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A dinnerware set makes the perfect gift for housewarming, weddings, or the holidays. You can use a dinnerware set every day for family dinners, or save finer sets for special occasions. However you choose to use it, your dinnerware set is a unique expression of who you are. The best dinnerware sets are unique, durable, and made with care.

We’ve carefully curated this list of the best dinnerware sets in Canada. We know that you’ll find a set on this list that works for you!

Best dinnerware sets in Canada

Best overall: Safdie & Co. HK03175EC Dinnerware Set

The best dinnerware sets in Canada are simple, beautiful, and durable. Safdie & Co.’s HK03175EC Dinnerware Set is all of these things. From the classic white accents to the durable porcelain construction, these dishes were made for dinner parties.

The high-quality porcelain can stand up to daily use, including use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Each dish has been glazed and treated to stand up to extreme temperatures, so you never have to worry about cracking or chipping. There are two sizes available: a 12-piece set and a larger 16-piece option that includes matching mugs.

In the standard 12-piece set, you’ll get 4 11” dinner plates, 4 8” salad plates, and 4 bowls. This is enough to serve up to 4 people, so multiple sets will be needed for larger families or gatherings. The bowls aren’t too deep to use for a soup course, and they’re not too shallow for hearty soups and stews.

The design around the rim of each plate is a beautiful, simple white ripple that stands the test of time. If white isn’t your favourite option, you can also purchase this dinnerware set in gray, navy, red, and blue. Whichever you choose, you’ll find that these dishes are perfect for use in both daily meals and on special occasions.

Features of the Safdie & Co. HK03175EC Dinnerware Set

Serves four

This classic, simple set of dishes includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, and 4 bowls. That’s a large enough setting for a couple, though it can serve up to four people if required.

Two sizes available

The standard version of this set comes with 12 pieces. If that isn’t enough for you, you can choose the option with 16 pieces. This version also includes 4 matching mugs, so your family can have coffee or cocoa together after dinner.

Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe

The durable porcelain design of these plates makes them safe to use in the microwave, the dishwasher, and the freezer. They won’t chip or crack when exposed to the extreme temperatures in this location.

Simple, beautiful design

This set of Safdie & Co dishes is simple. The white design is classy without being plain, and the textured look adds a nice touch for entertaining.

What sets the Safdie & Co. HK03175EC Dinnerware Set apart?

This set of Safdie & Co dishes are beautiful and durable. The high-quality porcelain construction is durable and won’t chip easily. The available colour options will liven up your place settings with a classy finish. Plus, they’re great for daily use – you can use them for dinners with the family every day. They won’t damage or scratch easily.

  • Durable, high-quality porcelain
  • Classy colour options
  • Great for daily use

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Best colour choices: Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

Basic doesn’t have to mean boring. This Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set features a host of vibrant colours you won’t find anywhere else, all situated on simple stoneware dishes.

There are ten different colour options for this dinnerware set. Each of them can add a splash of sophisticated colour to your dinner table. You can choose between colours like cranberry, teal, mint green, royal blue, sky blue, yellow, and orange. There are also standard off-white and grey options.

Whatever colour you choose, this dinnerware set includes place settings for up to six people. You’ll get 6 11” dinner plates, 6 8” salad plates, and 6 7” bowls. The pieces are made of chip-resistant stoneware. They are completely safe up to 572F. You can reheat food in the microwave, or chill plates before serving cold foods. You can put them in the dishwasher when dinner is over.

While stoneware is usually heavy, these plates are not too much to handle. You’ll easily be able to lift them into your cabinets. The dinner plates are especially large, so these are great plates for those who enjoy larger meals or more generous portions.

Features of the Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

Serves six

This dinnerware set from Amazon Basics includes six 11-inch dinner plates, 6 8-inch salad plates, and 6 7-inch bowls. That’s enough to serve a family of three, or up to six people if needed.

10 colour options

Add some colour to your kitchen with the large variety of colour options available for this dinnerware set. The standard white and grey dishes are available here, as well as vibrant yellow, mint green, sky blue, orange, and teal. The cranberry-coloured set would be great for holidays.

Large dinner plates

Some dinnerware sets include smaller dinner plates to reduce materials and save on cost. However, the dinner plates in this set are a full 11-inches in diameter, large enough for an impressive table setting.

Safe up to 572F

These stoneware dishes are safe up to 572F, so you can use them in the microwave and freezer. They’re also safe for the dishwasher, as they can stand up to the high temperatures and detergent.

What sets the Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set apart?

The Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set features vibrant colours that you won’t find elsewhere. These options can make your kitchen more welcoming for guests and make mealtimes happier. The chip-resistant stoneware will last a while. They’re a nice mid-range weight that’s not heavy to lift, but isn’t lightweight enough to easily slide or fall, either.

  • Vibrant colours not found elsewhere
  • Chip-resistant stoneware
  • Nice mid-weight option

See Price at Amazon

Best luxury set: Tudor Royal Collection 30-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

If you host a lot of special dinners, you want a dinnerware set that’s going to impress. The Tudor Royal Collection 30-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set is that impressive, classy set that will elevate your parties to the next level.

These beautiful dishes have six classic designs that evoke a sense of luxury. They are all inspired by British Royal styles, so they’re sure to liven up your dinner table. Each design is carefully reproduced to create a set of dishes that you can be proud of.

These dishes are made of premium, durable porcelain, made to mimic the durability of bone china. They don’t chip or scratch easily, so you don’t have to be as careful with them as you would be with fine china. Each plate and dish is handmade but not overly fragile.

This set includes place settings for six, making it the largest dinnerware set on our list. The set includes 6 10.2” dinner plates, 6 8.1” salad plates, 6 shallow soup and pasta bowls, 6 6.1” saucers, and 6 mugs. It’s a full expanded spread that includes everything you’d need for lunch and tea.

This set stacks well due to the shallow design of the plates. If you need more than six place settings, there are smaller sets available in each design. You can purchase these sets to supplement the larger set, or to have place settings for fewer people.

These dishes add a classic touch to your entertainment, hosting, and family dinners. They have a luxury price tag, partially because they are handmade.

Features of the Tudor Royal Collection 30-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

Classic Royal style

All of the pieces in the Tudor Royal Collection dinnerware sets are made with classic British Royal style in mind, with patterns that look elegant and feel classy. The designs are carefully reproduced and beautifully durable.

Full set for six

This dinnerware set comes with full place settings for up to six people, including six dinner plates, six salad plates, six soup/pasta bowls, six saucers, and six 8-ounce mugs.

Other designs available

This set has six available designs, and each of them is as beautiful as the last. There is a garden option, a classic farm option, a Victoria Blue option, and more. You can choose the perfect set to match your kitchen and add a little flair to your meals.

Fine, durable porcelain

These porcelain dishes are made to mimic bone china, so they are durable and beautiful at the same time. The porcelain glaze makes them shine, and they aren’t going to chip or scratch easily. Plus, they are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.

Handmade construction

Each dinnerware set by Tudor is handmade, so you can expect the quality to match the price tag. This means they should be mostly free of defects in the design, glaze, and more.

What sets the Tudor Royal Collection 30-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set apart?

The Tudor Royal Collection is a beautiful, classy set of dishes that comes with everything you need to serve six. If you need additional place settings or a smaller set, there are other options available. This set also includes matching mugs, which some modern sets do not. The plates themselves have glazed feet on the bottom, so they stack well in your cabinets without scratching.

  • Smaller sets available
  • Includes mugs
  • Stacks well

See Price at Amazon

Best Budget: Gibson Home Rockaway Stoneware Set

A simple, modern appeal is hard to come by in some dinnerware sets these days. This Rockaway Stoneware Set from Gibson Home has a clean, sophisticated look without the expensive price tag, and it’s all due to beautiful matte glaze.

This dinnerware set comes in a variety of vibrant colours, all of which benefit from this matte glazing technique. It’s a smooth, solid finish that makes the plates look more expensive than they are. That’s a good thing, especially when you’re entertaining!

The beautiful colours are offset by the off-white trim, which adds a nice touch. The slightly concave design makes stacking these plates easy, too. You won’t have to worry about them getting scratched or damaged in your cabinets.

And you can use them in the dishwasher, too. These plates are specially treated to deal with high heat, so they’re perfect for the microwave as well. The dishes in this set can stand up to gentle everyday use.

The set includes service for up to four people. This includes 4 10.5” dinner plates, 4 8” dessert plates, and 4 bowls. These bowls are the perfect depth, so you can use them for cereals as well as soups, stews, and other dishes. You’ll love breaking these dishes out for parties and special dinners!

Features of the Gibson Home Rockaway Stoneware Set

Matte glaze

The matte glaze makes this set look more expensive than it is, adding a classy air to your dinners and hosting options.

Modern design

Rather than a solid colour, Gibson opted for an off-white band along the rim of the plates and bowls. This is a nice, simplistic off-set design that makes the plates look classy and feel great. The slightly concave design only lends to this modern touch.

Service for 4

This set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 dessert plates, and 4 bowls. That’s enough place settings for up to four people, though it’s probably better suited for a couple.

Dishwasher safe

The special glaze and treatment on these Gibson plates and bowls make them safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Two available styles

There are two styles and sizes available. You can choose the 12-piece option here, or go with a 16-piece set that comes with 4 mugs as well. This larger set uses a metallic trim for an upscale touch.

What sets the Gibson Home Rockaway Stoneware Set apart?

The Gibson Home Rockaway Stoneware Set features multiple vibrant colour options. In this style, you can choose from black, grey, white, off-white, mint, red, and light blue. The classic stoneware is universally appealing and looks expensive. The four bowls that come with the set are an ideal depth, perfectly in between deep and shallow.

  • Multiple vibrant colour options
  • Classic stoneware
  • Bowl depth is ideal

See Price at Amazon

Best Stoneware: Gibson Soho Lounge Dinnerware Set

Stoneware is known for its rustic charm, and this Gibson Soho Lounge Dinnerware set has it in spades. It’s available in two colours, a naturally beautiful purple and black contrast, or a stunning teal and black contrast. This set offers service for up to four people, great for smaller families.

The set includes 4 11-inch square dinner plates, 4 8.25” square dessert plates, 4 bowls, and 4 square mugs. It’s rare for a set in this price point to include the mugs, so it’s a pleasant surprise that Gibson thought to include them. Even the mugs have a square design, with rounded edges to match the plates and bowls.

The colourful glaze on every piece is double reactive. This means that the glaze features multiple shades and layers of colour. They work together, creating a shifting effect that seems to change with the light. It’s a beautiful design that goes above and beyond the other dinnerware sets on our list.

The square design of the plates allows a little bit of extra room for food, but it doesn’t take up much more room in your cabinets. This is a great choice for those with smaller kitchens and bigger appetites.

This stoneware set is great for the dishwasher and microwave. It’s treated to prevent cracking, chipping, and breaking due to temperature. Clean-up and reheating are hassle-free with these plates. They are durable enough to last a long time if you use them carefully.

Features of the Gibson Soho Lounge Dinnerware Set

Square design

These plates, mugs, and bowls feature a unique square design that adds a modern touch to your dining. The corners are smoothed over, giving you more space on the plate without taking up more space in your cabinets.

Colourful glaze

Gibson’s Soho Lounge dishes feature a colourful, reactive glaze. This glaze features multiple layers of different shades, creating a finish that seems to react to light and movement. It’s a beautiful touch in purple, and the teal is naturally beautiful as well.

Modest dinner plates

Though the square dinner plates in this Gibson set have more surface space than some of the other plates on our list, they are smaller. They won’t take up a lot of space in your cabinets, and they are great for standard portions.

Service for 4

This dinnerware set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 dessert plates, 4 bowls, and 4 mugs. That’s enough for up to 4 place settings, though a single set is best suited for a couple.

What sets the Gibson Soho Lounge Dinnerware Set apart?

Gibson’s Soho Lounge Dinnerware Set comes in two natural, subdued colour palettes. The purple you see here is natural, reactive colour, but the plates are also available in teal. The black on the exterior of the bowls and mugs makes for great colour contrast. Plus, this full-service set includes matching mugs, which is difficult to find at this price point.

  • Also comes in teal
  • Nice colour contrast
  • Includes matching mugs

See Price at Amazon

Best Bone China: Mikasa 5224193 Ciara 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

When it comes to your dishes, simplicity can be more valuable than all of the colours and patterns in the world. The Mikasa 5224193 Ciara 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is beautiful, simple, and classy. You can easily use this dinnerware set daily and for special occasions.

This dinnerware set is made from durable, lightweight bone china. This material is sturdy, chip-resistant, and brilliantly white. It’s perfectly safe for extreme temperatures, so you can reheat food in the microwave, clean up with the dishwasher, and even put these plates in the oven or the freezer.

The pattern is a simple ripple of ridges along the outside of the plates and bowls. It’s a classic design that elevates these plates for all of your formal hosting and entertaining events. You can use these plates for dinners with your family every night, but they can double for holiday dinners and family get-togethers. The generous 11-inch dinner plates hold enough food for the heartiest of eaters, while the deep bowls are perfect for soups and stews.

These plates aren’t too heavy, as bone china can be somewhat lightweight. However, they are heavy enough that you won’t be able to knock them off of the counters on accident. Though these plates are transparent when held up to the light, they are also some of the most durable on our list.

This dinnerware set includes service for up to 4 people, though there is a larger set available that includes place settings for 8. You can choose the option that works best for your family, especially if you want to have extra place settings for unexpected guests.

Features of the Mikasa 5224193 Ciara 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Bone China construction

These dishes from Mikasa are made of bone china, a beautiful and lightweight material that makes them durable enough for daily use. They are chip-resistant and safe for extreme temperatures, making every piece dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe. You can use these dishes any way you see fit without worrying about them breaking.

Beautifully simple

If colourful, patterned dishes aren’t for you, these could be a perfect alternative. They are beautiful and simple, with a rippling pattern on the rim of the dishes and the outside of the bowl. It presents a classic aesthetic that manages to be interesting despite the lack of colour.

Service for 4

This dinnerware set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls, and 4 mugs. You can serve up to four people with a single set, especially for family gatherings and other special occasions.

What sets the Mikasa 5224193 Ciara 16-Piece Dinnerware Set apart?

Mikasa’s 5224193 Ciara Dinnerware set features a beautiful and durable design. The rippling circles are classic and understated, perfect for both casual daily use and more formal dinners. The mugs that come with the set are tall, and the bowls are deep enough for soups, stews, and cereals.

  • Beautiful circle design
  • Works for casual and formal settings
  • Deep bowls for soups and stews

See Price at Amazon

How to choose a dinnerware set in Canada

Most people use their dinnerware sets every day. It’s important to choose a set that works for your family and that you’ll enjoy using. But aren’t all dinnerware sets the same? How do you even start to make a decision? Below, we’ll look at how you can choose a dinnerware set for your home, whether you use them daily or just for entertaining.

Place settings

Dinnerware sets are often measured by the number of place settings that are included. A place setting is a complete set of dinnerware for one person. Most place settings include four different pieces: a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bowl, and a mug. The most basic of sets may not even include matching mugs.

We’ll look more at the different types of settings below. For the time being, consider the size of your family. A dinnerware set that serves four works well for a couple, and might even be enough for a couple with a small child. However, a good general rule is to have two place settings on hand for every person in your family.

Investigate how many place settings each dinnerware set contains. If needed, you can always purchase more than one to make sure that all of your dishes match.

Types of settings

Depending on your lifestyle and how often you host, you might want a fancier or more inclusive place setting. The standard place setting is fine, but more is always better, especially when it matches the rest of your dishes.

Expanded settings may include entertaining dishes, serving trays, ramekins, dessert plates, saucers, teacups, glasses, and flatware. While the basic setting is the standard, some sets expand on the idea of what a place setting entails. If you’re looking for a bit more, browse higher-end dinnerware sets for more options.

Entertaining

Entertaining and hosting present another level of considerations for your dinnerware. If you plan to use this set for hosting dinners with friends, you might be able to get a more casual set. However, dinners with in-laws, fancier affairs, holidays, and special events may require a classier setup.

Your table setting for events should always be more extravagant and might include teacups with saucers, matching serving ware, and a set of matching flatware. Check into what’s included with the dinnerware set, which pieces are included, and if there are expansion sets. These sets often include a fancier, more involved spread, but they match your dinnerware set perfectly.

That said, if you entertain often, consider purchasing a larger daily set than you need for your family. This gives you plenty of extra plates for guests, especially in casual settings.

Materials

The materials that your dishes are made of are extremely important. They can determine durability and longevity for your daily use. When it comes to more upscale sets, the material can determine how formal a dinner setting is, which is important if you host fancy events.

The following are some of the most common materials for dinnerware. Most of these materials are represented on our list:

  • Bone China. This is the strongest china you’ll find, though it’s not as fancy or expensive as fine china. It’s usually dishwasher and microwave safe, durable, and lightweight. Unsure if your set is bone china? Hold it up to the light. These plates are more transparent than other types of dinnerware.
  • Porcelain dishes are one of the most common varieties used in dinnerware sets. They are fired in higher temperatures than some of the other materials here, so they are unexpectedly sturdy. They are usually dishwasher and oven safe. Most porcelain dishes are microwave safe, but those with metallic accents can’t be used in your microwave.
  • Ceramic plates and dishes are often scratch-resistant and glazed. They are durable and don’t break easily. Ceramic dinnerware sets are less expensive than other types, and they can be used in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven (unless they have metallic accents).
  • Stoneware dinnerware sets are great for everyday use. They are durable but aren’t often safe for extremely hot temperatures. They are scratch-resistant and hard to break, but also heavy.
  • Earthenware plates and dishes have a certain rustic appeal. These are the oldest types of plates and dishes that we still use today. However, they are not great with the oven, microwave, or dishwasher. Since they are porous, they can easily breed bacteria. Follow special earthenware care instructions to make them last.

Durability

Dinnerware sets aren’t the largest purchase you’ll ever make for your home, but it’s still important to keep them looking nice. After all, one broken plate can leave your set incomplete. Look for more durable sets, especially if you are using them daily. Ceramic sets are generally the most durable, while stoneware and porcelain can only stand up to so much abuse.

Design

After you’ve made sure that the dishes are sound, durable, and will work for the size of your family, it’s time to look at aesthetics. Dinnerware sets come in a variety of colours, patterns, and options. You should choose one that suits you, and one that you’ll enjoy using.

The shape is an important design element. Your plates don’t have to be round! If you prefer square plates, bowls, and mugs, you can choose a square set. Don’t like floral patterns? Look for geometric shapes or solid colours instead. The number of patterns, colours, and designs that are available today make it easy to express yourself with your dinnerware.

After all, you can always keep a formal dinnerware set for special occasions and holidays. The set that you use daily should be one that you enjoy.

Dish size

The size of your dishes is another important thing to consider. You’ll want plates that are big enough for a serving, but not too large. Consider what will fit on your table and in your pantries. You might want to go with smaller plates to encourage smaller portions, or larger ones to accommodate larger meals.

The bowls and mugs can come in different sizes, too. You might prefer shallow bowls for small soup courses, or deeper bowls for cereal and stews. Mugs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so be sure to pay attention to the ones that come with your dinnerware set.

Weight

How heavy or lightweight you want your dinnerware to be is a personal choice. However, heavier options often feel more formal. If you don’t like the feel of heavier dishes for daily use, you can always keep a set of heavier options for entertaining and more formal dinners. Otherwise, choose a set that you’ll be comfortable using daily.

Included pieces

What’s included with the dinnerware set? Of course, we expect most dinnerware sets to have dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and cups. However, many sets come with additional pieces that help with entertainment or aesthetics.

For example, some sets might come with shallow soup bowls for a soup course. They might include teacup plates, different types of cups, flatware, or serving spoons. You might even find modern sets with a gravy boat or other serving dishes included. Keep an eye out for what else comes with each dinnerware set.

Utility

If this dinnerware set is going to be the set you use daily, you’ll want certain utility features for convenience. By ensuring that the plates are safe for a multitude of uses, you can avoid unnecessary hassle.

Dishwasher safe

Dishwasher safe sets won’t be damaged when exposed to the heat of the dishwasher. Sometimes, the longer exposure to higher temperatures can warp or ruin plates. However, sets marked as safe in this regard won’t be damaged by temperature or the detergents used in the dishwashing process.

Microwave safe

A set that is microwave safe won’t be damaged in the intense microwave heat. However, certain chemicals can still be exposed by this high heat and leech into your food – from the glaze, or any other part of the manufacturing process. Microwave-safe dishes and mugs are treated to avoid this.

Oven safe

Much like the previous safety ratings, dishes and sets that are Oven safe won’t crack or shatter when placed in the oven for long periods. These dishes can be used to bake, and you can warm when you’re hosting guests without fear of damaging them.

Final thoughts

Dinnerware sets are important utility items. Keep in mind that you’ll be using your set every day – or you might only get it out for special occasions. Still, you want to make sure that the dinnerware set you choose works for your lifestyle. Take these options into consideration when purchasing your best new dinnerware set in Canada.