Editors’ Guide to Dinnerware
Get the dish on place settings, materials, and styles (both casual and formal).
PHOTOS: TERRACOTTA DESIGN BUILD
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Sure, every couple already has a set (or two) of plates and bowls before heading down the aisle—but dinnerwareis one of our editors’ absolute don’t skips. The epitome of registry upgrade, these everyday essentials get so much use and visibility that a well-selected dinnerware set can quietly transform your routine. Get the basics on dinnerware, from materials and care to place settings, so you can find the set that perfectly fits your daily demands.
Start by ...
During a typical day, take a moment while using your dinnerware to consider what you like—and wish you could change—about your current set. Do they feel too casual to set the table for special meals? Did your square plates sound good in theory, but prove hard to use or fit in your cabinets? Is the color or pattern not quite right anymore?
There are two main questions to answer from the onset to help narrow down the wealth of options available to you. Do you want one set of dinnerware for all occasions, or two sets—one for the day-to-day and another for special meals? And how do you plan on using your new set (or sets)? The latter should help provide an overarching sense of style and inform the number for place settings.
Materials
The distinction between casual and formal dinnerware continues to blur, so forget the old norms and focus on what feels right for you. There are four main materials to choose between:
Care requirements can vary greatly between individual styles within the same material, so filter your options by features that matter to you (dishwasher safe, please) or closely check product descriptions.
Falling for fine china? Learn about styles and patterns in our dedicated guide. Read now »
Place Settings
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Prismatic 5 Piece Place Setting
Standard convention is to register for 8-12 place settings of dinnerware per set. For couples who love to entertain large crowds—or if you opt for one set of dinnerware for all occasions—the top end is likely the sweet spot, while 6-8 settings are more ideal for small-space living or couples who favor intimate gatherings.
What comprises a place setting anyway? Formal china normally comes in a five-piece set—dinner, salad, and bread plate along with teacup and saucer—as opposed to casual dinnerware, which typically comes in four-piece set of dinner and salad plate, bowl, and mug. You can find these grouped into larger-scale sets designed to set the table for anywhere from 4-8 people (like a 20- or 22-piece set), featuring the same pieces at a value.
You also have the option of simply registering for the individual pieces you want, known as open stock—essentially building your own set. This is an especially practical choice for couples weary of unwanted elements or those looking to mix and match.
But place settings don’t stop there: There’s a wide range of tabletop accessories to choose from, including chargers, accent plates, serving platters, coffee and tea serving accessories, and more. This is a key place to visualize what you’ll actually put to good use (will you really use those individual creamers?) and what you might miss come holiday hosting.
Tip! When in doubt, err on the side of caution—meaning, register for more and not less. You can easily stash away settings you don’t need daily with dinnerware storage sets, and they’ll be handy to have on hand for larger gatherings or as a replacement if (when) something shatters.
