcelain with metallic accents or unique patterns that wow guests. Multipurpose Sets: Many people opt for a versatile set that transitions from casual to semi-formal—neutral tones with a subtle texture or rim detail are great for this.

2. Choose the Right Material

Material matters—each type has pros and cons: Stoneware: Durable with a handcrafted feel, stoneware is ideal for everyday use. It has a weighty, rustic look that feels cozy and inviting. Porcelain: Sleek and lightweight yet strong, porcelain is great for both daily use and entertaining. It’s often dishwasher and microwave safe. Bone China: The most delicate-looking yet surprisingly durable. Bone china has a translucent quality and is usually safe for dishwasher and microwave unless decorated with metallics. Earthenware: Budget-friendly and charming, but more porous and prone to chipping, so better for occasional use. Melamine: Shatterproof and casual—perfect for outdoor dining and kids.

3. Decide on a Style That Reflects You

Think of dinnerware as a design element in your kitchen or dining room. Your table is your canvas: Minimalist: Crisp white or solid matte colors offer timeless elegance and can mix well with any decor. Bold and Artistic: Vibrant colors, patterns, or textured finishes add flair and personality. Modern Farmhouse: Think earth tones, speckled glazes, or hand-thrown aesthetics. Eclectic Mix: Who says everything has to match? Mix and match styles or colors for a curated, personal touch.

4. Consider the Set Configuration & The Functionality

What do you really need? A standard 16-piece set usually includes: 4 dinner plates 4 salad plates 4 bowls 4 mugs If you entertain often or have a larger household, consider purchasing extra place settings or serving pieces like platters and pasta bowls. Want to level up your table? Look for matching serveware or accent pieces. Also, a beautiful dinnerware set isn’t much good if it’s hard to care for or doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Ask yourself: Is it dishwasher and microwave safe? Does it fit in your cabinets and dishwasher? Is the glaze prone to scratching or staining? Do the pieces stack well for storage? Pro tip: Test-drive a piece in your hand. Does it feel balanced? Is the bowl deep enough for soups? Is the mug comfortable to hold?

6. Infuse Meaning into Your Table

Dinnerware can be more than a tool—it can tell a story. Whether it’s a set gifted for a milestone moment, a handmade piece from a local artisan, or a colorful plate that reminds you of your travels, building a meaningful collection adds depth to your meals. Your dinnerware is an extension of your lifestyle, your design sensibility, and your love for gathering around the table. Choosing the right set means thinking about more than just aesthetics—it’s about practicality, personality, and how you want to experience meals at home. So whether you're leaning toward sleek porcelain or cozy stoneware, your perfect dinnerware is out there—ready to turn every meal into a moment.

Back to blog

Find Your Perfect Set

View all