If there's one way to make mealtimes a little more special, it's with one of the best dinner sets. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a cosy night in, a beautifully-set table adorned with elegant crockery can make every spread feel like an occasion.
There's nothing more appealing than laying your dinner table and having some aesthetically-pleasing, high-quality dinnerware that actually matches. Nor is there much more satisfying than owning an 18-piece set comprised of dinner plates, side plates, cereal bowls and dessert plates to suit every dish you serve up.
We're firm believers that your tablescaping skills are just as important as what you actually cook, and the best dinnerware sets make your culinary creations (even if they do come straight from a meal delivery service) as much a feast for the eyes as they are for your tastebuds.
Of course, there are quite a few functionality factors to consider when it comes to shopping for a genuinely good dinner set that span far past just its aesthetic. So, we've curated an edit of the best dinner sets as tested by GLAMOUR editors – that also make the perfect housewarming gift if you're in the market. Happy hosting.
What to consider when shopping for a dinner set | What type of dinner set is most durable? | What is the best dinner set?
The best dinner sets at a glance:
Symons Bone China – 12 Piece Set
Starter Set
Hampton 12 Piece Dinner Set
Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Dinnerware Set
Oslo Rim Stoneware Dinner Set with Pasta Bowls
What to consider when shopping for a dinner set:
Your dinnerware should be lightweight enough to pick up (kinda obvious), dishwasher safe, durable enough to withstand daily wear-and-tear and purchased from a brand that'll allow you to add pieces to your collection as your family grows/you drop and smash them. For me, the latter is the more likely scenario.
You should also consider the combination offered, and the number of people you're hoping to serve. Generally speaking:
- Formal dinnerware sets commonly include a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bread plate, a soup bowl, a tea cup, and a saucer for each person. You can get usually get them in sets of one, four, six, eight or twelve.
- Traditional dinnerware sets include a dinner plate, a salad plate, a cereal bowl and - on occasion - a mug.
- Open stock dinnerware is when you mix and match your dinnerware as opposed to choosing an entire set, which means you can purchase only the pieces you know you'll use. It does tend to work out more expensive, but everything still matches and the personalisation options are endless.
What type of dinner set is most durable?
The most common dinnerware offerings are bone china, porcelain and stoneware (often called earthenware), with porcelain being the most durable.
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