Picture this — you've just spent time in your kitchen cooking up the most delicious meal. The aroma in your kitchen is mouth-watering and you can't wait to dig in. And then you reach into your cabinets and pull out some old random dinner plates that are chipped and scratched.
While there is no doubt in the charm of having mismatched dinnerware, there are a few things that really step you into the 'adult' realm of life. Having a nice bath towel set and luxurious sheets are starters and getting a nice set of dinner plates really changes the game. After all, the meals you cook yourself should be celebrated with plates that are worthy of the time you spent on your food.
We've rounded up a list of the best dinner plates for all sorts of occasions and decor styles. Whether you use them for yourself and your family every night or bring them out for special occasions, we've got you covered.
Our Top Choices
Best Overall: Michael Wainwright Truro Origin Dinner Plate ($45)
Best Holiday: Classic Touch Set of 4 Gold Glitter Dinner Plate with Raised Rims ($105)
Best Contemporary: Classic Touch Gold and White Marble Plates, Set Of 4 ($95)
Best Formal: Michael Wainwright Truro Platinum Dinner Plate ($75)
Best Classic: Staub Ceramic Dinnerware 4-pc Dinner Plate Set ($79.99)
Best Outdoor: Chinoiserie Botanical Melamine Dinner Plates, Set of 6 ($99)
Best Rustic: Casafina Eivissa Dinner Plate ($35)
Best China: Merrick 16-Piece Bone China Set ($89.99)
Best Overall: Truro Origin Dinner Plate
The more casual version of Michael's bestselling Truro collection, the Origin collection is ideal for all sorts of occasions. It's ultra-durable and also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Plus, the pieces can go from freezer to oven so it's ideal for everyday use. The wavy pattern offers a touch of visual interest while still feeling casual.
Nothing says holidays like a little — or a lot of — sparkle. These glimmering gold plates make any table setting shine and will wow your guests when you entertain. We love the patina finish, but what makes these dinner plates stand out is their quality materials, which make them durable for long-time use and many dinner parties to come.
Best Contemporary: Gold and White Marble Plates
Although it never really went away, the marble trend is back in full swing for 2023. Extravagant and decadent, these gold marble plates bring class and elegance to a table setting. Each piece features a gold and white marbled design that's finished with a simple luster. They are perfect for evening affairs, special occasions, or whenever you want your dinner to feel extra special.
Best Formal: Truro Platinum Dinner Plate
Michael Wainwright is known for fusing clay with precious metals in a modern, seamless manner. These handmade-looking dinner plates feature a platinum flair in both silver and gold that feels upscale and formal. These plates are dishwasher safe, too, making clean-up after an occasional a bit more simple.
Best Classic: Ceramic Dinnerware 4-pc Dinner Plate Set
This lovingly crafted, moisture-resistant stoneware is super durable, making it ideal for everyday use. The eye-catching enamel hues boast impressive scratch resistance so you can serve and safely stack them without worry. Plus, it's microwave and dishwasher-safe, making this long-lasting stoneware ideal for serving memorable meals for years to come.
Best Outdoor: Chinoiserie Botanical Melamine Dinner Plates
Not only are these dinner plates a vibrant pattern that evokes the feeling of being outdoors, but they're also made of melamine, which means they're virtually unbreakable and shatter-proof. Because melamine dinnerware is practical and affordable, this is a great alternative to breakable and disposable tableware. It's also dishwasher safe so clean-up is a cinch. Use these to step up your outdoor entertaining or al fresco dinner nights.
Best Rustic: Eivissa Dinner Plate
Do you prefer a more rustic look to your table setting? The natural curves of these fine stoneware plates bring the charm. They're enhanced by reactive glazes, creating perfectly imperfect patterns of beige, sand, and sea blue on the interior. What's more, they're also oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, so they're great for everyday use.
Best China: Merrick Bone China Set
These plates, which come in a set, are made of durable bone china and offer an elegant contemporary design that complements any table setting. Simple, classic, and never out of style, this white dinnerware offers a clean design that can be dressed up for special occasions or used every day for casual family meals.
What to Consider When Buying Dinner Plates
Materials
You'll want to choose plates with materials that will match how you plan to use them. If you're going to be using them every day, go with a more durable and nonporous material like glass, china, porcelain, or melamine. Bone china and porcelain are the most durable options. If you plan to pop them in the dishwasher to clean them, be sure that they're dishwasher-safe and can handle heat.
Shape
The shape can be a big factor when storing your plates. Some plates don't stack as well as others, so you'll want to have a storage plan for them. Otherwise, shape is simply a matter of personal preference.
Color & Pattern
You'll want your plates to reflect your home's style, so if you're someone whose wardrobe and decor are bright and colorful, go for something equally the same. If you're someone who mostly wears beige, white, brown, and black, you may want to opt for something more neutral.
How Many
The standard recommendation is to have at least eight plates. If you have a large family or enjoy having guests, it's recommended to get additional place settings.
