21 of the best dinner sets 2024 that are functional and stylish
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
No matter how many people you're cooking for, finding the best dinner sets can be just as important as crafting the dinner menu itself. Whether you're looking to elevate your dinner parties or planning a cosy date night in, a beautifully-set table adorned with elegant crockery can make every spread feel like a special 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.
SKIP TO: What are the best dinnerware brands? | What to consider when shopping for a dinner set | What type of dinner set is most durable? | What is the best dinner set? | How we tested dinner sets.
The best dinner sets at a glance:
- Best Dinner Set Overall: Starter Set, £140, Our Place
- The Runner-Up: Portobello 12 Piece Dinner Set, £150, The White Company
- Best For Everyday Use: Oslo Coupe Stoneware Dinner Set, £139, ProCook
- Best Dishwasher-safe Dinner Set: Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Dinnerware Set, £119, John Lewis
- Best Value Dinner Set: Main Plates, £35, Our Place
What are the best dinnerware brands?
This totally depends on what you're after, your personal style and budget. The White Company delivers on both style and quality, while Our Place best for editor-approved aesthetic designs. John Lewis has one of the widest offerings out there (stocking tableware sets, drinking glasses and mugs), while Anthropologie is great for design-led iterations. We'd highly recommend ProCook, Dunelm, and Marks & Spencer for dinnerware essentials, including the best cutlery, glassware and 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 us, 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.
- Bone china is the most expensive and the most thin. It's best for formal dining and isn't as durable as some other offerings.
- Porcelain is the most common material for a dinnerware set. It'd found everywhere and purchased a lot: affordable, durable, often available in different hues and prints, dishwasher-safe, microwavable and sometimes oven-safe.
- Stoneware is a very stylish option – it looks rustic and textured, is heavier than porcelain and is often quite affordable. You do have to take good care of it, though, to ensure it doesn't get marked and ruined quickly.
What is the best quality dinner set?
For us, this has to be the one that'll last the longest, including withstanding scratches, frequent microwave and dishwasher use. A brand that does that well? Corelle.
This glass dinnerware set from the brand, via Amazon, promises triple-layer strength that's resistant to chips, scratches and cracks. It's also reasonably priced and lightweight, not to mention the design looks like something out of a heavenly Nancy Meyers movie kitchen. Need we say more?
How we tested dinner sets
Finding the best dinnerware set is mostly about aligning with your taste and design preferences, but functionality should not be overlooked. In curating our selection of the best tableware, we prioritised features like dishwasher, microwave, and oven safety, while also considering factors like affordability and aesthetic appeal. Our edit features only the best dinner sets from brands we really love – and we've made sure to include a variety of styles – from timeless classics to bold statement designs – to make your choice even easier.
If you're after more kitchen content, head this way for cookware sets that'll last a lifetime, over here for cutlery sets to finish your table to perfection and in this direction for glassware you'll love to sip your boxed wine from. We’ve also got melamine plate sets if you’re in the market for some crockery for your garden. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.