Gone are the days of mismatched plates and eating cereal out of mugs.
It may seem like a small detail compared to the entirety of a home, but a beautiful, long-lasting dinnerware set will elevate every meal (even cereal) and tie your dining room decor together.
As they are the most popular gift on Blueprint wedding registries, we’ve done a lot of research to determine which dinnerware sets are the best bang for your buck, and sets that registrants truly love. We’ve already discussed dinnerware types on Blueprint Guides, but here we’ll walk you through the best dinnerware sets—versus open stock, individual pieces—that would be perfect in every home.
Best Dinnerware Sets Scoresheet
Our top picks for best dinnerware sets include analysis of real user reviews, quality, and overall value.
| Best Dinnerware Sets | Customer Score | Blueprint Score | Overall Score |
| Staccato 5-Piece Dinnerware Set, Crate & Barrel | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Amazon.com | 4.3 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Lenox French Carved Organic 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Bed Bath & Beyond | 4 | 4.7 | 4.2 |
| Olivia & Oliver Harper 5-Piece Dinnerware set, Bed Bath and Beyond | Not Available | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Hotel Collection 4-Piece Bone China Coupe Dinnerware Set, Macy’s | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
How To Choose Dinnerware
With marriage comes the merging of two households, including existing dinnerware, which is often mismatched. Maybe you have an abundance of cereal bowls, but not enough salad plates. When your friends—or parents—come over for dinner, you find yourself scrambling to find pieces that work well together.
As tempting as it can be to find a uniquely colored or patterned dinnerware set that reflects your current aesthetic, we recommend sticking with a gorgeous crisp, white set for your first go around. Not only do you avoid the risk of ever-changing tastes, white dinnerware is timeless and looks fantastic in every dining room or tablescape. Most chefs will tell you that white plates are the gold standard for food presentation—they’re pristine, and the spotlight is ultimately on the food.
Remember that when you—or a wedding guest—are spending the cash for a great dinnerware set, the goal is to make it last. There are plenty of classic white dinnerware sets that you can get relatively cheaply, but you can expect to replace them sooner than later due to their quality.
Ok, So What About China?
China is another frequent item on wedding registries. But how are china and dinnerware different? Do you need both?
China is generally higher quality dinnerware, despite how delicate it seems. Porcelain dinnerware is going to be the best quality and boast the highest price tag, while bone china is a strong runner up. The main differences between all dinnerware is the strength of the materials and how they are heated.
Most dinnerware sets found in department stores are also great quality, however. Stores like Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Macy’s, and Sur La Table have plenty of dinnerware options that aren’t as expensive as china or porcelain, but having serious lasting power. If you anticipate hosting formal dinner parties in your future, especially for family or in-laws, then you may want to add china to your registry along with an everyday dinnerware set. If fine china feels like overkill for your current hosting habits, then opt for a nice everyday dinnerware set instead of china.
How Much Do I Add to My Registry?
Assuming it’s just you and your partner living together, a dinnerware set for 4 may seem like enough…until it isn’t. You figure disposable dinnerware will suffice when you have company, and for some instances it may. But what happens when you invite your in-laws over for a nice dinner, or you decide you want to host a beautiful Thanksgiving meal complete with an impressive tablescape? The right dinnerware is like icing on the cake.
We recommend thinking of all the instances in which you will use dinnerware for yourselves, and then double it. If you think a set of 4 will be enough for you and your partner, ask for a set of 8 on your registry.
Some dinnerware is sold as a single place setting, while others will come as an entire set with service for a certain number of people, generally somewhere between 4-8 settings. Pay close attention to how the set is sold, or you could end up with much more than you need.
When you have to purchase a dinnerware set on your own, it can be hard to pull the trigger. That’s why wedding registries are so great—you have the opportunity for friends and family to help you out. Believe us, they’re more than happy to do it, too. And if you ultimately aren’t gifted very place setting you added to your registry, be sure to take advantage of any available completion discounts.
Staccato 5-Piece Dinnerware Set, Crate & Barrel
“I registered for this china set for our wedding (12 sets) and I AM IN LOVE with them. They are beautiful, elegant, timeless and simple. They make for the most beautiful place settings.” -Katie, Crate & Barrel Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Dinnerware sold as a single, individual place setting
- Made from porcelain, making it incredibly durable and great quality
- Place setting includes dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, shallow soup bowl, tea cup, and saucer
- A beautiful bright white, with crisp lines and raised dot pattern along the edges
- Inspired by Vienna in the early 1900s
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Matching platters and serving bowls available for separate purchase
- Great for everyday use, but also looks great on a tablescape
CONSIDERATIONS
- This is a staple Crate & Barrel design that has been around a long time, but some pieces (smaller bowl for soup and cereal, for example) have been discontinued
- Small grey scratches may appear after much prolonged use or from sharp knives, but this can be expected of any white dinnerware set
- This set is only one place setting, so make sure to register for enough
Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Amazon.com
“This set is a great deal. The price is very low compared to others and the quality is excellent.” -Violet, Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Our most budget-friendly, but classic pick
- All white dinnerware set, made from AB grade porcelain
- Microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer safe
- Sold as a set of 18 pieces, with service for 6
- Set includes 6 of each piece: dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, and soup bowl
- Great for everyday use and works well with tablescapes, as well
- BPA-free
- Sleek, modern design with no embellishments
- A beautiful, practical, and affordable option for couples that foresee many hosting opportunities in their future
CONSIDERATIONS
- May need to be replaced sooner than other more expensive dinnerware sets
- Some reviewers noted that the color is a bit off-white, as opposed to brilliant white
Lenox French Carved Organic 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Bed Bath & Beyond
Lenox® French Carved Organic 16-Piece Dinnerware Collection in White
From Bed Bath & Beyond
$149.99
“I like the organic shape to them it’s not just an exact around.” -Bed Bath & Beyond Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Available for purchase as a whole dinnerware set with service for 4
- Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 dessert/salad plates, 4 soup bowls, and 4 mugs
- Organic shape, meaning the pieces are slightly uneven and uniquely shaped
- White glaze on stoneware
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Great for a more rustic tablescape or for everyday use
CONSIDERATIONS
- Because the shape of the dinnerware is organic, some pieces may tilt or wobble slightly
- Great for use everyday, but my not work with every tablescape
Olivia & Oliver Harper 5-Piece Dinnerware set, Bed Bath and Beyond
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Available for purchase as an individual place setting
- A great in-between of everyday dinnerware and china
- Each place setting includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, saucer, and teacup
- Shape is organic, but still very sleek
- Beautiful, decorative gold trim on the edges of each piece
- Made from durable, yet delicate fine bone china
- Sure to add a gorgeous finishing touch to any tablescape
- Dishwasher safe
CONSIDERATIONS
- This dinnerware set is not microwave safe due to the gold trim
- Does not include a bowl
- May not be the best choice for everyday use
Hotel Collection 4-Piece Bone China Coupe Dinnerware Set, Macy’s
“You will love this quality Hotel Bone China. It is a must have! It is elegant and sturdy.” -Macy’s Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Available for purchase as a 12-piece set with service for 4, or individually
- Set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad/dessert plates, and 4 bowls
- Made from durable, yet delicate and light bone china
- Dishwasher safe
- Many additional pieces from collection available for separate purchase, including: platters, serving bowls, mugs, saucers, and more
- One of Macy’s best sellers for wedding registries, and recommended by their staff
- The simple, sleek, and timeless design is perfect for elegant dinners and everyday use alike
CONSIDERATIONS
- The 12-piece set with service for 4 is minimal, and doesn’t include bowls or mugs. If you want a more complete dinnerware set, you’ll have to add pieces individually
- These dishes are not microwave safe and will crack under very high heat
Do I Really Need Dinnerware or China?
Dinnerware sets are one of those household items that we knock to the bottom of the necessities list when we have to buy them for ourselves. But now that you’re getting married and have the opportunity to add one to your registry, why not choose a set that you and your partner will love and use? Our list of favorites are all classic and timeless, will look great in any home, and elevate any dish.
What are your plans for dinnerware? Tell us about how you want to use your dinnerware on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!