“Just as dinner parties have moved from formal and fancy to more relaxed and uninhibited, so have trends in dinnerware,” says Forrest. “We’re seeing a growing trend towards more patterned and maximalist styles, which signifies a move toward more freedom over our own dinner tables, and more freedom to entertain however we’d like.” That said, Forrest mentions that fine china is just as popular now as it has always been—but the patterns have gotten more colorful and fun. Forrest says she sees this as a shift in the definition of what families consider timeless, “because it no longer has to mean something basic or lacking detail.” Mostly, Forrest emphasizes the importance of shopping for pieces that you’ll still enjoy years from now. “Look for pieces that speak to you and your style now, and that you envision will still speak to you in 10, 20, 30 years,” she says. To help you shop for the best sets of tableware online, we’ve rounded up our favorite retailers below. Who it isn’t for: People looking for more inexpensive options. Food52 is a great place for all things entertaining, particularly tableware. They have plenty of melamine options that are just as pretty as they are functional. The brand also features handmade products from smaller retailers, as well as unusual options like fully glass tableware sets. You’ll also find more traditional ceramic sets, and even fun updates on classic china. The Porcelain Gold-Rimmed Dinnerware Set is the perfect alternative to fine bone china for special occasions. But keep in mind that while a lot of Food52’s sets are made to be used in casual settings, many of them are still on the higher end of the price range. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $149; otherwise $9Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $9-$200 Who it isn’t for: People looking to build or replace an entire tableware collection. While Anthropologie doesn’t have a large number of full dinnerware sets, they do have lots of specialty options. There are a few sets, like these Nathalie Lete Dessert Plates, which would make great accent pieces if you wanted to spruce up your current dinnerware. They also offer lots of colorful glassware options that would make any glass of wine feel a little extra special. You might find that you have to buy plates and bowls separately, which can definitely add up quickly. That said, if you are willing to make the investment, Anthropologie is the perfect place to turn for truly unique find that you won’t find just anywhere. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $150; otherwise $9Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $12-$295 Who it’s not for: People who don’t want to sift through a lot of options. This tableware may bring back memories of dinners at Grandma’s house, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make a great addition to your kitchen today. Corelle is most famous for its Vitrelle dinnerware, a type of triple-layer glass that’s lightweight and resistant to breaking, making it a great option for families with kids. And while the brand hasn’t abandoned its roots (you can still find lots of Vitrelle dinnerware with traditional and non-traditional patterns on Corelle’s site), it has also ventured into the world of stoneware, for those who prefer a more modern, minimalist look. Corelle is one of the most affordable retailers on our list, making it a great option for anyone outfitting an entire kitchen from scratch. Plus, it has a very large selection to choose from, which may be fun for some but a bit overwhelming for others. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $99; otherwise $7-$10Return Policy: 90 days
Price range at time of publish: $2-$225
Who it isn’t for: People who want tableware with a more formal look.
East Fork’s products are handmade with regional materials in Asheville, North Carolina. The sets are ceramic and definitely sturdy enough to act as your everyday dinnerware. Available in a number of different earth tones, each piece is lined at the edges with a natural brown hue and comes with the distinctive brown speckles leftover from the firing process.
All of the pottery is designed by service-industry veterans to be as functional as possible. For example, the plates come with a slight lip to prevent spillover and allow for stacking. Plus, all of the pottery pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, serveware, full setsShipping: $10Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $12-$269 Who it isn’t for: People who want to buy one or two small accent pieces. In addition to stunning holiday collections, Williams Sonoma offers many options for traditionalists who want to invest in fine china. While they have classic options, they also offer patterned china plates with unique designs that are often more colorful than options you’d find in larger anchor stores. Williams Sonoma also offers lots of full sets that are more traditional, and make it easy to choose exactly how many pieces you will need. One helpful thing about this brand is that they are great at pairing flatware and glassware with each collection so that you can have a truly cohesive tablescape. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: $6-$27Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $5-$800 Who it isn’t for: People who want more variation in their dinnerware. Our Place is best known for their viral Always Pan, but they have a great selection of tableware as well. Their tableware is designed to stack as neatly as possible, which is great for conserving space and keeping things organized. Although, because it’s designed for stacking, all the dinnerware comes with a similar shape, so it’s not a great option for those that prioritize variety. That said, they do allow you to mix and match their five colorways to your heart’s content. All of the dishes are chip- and scratch-resistant, thanks to a coating that will keep them look as good as new for years to come, as well as dishwasher- and microwave-safe. We particularly love their collection of colorful drinking glasses. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $50Return Policy: 100 days
Price range at time of publish: $25-$140 Who it isn’t for: People who want patterned tableware. Rigby is in the business of simplifying tableware. Their plates and bowls come in just four different colors—off-white, gray, mint, and navy—as well as seven different shapes. The brand gives you the ability to build your own set based on your needs and color preferences, making this a great option for the first-time homeowner or anyone who wants to refresh their kitchen. The Dinnerware Starter Set is the most basic bundle that the brand offers and includes 16 pieces in four different shapes—you can mix and match the colors to your choosing. If you really want to build your set from the ground up, Rigby also offers a Dining Essentials Set that includes glassware and flatware, too. All of the tableware is durable, chip-resistant, and hand-crafted in Portugal, as well as dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer-, and oven-safe. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $150; otherwise $9Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $44-$509 Who it isn’t for: People who are looking to spend less on tableware. Pottery Barn is a classic for a reason. The brand consistently makes great basics that are built to stand the test of time. In addition to seasonal outdoor collections, they offer stunning pieces for all different holidays, including Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and Christmas. If you’re just hoping to upgrade your everyday dinnerware, they have plenty of options that are perfect for year-round use. For durable, everyday dishes, they have stoneware and terracotta options that are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. They also launch seasonal salad plates, so that you can keep your table feeling fresh without replacing all of your dinnerware. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: $6-$27Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $5-$368 Who it isn’t for: People who want patterned tableware. If you love Le Creuset for their iconic Dutch oven, get ready to fall head-over-heels for their dinnerware. Their dishes are all made with a classic silhouette in their incredibly durable, premium stoneware. The brand is so confident in their quality that they offer a 10-year warranty on their dishes. Their basic stoneware is coated in their proprietary enamel for a classic look, but they also offer dishes with a matte finish, should you prefer a more modern look. The brand is also known to offer limited-edition holiday colors and shapes and even some fun collaborations, such as their Harry Potter collection. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $99Return Policy: 90 days
Price range at time of publish: $11-$300 Who it isn’t for: People who aren’t fans of minimalist design. At Year & Day, you’ll find everything from a dreamy gold flatware set to a 20-piece tableware set comprised of bowls, plates, and mugs. The Core Set is another great option for anyone building their collection from scratch, as it includes 16 basic pieces that you’re sure to get lots of use from. If you’re hoping to upgrade only your serving dishes, The Serving Set includes a platter, serving bowl, and low serving bowl. All of the dinnerware is made from clay and created by artisans in Portugal. Each piece is covered with a semi-matte glaze that allows the dishes to survive the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $150; otherwise $10Return Policy: 30 days
Price range at time of publish: $44-$525 Who it isn’t for: People who want to buy a large tableware set. With a tagline like “kitchenware crafted to last a lifetime,” you know you’re getting high-quality and durable pieces. All of the products from Material are created in partnership with Soil Baker, founded by Hye Rin Yang, a South Korean female ceramicist who uses natural Korean soils. The bowls and plates are available in a natural light sand color called Dune, as well as a deep navy color called Grotto. Since there is only a place setting for one, you would have to buy several if you were hoping to replace all of your dishes. While this can definitely add up money-wise, these dishes are tough and made to withstand the test of time. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, full setShipping: Free on orders over $35Return Policy: 60 days
Price range at time of publish: $40-$115 Who it isn’t for: People who are not in a position to spend a lot on tableware. Lulu and Georgia has a substantial collection of dinnerware, flatware, and serveware to choose from, many of which come in sets of four or six, so you can mix and match pieces to your taste to create a collection with a more personalized feel. If you need inspiration, reference the “Complete The Look” section at the bottom of each product page, which gives you automated suggestions to complete your collection. Much of the brand’s dinnerware has a rustic, natural feel to it, such as their best-selling Nature collection. And their geometric salad plates would make great pieces for outdoor entertaining, since they’re made from break-resistant melamine. Peruse Lulu and Georgia’s site and you’re sure to find unique and out-of-the-ordinary pieces to elevate your tableware collection. But keep in mind that, depending on the set, some of the pieces are priced fairly high. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: $9-$22Return Policy: 60 days
Price range at time of publish: $30-$349 Who it isn’t for: People looking for maximalist tableware. Fable specializes in elevated basics that are both beautiful and functional. You can build full sets of hand-finished ceramic dinnerware in neutral colors or pastels, such as Beachgrass Green or Blush Pink. All of the bowls and plates have modern silhouettes with curved edges that are convenient to use. The brand notes that each piece is organically shaped for a one-of-a-kind dish. Not only are the sets comprehensive—they’re also sustainably-minded. All of Fable’s packaging is recyclable and their products are made to last for years to come. The best part? All of Fable’s ceramics are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: Free on orders over $220; otherwise $10Return Policy: 100 days
Price range at time of publish: $38-$570 Who it isn’t for: People who want to shop from smaller retailers. When it comes to tableware, Crate & Barrel is not wanting for options. The brand has a wide array of dinnerware sets to choose from, ranging from the classic Aspen Rimmed Collection, to their more modern and organically shaped Marin Collection, as well as their vibrant and ethereal Julo Dinnnerware. You can pick and choose exactly which pieces you want to buy from any of the collections, so you never end up with unnecessary pieces. In addition to dinnerware, you’ll find no shortage of flatware, serveware, and glassware to choose from. If you’re looking for a place to start or just to get inspiration, the variety of options at Crate & Barrel are sure to get your design juices flowing. Details:
Product Types: Bowls, plates, mugs, glassware, flatware, serveware, full setsShipping: $5-$22Return Policy: 90 days
Price range at time of publish: $4-$300
Materials
Stoneware and ceramic sets are intended more for everyday wear and tear. This is because they are both durable and typically coated with an enamel that makes them dishwasher- and microwave-safe. If you are looking for dishes to use outdoors, consider pieces made of melamine that won’t shatter if you happen to drop them. Finally, bone china, which is typically made of delicate porcelain, is usually reserved for special occasions or holidays.
Care
Even if you love the look of fine bone china, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using your dishes, in order to determine whether or not delicate pieces are truly functional. If you plan to use your new dishes for everyday meals, make sure you prioritize items that are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. This will usually mean stoneware and ceramic sets.
Take Our Word For It
This article was written by Brittany Loggins, a freelance writer who specializes in lifestyle content. To come up with this list of the best places to buy tableware, she considered the type of dishes available, the quality of the materials used, and the ease of cleanup. For expert tips on purchasing the right tableware for your needs, Brittany spoke with Emily Forrest, Director of Communications and Registry Specialist at Zola, an online wedding registry service.
