Have you ever wondered if there’s a difference between all those dishes you see at your local Target or department store? Besides the obvious dish education you might receive when you sign up for your registry (do they still do that??) there are some differences that could help you decide on the best everyday dishes or casual dish sets.
I’ve been scouring books, magazines, and the internet to check out these differences because I wanted to see if there was something I didn’t know and I found a few things worth sharing. Also, remember I’m somewhat of a housewares expert after working with The Inspired Home Show for years! So these things are fun for me.
Everyday dinnerware comes in a few different materials which include earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, glass, or plastic. The most expensive everyday dinnerware sets are going to boast features such as chip resistance and are made of the most durable porcelain and stoneware.
The most versatile color choice when buying would be a white or off-white set because it’s easy to coordinate, showcases your food a whole lot better, and most likely won’t fade.
One thing I suggest when upgrading your everyday dishes and dinnerware or if you are choosing a set for the first time, is to get something that’s timeless. Meaning something that will last you a few decades or so or even forever. Think of something that would be a great hand me down to your daughters or granddaughters or any other dish lover in the family.
My Number One Pick for the Best Everyday Dinnerware ( 7 years running)
Farmhouse Collection from Crate and Barrel: 7 years ago when we moved into our new home, I updated our everyday dishes to these and wow. Years later and 100’s of FIVE STAR reviews, I can 100% get behind these beauties! Now, if you’re turned off ( haha) by the word ” farmhouse” don’t worry, I think these plates are more traditional and really would go with any style! Like I said we’ve had them for 7 years and we LOVE them! Like LOOOOVE THEM!!!
Originally I only purchased the plates and the bowls but after using them I started to add to our collection. Including the pancake warmer, syrup dispenser and mixing bowl. All so gorgeous. I also love the smaller plates for the kids and snacks!
A few things I love about these everyday dishes…
- They’re big enough and they have a lip. For some reason the lip is so subtle but it’s absolutely my favorite part. When I’m plating food for the kids or for my hubby I can move sides all the way to the edge without them falling out or off the plate. It’s the little things! haha
- They have a smooth finish all the way around. I bet some of you are wondering what I’m talking about, but sometimes plates are glazed on top but not on the bottom. These are glazed all the way around which makes for better stacking and you don’t get as many scratches when you stack them.
- They have matching pieces. I love the fact that I can not only add a bowl and a cup to my collection, but also a pitcher, pancake warmer ( or waffles!) , batter bowl and more!
Shop The Entire Farmhouse Collection and other Stoneware Sets:
More Everyday Dinnerware Materials and Finishes
Everyday Dishes: Stoneware
You’ll find that stoneware is both a hard and durable option for your everyday plates. They can take a licking and keep on ticking! You’ll also find stoneware in various colors and finishes which is great for those who like their plates colorful!
Everyday Dishes: Earthenware
Although earthenware is not as sturdy as stoneware it is budget-friendly and perfect for those who aren’t ready to invest in a more durable set. Earthenware dishes do chip easily but because of the thinner material, they allow for some beautiful details like this Emma Set from Pottery Barn that I love!
Shop these earthenware sets:
Everyday Dishes: Porcelain
Porcelain is also a great option for your everyday dishes. I must admit when I hear the word porcelain I immediately think delicate and fragile. But when it comes to everyday use, porcelain is the strongest and most durable material there is when it comes to dishes.
From my understanding as long as you purchase the dishes in white vs. porcelain with patterns, you won’t see any fading. Many restaurants and hotels use similar sets for their durability and longevity.
The set pictured above is from Pottery Barn and is chip resistant and is also dishwasher and microwave safe. I think these would coordinate beautifully with other colorful dinnerware for a spectacular holiday setting. These pieces are an investment, ranging in prices from $200.00-$1500.00 for a full set.
Shop these Porcelain sets:
Everyday Dishes: Denby Stoneware
I know! I jumped back to stoneware. But I think these beautiful dishes need their own category.
If I could only show you how much I love these next plates. Yes, even more than the farmhouse plates I mentioned above. If I could ONLY LET YOU KNOW!
I discovered Denby Pottery at my last Inspired Home show in Chicago and have been big a fan ever since. With heirloom-quality pieces and 200 years of business, these England-made glass dishes are beautiful friends. They have a 10-year guarantee for their dishes which focuses on making their pottery sustainable!
I have a big crush on the Studio Blue Collection and the Studio Craft Collections. I own the plates for both collections and they just make me swoon. The smoothness of them is like butter! Go check them out. You will love them.
I recently purchased the Canvas Collection plates that I used on my Friendsgiving table and I love those as well.
So which everyday dishes will you choose?
Along with stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain, glass, melamine and safe plastic are all great options when it comes to choosing everyday dishes.
I love the stoneware options for everyday dishes and porcelain and china for special occasions.
Check out my current favorites!
oh how i love dishes! the ones we use for everyday are white from bed bath and beyond. we got them as wedding gifts but now 5 years later I would love to add more pieces to them since we only have 4 bowls! but i can’t find the pattern anywhere, I think it’s been discontinued. 🙂
Try eBay.
Hi Andrea!
Just saw this post. I’m the Lead Bridal Consultant for the Bed Bath and Beyond in Conway, AR. What dinnerware were you trying to find pieces to?
Teresa
Also try replacements.com
I would lose my sanity without Corelle. Seriously–especially for anyone with children (or even just as clumsy as I am!). Some of their patterns are super cute now too.
I second your statement. Corelle fares much better in everyday use and yet looks great after years of use.
I found this very helpful. I had a set I thought was stoneware and it chipped instantly, within one year the whole set was trashed. Now I have a new set and am researching how to prevent repeating history. Now I know why they chipped though – they had to have been earthenware, i can see it from your photos that just the style is like the earthenware styles. I think I should have never used it in the microwave or dishwasher even though it said safe. It crazed all over.
The Emma Collection from Pottery Barn is stoneware. I called the company because I’m interested in that set, just so you know.
Hi Renee, from the research I’ve done, it’s Earthenware. Unless they RECENTLY changed it:)
The Pottery Barn website indicates the Emma items are “made of fine stoneware.” The dinnerware description doesn’t say it, but I can’t imagine they’d make all the serving pieces of a different material.
Thanks for letting me know! This is a post done about 3 years ago so it could have certainly changed. I will update it ASAP! xoxo
I have (had) 12 Emma dinnerware sets. Every bowl (cereal) chipped. Regular wear and tear for plates, have some with chips. Pottery Barn said no one has returned them. I can’t be the only one!!! Site says stoneware now, not sure about before when I purchased them several years ago. I need to purchase nw dishes, love the off white or cream colors. Any advice?
I have the Emma as well and they have so many chips over time. They also crazed and leave silverware marks. I don’t believe they can be stoneware. I had one sales associate tell me (after I bought them and came in and complained) that they would chip more than another style (I think the Cambria) because they were a different material. I am disappointed and ready to make a change. Thank-you for your descriptions, I will look for stoneware this time and hope for better results!
We make high quality white stoneware by hand at our studio in Corrales, New Mexico. We’ve worked hard to make our plates durable for everyday use, and agree that white plates makes food look great. All our work is thrown by hand on a pottery wheel, and fired to nearly 2400 degrees, making it microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe. Check us out! http://www.hanselmannpottery.com
Love this collection! Reminds me of the set my parents received as a wedding gift in ’78 and our family has used every year since. Stoneware is the way to go for durability. Will be sharing your link.
Aww..Wonderful collections indeed..where to get them …
|Thank
I have choosen one!!
I have the Emma collection from Pottery Barn. Almost every piece has chipped. In fact I received a set at my bridal shower, and one bowl was chipped upon opening the gift box. Also, they do not heat evenly in the microwave. The dish gets red hot, but the food lukewarm. I have to take the plate/bowl/mug out with a dish towel or pot holder 🙄.
Stoneware is too heavy for me everyday. I have a neuromuscular disease and my hands are an issue. Is porcelain as light as corelle? Microwave and dishwasher safe are important to me. As well as sturdy and chip resistant. Is porcelain still an option to meet my needs?
The cereal bowl looks great, white color & elegant design.
Stoneware is perhaps the worst out of the three…usually. I have yet to hear someone who loves stoneware over the others. The main reason: It chips faster than you can say it’s name. Regular glass is another horrible idea for any type of dinnerware. Those chip and break even worse than Stoneware. Finally, the best one out of the best I seen is Bone China. However, Corelle’s take on Bone China is perhaps the best I’ve seen in dishes. From working in a closeout store (unfortunately we do not sell Corelle but it is a tradition in my family to use them), I would have to say Corelle first, and then porcelain. Be wary of the new fad with melamine, sure it’s semi cheap and is durable since it is plastic, but you cannot microwave it and top rack only!
I just purchased my first set of stoneware in 35 years. I purchased Denby because they have a 10 year guarantee on the pattern. I love too the lip on the coupe plates in this set and always wanted a set of blue dinnerware. I splurged and will purchase more of this pattern as Denby expands it to include other pieces.
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This design is so amaizing. & so nice collections.Really its very wonderful collections.
Great article!!! It was truly helpful in deciding and choosing which one suits the best for me.