There’s a game I like to play with myself whenever I walk through a home store. I pretend I’m a protagonist in a mid-aughts rom-com curating my dream registry. I wield the handheld scanner with adept expertise, leaving no KitchenAid mixer or delicately stemmed wine glass unturned. It’s a shopping spree for my future self, building a dream wishlist for my dream home. (There’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.) And as is true for any design junkie, more than a few modern dinnerware sets find their way onto my list.
A solid dinnerware set speaks volumes. As a late twenty-something gal, I rely upon the language of my own 16-piece Crate & Barrel set to say: this is the home of a woman who has her stuff together. (Well, at least to the extent that I can invite friends over for a warm and welcoming meal.) More than that, it helps elevate my home dining experience—a crucial element of romanticizing my everyday rhythms and rituals. oblong dinner plates
Despite its obvious, deeply functional use, dinnerware doesn’t have to be boring. High-end sets made of good quality materials can improve the overall aesthetic of your tablescape. No matter your interior design style or what kind of budget you’re working with, we have a chic and affordable dinnerware set for you. And yes, every one of them is beautiful enough to display on open shelving.
Some dinnerware sets are finicky and overly formal. Instead, this set, with its kiln-fired build and earthy palette, bridges the gap between special occasion and everyday use. With its wabi-sabi design and perfectly imperfect charm, it’s our go-to for weeknight dinners as well as gatherings (where the set is known to garner plenty of compliments). Handmade in Mexico with one-of-a-kind charm, this set, as reiterated by the name, will quickly become a household essential.
Playa “Essentials” Dinnerware, Set of 12
Muted pinks, grays, and cream tones add a curated calm to a table. They’re thoughtfully made with a nod to Japanese and Shaker design influences. Each piece is timeless, dishwasher safe, and scratch-resistant as well.
Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware Dinnerware
Bring the look of classic camping enamelware to your kitchen with this forties-inspired white speckled design. Melamine doesn’t rust, is virtually unbreakable, dishwasher safe, and family-friendly.
Camp Melamine Dishes, Dinnerware & Serveware
For those who dream of a dinnerware set that does it all, we’ve found your answer. This three-piece set is a conversation starter in and of itself. (And paired with party-ready recipes, it’s perfection.) If romanticizing your routines is top of mind, enjoy your AM avocado toast or a lunchtime grain bowl on one of these pieces. With their handmade beauty and one-of-a-kind appeal, each element is sure to spark joy, no matter what’s on the menu.
Harvester “Essentials” Dinnerware, Set of 12
This simple, elegant set features a clean modern design with a glossy glazed finish. It’s casual chic and perfect for everyday meals or entertaining.
Threshold™ 12pc Stoneware Avesta Dinnerware Set
The shape of this set evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, leaning into the rustic charm characteristic of the farmhouse style. Pairing durable stoneware with an accessible price, this modern dinnerware set is a must-buy.
Sango 16pc Stoneware Kaya Dinnerware Set
For the maximalists among us, you’ll love this unique set. The bold two-toned design joins a classic enamel construction, yielding pieces that’ll last you years—while upleveling every dish you serve.
The Get Out Enamelware Dish Set
Made in Portugal, each piece of this unique set boasts an organic shape and subtle crackled texture. The craftsmanship is apparent in every detail, serving as the perfect base for every delicious meal.
Drift White Dinnerware Set With Reactive Glaze
I’m always after simple, well-made pieces that can stand the test of time (both in durability and the cycling of trends). This set fits the bill, boasting a contemporary, minimalist design that works with any home aesthetic.
This set’s bright, swirled pattern brings vibrancy and color to your tabletop. I wouldn’t be afraid of using these on the daily, but they’re special enough that I also wouldn’t think twice about using them at a dinner party. Convenient, cute, and ideal for any aesthetic? That’s a win.
La Jolla Glass Dinnerware Collection
Made in Portugal, the rustic ceramic silhouettes are wholly unique and feature beautiful variations. It’s a functional and timeless collection.
Mendocino Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
This collection was built to last. It has a chic minimalist style with clean lines and smooth surfaces. It’s perfect for a small dinner party or if you just want to indulge in a little aesthetic joy every time you pull out a plate or bowl.
deep plate Gibson Stoneware Dinnerware Set – Service for 4