Christmas is just around the corner! Have you considered the much-anticipated Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch? Or perhaps you want to enjoy festive meals throughout December? We know how important presentation is to complete your table settings, so we've compiled the most worthwhile dinnerware sets that exude the holiday spirit.
After researching all of the options online, we picked Spode's Christmas Tree Dinnerware Collection as our favorite. This set is all about the festivities with its beautiful and classic Christmas tree design. You can find the rest of our recommendations on our top 10 list. We've even created a buying guide to help you decide which particular dinnerware will best suit your needs.
Quick List - Top Christmas Dinnerware Sets
Gibson
A Traditional Dinnerware Set With a Variety of Scenes
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Are you at a loss which type of dinnerware set will compliment your Christmas decor? Not so sure if porcelain, stoneware, or melamine would be best? Not to worry, our buying guide is here to help!
The first consideration when choosing a particular dinnerware set is the material. Gone are the days when we only had fine china or porcelain to choose from when it comes to celebratory meals. Today, you can select from glass, stoneware, earthenware, even melamine.
A traditional compound used in dinnerware is porcelain. It is produced by firing feldspar and kaolin, although today this could include quartz and clay. Porcelain has very low porosity and high density. So, it isn't likely to stain or absorb smells.
Porcelain has been the go-to dinnerware option for many years due to its durability and elegance. One thing to note is that the material can easily chip or crack, so it requires extra care and maintenance. On a positive note, porcelain plates often double as decorative pieces worthy of being displayed when not in use.
Bone china is a hybrid hardened paste made of porcelain and bone ash (particularly, cow bones). The bone ash makes it more resistant to chipping compared to porcelain.
Bone china also undergoes two firings, meaning only the strongest batch survives and moves on to the design stage. This material has an ivory-white, translucent color compared to the bluish-grayish color of porcelain.
Imagine having shatterproof capabilities but keeping the sophisticated air of fine china. You can get that with vitrified glass! This type of glass dinnerware uses glass that has been fired at ultra-high temperatures to create an opaque finish. The most popular brand of vitrified glass dinnerware is Corelle.
Despite the fragile nature of glass, this type of dinnerware is almost indestructible. Accidental drops will not cause it to shatter.
If you’re after more oomph, then stoneware is one option to consider. These pieces have a thicker build compared to bone china or porcelain.
Stoneware is more opaque than porcelain and is made with a mix of clay and vitreous ceramic materials. It's a great choice if you'll often be using your dinnerware set since it holds up to wear and tear! These are often glazed with bright colors and can come in a matte or glossy finish, giving you a rustic feel.
Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature compared to stoneware and is more porous. They must also be coated with paint or glaze before use. Earthenware is a more economical choice of dinnerware.
Earthenware has a more rustic feel than the sophisticated elegance that porcelain and bone china have. Earthenware requires extra care as it can break or chip more easily than stoneware.
Whether you have kids or just don’t like dinnerware shattering, melamine is a material that will meet your expectations. Melamine is made with organic compounds and is used to create a wide range of items, including dinnerware. It is virtually shatter-proof.
Although melamine typically has the reputation of being cheap and used at fast-food chains, many manufacturers have created high-class luxury melamine dinnerware that you can flaunt during Christmas Eve dinner. When picking melamine dinnerware, check if it meets FDA safety standards and is certified BPA-free.
Most dinnerware sets are hand-painted, patterned through a machine, made with a solid color or design, or contain a border. You'll have to decide whether you like a neutral, subtle design or something more bold or daring.
It's also important to consider the design's location when the dish is filled with food or drinks. For example, intricate gold or red patterns on the plate's rim gives you that festive flair that can still be seen during the meal.
When it comes to style, you might also want to consider a motif that will last through the years, especially if you want to treat your new set as a part of your growing china collection. There might be a Christmas trend this year that's everywhere. However, that trend might not be fitting next year or the years to come.
Going for more classic or traditional designs, such as solid or banded pieces with Christmas colors, is often a safe bet.
Dinnerware sets taken out for the holidays are special. They often come with a price, however, and therefore require extra care. Below are a few considerations to remember regarding maintenance, cleaning, and storage.
Make your Christmas dinnerware more worthwhile by ensuring that food can be safely reheated in an oven or microwave. This means less time spent on transferring food, fewer plates used, and minimal cleaning required.
Most porcelain and bone china pieces aren’t oven-safe and can only tolerate heat up to 104 degrees. Furthermore, they should never be placed in direct contact with a flame. Meanwhile, most porcelain dinnerware is microwave-safe, given they don’t have metallic finishes. Unfortunately, bone china isn’t microwave-safe.
As for the other types, stoneware is oven- and microwave-safe, while vitrified glass, earthenware, and melamine are only microwave-safe. Read through the product description to ensure which appliances your particular set is compatible with.
Despite their fragile appearance, most vitrified glass, porcelain, and bone china can be washed in the dishwasher. However, most dinnerware pros advise handwashing them if they have metallic trimmings or designs to ensure longevity.
Stoneware is dishwasher safe, although handwashing is preferred due to the more porous nature of the material. Avoid leaving it in water for extended periods as the liquid could break down the compounds holding the stoneware together. The same applies to earthenware.
However, nothing is stopping you from popping your melamine dinnerware in the dishwasher as they are almost always dishwasher-safe!
One thing to note about fine china is its special storage requirements. Since these sets may only be used during the Christmas season, ensure that porcelain and bone china pieces are individually wrapped if they will be stored away. Keep plates and bowls on their sides to lessen the pressure on the middle, which is weaker than the sides.
Some people invest in a designated kitchen cabinet just for fine china, which can also be used as a decorative display. Stoneware, earthenware, and melamine are less high-maintenance and can be stored along with regular plates or stay in a designated cupboard until it’s their time to shine once more.
Most place settings require a dinner plate, salad or dessert plate, bread plate, teacup or mug, and a saucer. Some include soup bowls as extra items.
You would also need to consider how many people you will be entertaining during the holidays. A rule of thumb is to keep about eight to 12 five-piece sets on standby.
If you need any additional or specific pieces, like a gravy boat for your Christmas turkey, see if that brand makes that piece in the same or a similar style. If not, it might be better to go with a set with a more versatile pattern that can match extra pieces.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Spode 12-Piece Christmas Tree Dinnerware Collection | ![]() | An Elegant and Classic Stoneware Dinnerware Set | |
2 | Lenox Holiday 12-Piece Plate & Mug Set | ![]() | Dinnerware Set With Real Gold Trim | |
3 | Gibson Christmas Toile 16-Piece Dinnerware Set | ![]() | Currently unavailable | A Traditional Dinnerware Set With a Variety of Scenes |
4 | Melange 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set | ![]() | A Shatterproof Dinnerware Set | |
5 | Corelle Crimson Trellis 18-Piece Dinnerware Set | ![]() | Chip-Resistant Dinnerware Set Made of Glass | |
6 | Certified Internationa Holiday Wishes 16-Piece Dinnerware Set | ![]() | Jump Into the Holiday Spirit With This Ceramic Set | |
7 | Elama Square Stoneware Loft Collection 16-Piece Dinnerware Dish Set | ![]() | Unconventional and Modern Stoneware Dinnerware Set | |
8 | Villeroy & Boch Toys Delight 6-Piece White Breakfast Set | ![]() | A Festive Set for 2 With Options to Add-On | |
9 | Elama Round Stoneware Cabin 16-Piece Dinnerware Dish Set | ![]() | Celebrate the Holidays With a Rustic Set | |
10 | Brylane Home Medici 40-Piece Golden Ceramic Dinnerware Set | ![]() | Add a Luxurious Touch to Your Holiday Table Settings |
This stoneware set features a Christmas tree design that looks classic without feeling dated. The pieces are dishwasher and microwave-safe, too. If you're expecting more guests, you can easily buy a few more individual pieces. You can also purchase matching wine glasses!
A few reviewers received faded Christmas tree designs. Those who've used Spode for many years felt like this didn't match the top-notch standard the brand is known for. Still, many reviewers said the pieces are beautiful, festive, and compliment their meals well. They liked that the design is timeless and can be used year after year.
This set adds a luxurious touch to your dinnerware with its 24-karat gold trim. At the same time, the iconic design of holly and berries keeps the theme simple yet festive. Since the motif is around the edge, you can still see the design even with food on the plate! The set is dishwasher safe, although it can't be used in the microwave.
A few reviewers who repurchased or added from their existing set bought years ago spotted a difference in quality. Meanwhile, many reviewers loved the design of this dinnerware set. The plates received many compliments from guests and were well-received as gifts. They said it is especially helpful that the pieces are dishwasher-safe!
This dinnerware set exudes classic Christmas spirit. The designs symbolize a traditional holiday season, with pine trees, snowy roads, and horse-drawn sleds. What's more, each piece has a different motif of a similar setting, so you don't get completely identical plates and mugs.
A few reviewers wished the design was more vivid as it was a bit too dull for their liking. However, many reviewers liked the brown tones and classic designs of the pieces, making it possible to use the dinnerware throughout Thanksgiving and Christmas. The set also made an excellent gift for loved ones.
Melamine might have had a cheap reputation in the past, but this dinnerware set offers Christmas cheer and durability. It is chip-resistant, shatter-proof, and scratch-proof yet still stylish enough to be flaunted on your table. It is also made of BPA-free materials for a safe dining experience.
Many reviewers loved the full and vivid detailing on the plates. They mentioned it was made solidly and built to last. There's also a texture to the surface of the plates, adding some depth and sophistication. Reviewers also appreciated the plates were light enough for anyone to hold with ease, unlike china.
If you prefer simple designs on your dinnerware but still want a touch of Christmas, this set might do the trick! It's made by the most well-known brand for vitrified glass dinnerware, Corelle. The set is virtually shatterproof and chip-resistant. The pieces are also microwave- and dishwasher-friendly.
A few reviewers found the plates too thin and could get hot to the touch when heated in the microwave. Some complained that the plates were too flat, which caused liquids to spill on the edges.
Still, many reviewers were satisfied with the quality of this Corelle dinnerware. They liked that the plates were super lightweight. They report that plates have also been accidentally dropped without any damage!
You can't get any more Christmas-y than with a dinnerware set that showcases Santa Claus posing beside snow-covered pine trees. These lead-free, ceramic dinnerware pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Many reviewers loved this Christmas set, noting it was a huge hit during the holidays. Some singled out the quality of the mugs for particular praise. They said that the product photos don't do the pieces enough justice; the set looks beautiful in person! The packaging ensured the items arrived in pristine condition, too.
It may not have a typical Christmas design; however, this stoneware set compliments the holidays just the same. What's more, you can use the set throughout the year thanks to its red and tan design! Feel free to pop them in the microwave for heating or dishwasher for cleaning.
A few reviewers commented that some of the pieces in their order weren't glazed properly. A few also noted that they tend to chip or crack easily and advised taking extra care of the pieces.
Many reviewers loved that the plates can withstand dishwasher and microwave use with no issues. Customers highly recommend this set for its striking design and durability. Many were impressed with the weight of the pieces!
This six-piece set contains two mugs, bowls, and dinner plates, so it's perfect for two-person households. Plus, it's a great way to start a Christmas dinnerware collection! We love the sweet simplicity of the Christmas toy theme, and the scalloped edges add a bit of interest.
A few reviewers noted that the printing wasn't as crisp and clear compared to other brands. Meanwhile, many reviewers commented this was beautifully-made fine china. Reviews on each piece show customers were impressed with the quality, saying the colors were beautiful and the scalloped edging was a nice touch.
Add a rustic feel to your holiday theme with this elk design showcasing warm brown accents to complement your Christmas decorations. As to be expected with quality, lead-free stoneware, you can pop these in the microwave or dishwasher.
A few reviewers weren't satisfied with the image printed on the dinnerware. However, many customers loved that the set is built to last; the pieces are solid and have a good weight to them. They also liked the nature-inspired designs, noting that they got many compliments on the set!
Gold complements holiday themes while adding a touch of class and luxury. So, you can't go wrong with a gold-rimmed, ceramic porcelain dinnerware set! What's more, this 40-piece set can feed many guests without having to purchase additional items.
A few reviewers had issues with plates not being properly molded, causing them to wobble. On a positive note, many reviewers thought the set was stunning and elegant. Guests were impressed with their table settings! They added the set's overall look exceeded expectations, and they appreciated the number of pieces included.
You've got the dinnerware covered, but what about the rest of the meal? We recommend getting equipped with the essentials to make preparing holiday meals as stress-free as possible.
No. 1: Spode|12-Piece Christmas Tree Dinnerware Collection
No. 2: Lenox|Holiday 12-Piece Plate & Mug Set
No. 3: Gibson|Christmas Toile 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
No. 4: Melange|12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set
No. 5: Corelle|Crimson Trellis 18-Piece Dinnerware Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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