Upgrade Your Weeknight Dinners with These Simple, Elevated Everyday Dishware Sets
Courtesy of CB2
On the list of "most important kitchen items," a quality set of everyday dinnerware clocks in on top. Even casual weeknight dinners deserve a subtle upgrade, and the dishes you use can elevate your entire dining experience. And if you're hosting a small dinner party but don't want to break out the fine china, you will want a reliable set of dinnerware you can feel proud setting the table with.
Ultimately, everyday dishware should look pretty and special, but it also needs to be durable enough to use Monday through Sunday without breaking or chipping. A great set should definitely be dishwasher- and microwave-safe—and if it isn't easy to clean, then it's simply not for daily use. You will also want something versatile, so you can easily add more to your collection over the years (when inevitable breaks do happen) and keep everything cohesive. Ahead, our picks for the best everyday dishware sets for every material preference and price point.
Top Picks
Crate & Barrel ″Pomona″ 16-Piece White Dinnerware with Blue Rims
Martha Stewart Collection Textured Whiteware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Related: Shatterproof, Durable Dish Sets for a Season of Outdoor Entertaining
Crate & Barrel
If you love farmhouse style but still want pieces that feel modern, you will appreciate this set: The matte glaze on blue-rimmed stoneware gives it a contemporary appeal.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel "Pomona" 16-Piece White Dinnerware with Blue Rims, $163.95, crateandbarrel.com.
Sur La Table
This bistro collection comes with a whopping 24 pieces for under $150, making it the best bang for your buck. The set includes six dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs. It's the perfect choice for a first home or apartment.
Shop Now: Sur La Table "Bistro" 24-Piece Dinnerware Set, $149.95, surlatable.com.
Hawkins New York
If you're into minimalism, opt for these sleek stoneware plates that come in a set of four in either bone or light gray. They also make a great gift, since they blend flawlessly into any tablescape or kitchen aesthetic.
Shop Now: Hawkins New York Shaker Stoneware Dinner Plate, $96 for four, verishop.com.
Martha Stewart Collection
If you're in the market for a white porcelain set that looks much more expensive than it is, opt for this one from Martha's Macy's collection. It's as versatile as it gets, and the subtle embossed finish gives it a unique texture.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Textured Whiteware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $119.99, macys.com.
Pottery Barn
The matte finish and smooth lines on this stoneware set from Pottery Barn feels both sophisticated and functional. It comes in an array of hues, from classic white to Robin's egg blue.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Mason" Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $136, potterybarn.com.
Farmhouse Pottery
A refreshing alternative to classic white dinnerware, this four-piece series from Farmhouse Pottery is a luxe take on natural finish pottery. It has an earthy elegance, but it's still utilitarian enough to withstand daily use.
Shop Now: Farmhouse Pottery "Pastoral Silo" Four-Piece Dinnerware Set, $250, farmhousepottery.com.
CB2
These crisp white dinner plates have a matte finish and smooth contouring for an utterly unfussy vibe. They're especially great if you're looking to elevate your outdoor tablescape.
Shop Now: CB2 Crisp Matte White Dinner Place, $71.60 for eight, cb2.com.
Crate & Barrel
If you love the "summering in Cape Cod" aesthetic, consider this 16-piece collection from Crate & Barrel. The navy-and-white design has a subtle nautical look, but will work in any setting.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel "Roulette" Blue Band 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $132.95, crateandbarrel.com.
Urban Outfitters
You may associate Urban Outfitters with graphic tees, but the brand has an extensive kitchen and bar section. This pretty sage green stoneware set is extremely reasonably priced at just $69 for 12 pieces.
Shop Now: Urban Outfitters "Stone Lava" Speckled 12-Piece Dining Set, $69, urbanoutfitters.com.
Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma
This series comes in black, white, or gray and has a demi-matte finish that's designed to showcase your prettiest recipes. The set is perfect for Instagram food snaps.
Shop Now: Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Matte 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $110.80, williams-sonoma.com.
The Ark Elements
At first glance, these floral dinner plates may seem too delicate for everyday use, but they're actually dishwasher-safe and crafted to withstand regular wear and tear. At $96 a pop, they're an investment, but they will last you years and years and are as lovely as it gets.
Shop Now: The Ark Elements "Sirena" Rouge Dinner Plate, $96, thearkelements.com.