Dinnerware sets – 8 buys to make entertaining elegant

Pieces: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates ,4 all-purpose bowls, 4 mugs
Material: White ceramic stoneware
Dishwasher safe? Yes

This classic dinnerware set (what else other than whiteware, of course) is the traditional option when it comes to dining essentials, but this elegant set from Fable rewrites the rules and delivers a classic set with finer details. Crafted with durable stoneware and dishwasher and microwave safe, this set couldn't be more chic or convenient. 

Contains: 4 dinnerplates, 4 salad plates, 4 soup bowls and 4 mugs
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher safe? Yes

With the very best quality guaranteed, a Le Creuset dinnerware set is an investment into hosting for many years to come. Available in white, two shades of blue, red and black, this set is wonderful for everyday use. 

Contains: Dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, mug 
Material: Raw porcelain
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Looking for a modern dinnerware set that looks expensive? This collection is made with raw porcelain mixed with colored clay swirls and gives these marbled plates a truly elegant look. There's also the added benefit of being able to buy as many 4-piece sets as you need, which is excellent if you tend to host more people. 

Contains: Four dinner plates, four salad plates, four bowls
Material: Glass
Dishwasher safe? Not stated

If you want a classic look, but don't want to opt for white, then a glass dinnerware set is perfect for keeping to convention while keeping your personal style. This set is made in Valencia, Spain from recycled glass, making this a sustainable purchase too. These glass plates would be excellent for outside use, and complement a garden dining table perfectly. 

Contains: 1 dinner plate, 1 salad plate, 1 cereal bowl, 1 mug
Material: Fine bone china
Dishwasher safe? Yes

With gold florentine accents and blue tones, this fine china dinnerware set will create a luxurious look in your dining room. Delivered in a presentation box and made from fine bone china, this set of plates is bound to be immensely cherished in your home, especially when used on special occassions. 

Contains: 8 square trays 
Material: Porcelain
Dishwasher safe? Yes

This set isn't a complete dinnerware set, but is perfect for serving starters, tapas and small plates. These square porcelain trays are hand-dipped for a unique look, and make delivering food before your main courses an entirely stylish affair. 

Contains: 4 plates (set available to buy separately)
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Bring vibrancy to your dining space with handcrafted stoneware set, created in Portugal and totally individual. The plates, bowls, mugs and side plates must be bought separately in this case, which is helpful is you don't want to invest in the whole set, and are available in wonderful bright colors, including mint, ochre and blue. 

Contains: 4 main plates, 4 side plates, 4 side bowls 
Material: Porcelain
Dishwasher safe? Yes

If you want to match your dinnerware set to your cookware, then this Our Place set is the perfect darker dinnerware set and has the edge to bring together your vision. Understated and elegant, this set is also chip-resistant, and dishwasher safe so that you can be safe in the knowledge you're investing in a set for the future. 

Contains: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls
Materials: Glass
Dishwasher safe? Yes (and microwave safe too)

This eye-catching set from Food52 is the ultimate dinner party showstopper. It makes the perfect summery set, and is available in four, equally beautiful, colorways. This set has rave reviews from happy customers and is hand crafted in France with tempered glass.