Tableware

You like to host dinner parties, serve home-cooked meals in style or nibble on finger food on the couch. No matter your preference, a reliable set of dinnerware that matches your lifestyle and dining habits is key. Best Buy carries a wide assortment of dinnerware sets and individual pieces, including dinner plates, dessert and appetizer plates, bowls, teapots and serving sets, and kids dinnerware from brands like Danesco, Dansk, Duralex, Brilliant, Tannex, Luzerne and Rosanna.

Types of Materials

Dinnerware comes in a variety of materials that determine its performance, and overall look and feel. Technically, it starts as clay and manufactured into four main types: earthenware, stoneware, porcelain and bone china.

Starting with the finest crockery, bone china is considered the strongest and most durable, despite its delicate beauty. It’s fired twice and at higher temperatures than porcelain, with ox-bone ash or calcium phosphate for added strength. Porcelain comes in a close second. It’s a great all-around dinnerware, with its non-porous glass-like surface that’s easy to maintain. Some bone china and porcelain are tough enough to go in the dishwasher and microwave.

Earthenware is an old type of dinnerware made of unrefined clay using a low temperature. It appears solid and heavy, yet feels light and delicate in your hand. On one hand, earthenware gives your dining table a natural look; on the other, it’s susceptible to rapid changes in hot and cold temperatures. In comparison, stoneware offers better resilience and chip resistance as it uses more refined clay that’s been fired at a higher temperature.

Styles and Patterns

Choose a look, such as colour and pattern combinations, that matches your lifestyle and purpose for the dinnerware. For example, are you using the platesand bowls for casual dinners, formal gatherings or fancy parties? Focus on what appeals to you, whether it’s a colour scheme that complements your dining room furnishings or design reminiscent of your home décor. If you have a tight budget, opt for timeless looks rather than funky or trendy, such as simple designs and neutral or solid colours that can adapt to different menus.

Dinnerware Sets

Dinnerware sets give you a wide range of style options. Since they’re already matched by theme, they create an inviting tablescape, helping set the tone for the meal and adding to your food’s visual appeal. Whether fine china or in casual patterns, sets come with extras that make your table look complete for entertaining. They’re the ideal choice if you’re looking for value, as they cover multiple place settings. Depending on the number of pieces, a set can come with serving platters and bowls, salad plate, soup bowl, teacup and saucer, and creamer. Additional pieces include an accent salad plate, gravy boat, butter dish or salt and pepper shakers. Accessories like napkin holders and condiment sets complete the dining experience.