Shopping for dinnerware can be overwhelming but having some understanding of the different types of dinner sets available can help you make an informed decision. Let's look at the three most commonly used dinnerware materials, Fine Bone China, Porcelain and Stoneware.
- Fine Bone China: The lightest out of all the materials and commonly used by formal dinnerware brands such as Wedgwood and Royal Albert. With a bright translucent finish that is unmatched by other materials due to bone ash used in its composition, fine bone china is considered the classiest and more premium material choice for those wanting a delicate and formal dinner plate set.
- Porcelain: Similar to fine bone china, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature resulting in a harder, non-porous and bright white finish. Porcelain is not as thin and is a perfect choice for both everyday use and is also a more affordable choice.
- Stoneware: Considered the most durable of dinner set materials and also heavier in weight. Made from a coarse clay, stoneware dinner sets are strong, durable, and have greater thickness, making them ideal for daily use at home or in commercial restaurant and cafe settings.
- Melamine: Perfect for anyone with young children at home and are all too familiar with food (and plates!) falling off the table or high chair, we recommend melamine kids dinner sets or those made from sustainable bamboo fibre.
The most popular dinnerware brands
We have an extensive range of the best dinnerware brands, available at different price points, colours, designs and styles. Below are some of our most popular dinnerware brands.
Ecology Dinner Sets: Inspired by nature, Ecology is a unique Australian brand that focuses on the environment around them, using recyclable materials and packaging wherever possible, it is important to Ecology to lessen its impact on the environment. You will find a wide range of dinner sets with organic shapes and earthy tones that really brings the outdoors to your table, nurturing your friends and family.
Maxwell & Williams Dinner Sets: This Australian brand is globally recognised and well known for their hugely popular White Basics range. Launched in 1996, the tabletop range was created when the owners could see a gap in the market for quality everyday use dinnerware. With that, the White Basics range was created and has grown to over 250 pieces within the range alone. Today Maxwell & Williams also collaborate with local Australian artists bringing their artwork to the table with stunning designs on mugs, plates, cups, water bottles and more.
Salt & Pepper Dinner Sets: A family-owned business based in Melbourne, the Australian designed homeware brand has something for every occasion. With over 70 different collections you can mix and match, express your personality and turn your house into a home. Salt & Pepper are the epitome of family time.
Noritake Dinner Sets: Established in Japan and sold globally, Noritake has been bringing exceptional quality dinnerware to the table since 1904. Noritake Australia was established in 1958 and by the late 60’s Noritake was a household name in many Australian homes. With a large range of both formal and casual dinnerware, there is something to suit all your needs, with their formal dinner sets also making the perfect choice for wedding gifts.
Royal Doulton Dinner Sets: Established in 1815 London, Royal Doulton is a globally recognised brand synonymous with quintessential British tableware, collectable figurines, glassware and more. Today Royal Doulton collaborates with a variety of celebrity chefs, designers and stylists, such as Gordon Ramsay and Barber & Osgerby, designing ranges for casual everyday use as well as more formal settings.
Wedgwood Dinner Sets: One of the world's renowned luxury tableware brands with stunning crafted dinner plates made of fine bone china and quality porcelain. The company has been producing incredible dinnerware since 1783 and later merged with Waterford in 1986, one of the world's leading brands of crystal glassware
Villeroy & Boch Dinner Sets: Creating timeless quality tableware since 1748, Villeroy & Boch continues to be innovative, designing homeware pieces that are not only functional but visually stunning too. From simple yet elegant white dinnerware, to dinnerware sets that are pieces of art to be displayed, Villeroy & Boch is a celebration of style and high end quality.
Most common dinner set sizes
Generally dinner sets come in 12pc, 16pc or 18pc options. We recommend always ensuring you have extra pieces to cover your family's table everyday and enough for guests. For those who entertain regularly, we stock larger dinner sets with more pieces which often include serving pieces as well. When searching for a new dinner set, consider if you want mugs included in the set or do you prefer cups and saucers or if you simply want dinner plates and bowls.
Popular dinner set shapes
When choosing your dinnerware it is important to consider the size of the main meal plates. You will need to know if they fit your table as well as your dishwasher. Traditionally dinner plates averaged around 25cm. Today the most common sized main course plate is 27-28cm. You may also want to consider the shape of the plates, you can get square plates, organic free form plates and oval plates. It's also worth considering whether the style is timeless or passing trend as this will impact the use and additional accessories availabile in future. Different shaped plates and bowls are often great to have as additional serving pieces.
Coupe dinner sets: Dinnerware is generally designed with a rim or without. Coupe are plates without the rim and have a more modern, informal style and are often used in restaurants today to showcase the food. Plate sets with a rim tend to be patterned and more formal, the idea being the rim will prevent any liquid spills.
Purchasing your Dinner Set from Everten
We have an extensive range of dinnerware brands to suit all budgets and styles and ensure that with every dinner set range, we stock also the accompanying side plates and servingware from the entire collection so that you can complete your table.
We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, and we are always happy to assist you over the phone, emails or via LiveChat. Our dedicated customer service team is here to assist you each step of the way. Our team are always kept up to date on the latest tableware ranges and collections to arrive in Australia as well as training on the differences between the various collections of tableware we range.
Lastly, we add further peace of mind when ordering your Dinner Set from Everten with our Breakage Free Guarantee! If your Dinner Set has any faults or breakage during transit, simply notify us within 24 hours of receiving your order with a photo and we’ll provide a replacement, refund or store credit.
Other tableware to complement your dinner set
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are dinner plates dishwasher safe?
This is important for easy day-to-day dining with a busy family household. The last thing you want after a busy day is to have to hand scrub countless plates! Some pieces that have gold or platinum edges or plates with intricate designs may not be suitable for the dishwasher so be sure to check the features on the product page before ordering. Most porcelain and glazed stoneware dinner sets are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Is there matching side plates or servingware?
We have a broad range of dinner sets that combine extra matching serving pieces like pasta bowls, salad bowls or serving trays. Or you may want extra plates and bowls. Having a set that can combine these extra matching tableware pieces will complete and enhance the visual appeal of your table.
What sort of tone and style of dinner set do you need?
Some of our dinner sets have beautiful colour combinations or patterns that can add a touch of style and sophistication to your table. It is important though to consider whether these styles will match your cutlery set and decor. Are you wanting to create a formal setting, or an informal casual dining? If you are unsure, the safest option that is always versatile is a white dinner set which can always be dressed up or down with casual or formal cutlery and other accessories on your table.
