Inspirations

Well-Designed Dinnerware for Everyday Use: 5 Favorites from the Editors

Readying our registry for our upcoming wedding, my partner and I were stymied by one supposedly simple thing: dinnerware. Gone are the days of registering for a china pattern, but still, we wanted to replace our mix-and-match plates with something special enough, design wise, but utilitarian for everyday use. (My partner also requested something not too precious, so we don’t have to worry about chips or breakage.)

In search of a dinnerware set that would fit the bill, I surveyed the edit team for their suggestions:

“we didn’t move our old dishes with us to oregon becaus 14
Above: “We didn’t move our old dishes with us to Oregon because they really didn’t give me joy,” reports Fan. “Not at all. When my mother-in-law asked me to choose a housewarming present, I knew it would be new dinnerware. I had been looking for vintage stoneware sets but was coming up empty handed. She suggested Casafina Pacifica dinnerware, and I love it. It’s sturdy. Simple. And has a pleasing texture to it.” Sets and individual pieces are available from Food52 ($214 for a 12-piece set) or directly from Casafina ($363 for an 18-piece set).

“i really like the teema plates from iittala,” says ju 15
Above: “I really like the Teema plates from Iittala,” says Julie. They’re currently on sale, too: A set of 16 pieces is $249.90 (marked down from $294) via Finnish Design Shop.

“i also like alice waters’ line from heath,&#822 16
Above: “I also like Alice Waters’ line from Heath,” Julie adds; a three-piece set of the Chez Panisse dinnerware is $157 from Heath Ceramics.

for dependable basics, margot suggests the ulm school plates from labour and wa 17
Above: For dependable basics, Margot suggests the Ulm School Plates from Labour and Wait, designed by Nick Roericht in 1959 as his thesis at the Ulm School of Design. They’re fully stackable, too—ideal for small kitchens. The plates are £16 each.

i went with the essential dinnerware set from hawkins new york: utilitarian but 18
Above: I went with the Essential Dinnerware set from Hawkins New York: utilitarian but elegant with a bit of a handmade feel (and, reportedly, very chip-resistant). A 16-piece set is $184 from Hawkins New York.

P.S. A pro tip when buying new dishes: Measure the insides of your cabinets—to make sure they’ll fit—before you order.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the 5 favorite everyday dinnerware plates?

The 5 favorite everyday dinnerware plates are:

1. Heath Ceramics Coupe Line: These plates are handmade in California and come in a range of beautiful colors.
2. Canvas Home Dauville Dinnerware: These plates have a metallic glaze and are available in gold or platinum.
3. Jono Pandolfi Dinnerware: These plates are made by a Brooklyn-based ceramicist and have a rustic yet modern feel.
4. Year & Day Dinnerware: These plates are made from durable porcelain and have a simple and timeless design.
5. West Elm Modern Dinnerware: These plates have a clean and minimalist design and are great for everyday use.

Where are the Heath Ceramics Coupe Line plates made?

The Heath Ceramics Coupe Line plates are handmade in California.

What colors are available for the Heath Ceramics Coupe Line plates?

The Heath Ceramics Coupe Line plates are available in a range of beautiful colors.

What is special about Canvas Home Dauville Dinnerware plates?

The Canvas Home Dauville Dinnerware plates have a metallic glaze and are available in gold or platinum.

Who makes the Jono Pandolfi Dinnerware plates?

The Jono Pandolfi Dinnerware plates are made by a Brooklyn-based ceramicist.

What is the style of Jono Pandolfi Dinnerware plates?

The Jono Pandolfi Dinnerware plates have a rustic yet modern feel.

What material are Year & Day Dinnerware plates made from?

The Year & Day Dinnerware plates are made from durable porcelain.

What is the design of West Elm Modern Dinnerware plates?

West Elm Modern Dinnerware plates have a clean and minimalist design, making them great for everyday use.