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Dinnerware Sets, Plates and Tableware

Pastel dinnerware set and stainless steel cutlery in different sizes styled on a bright kitchen worktop

Bring your table together with dinnerware built for real, everyday use. The collection covers full dinner sets, plates and bowls, stainless steel cutlery, placemats, coasters and napkins, so you can build a look that works for a quiet weeknight dinner and still holds up when you have guests round.

Every piece is chosen for the same three things: quality that lasts, a finish that suits modern British homes, and a price that does not need a special occasion to justify it. Mix and match across the range, or pick up a matching set in one go.


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24 piece luxury dinnerware set24pcs luxury dinnerware set
£40.00

24 piece Scandi dinnerware set in stainless steel24pcs Scandi dinnerware set
£45.00

24 piece luxury cutlery set24pcs luxury cutlery set
£34.54

Marble effect placemat and coaster setMarble placemat & coaster set
£9.00

Dinner sets for four, six and eight


A dinner set is the quickest way to give your table a consistent look. Sets for four suit couples, flatshares and smaller kitchens where cupboard space is tight. Sets for six give you a spare place setting for when someone stays for dinner, and are the most popular choice for family homes. If you host regularly or want to allow for breakages over the years, a set for eight is the safer buy. Sets are also easier to top up later than individually bought pieces, so it is worth thinking a size ahead of what you need today.

Our 24-piece sets follow that six-setting convention, whether you prefer the gold-rimmed look of the 24pcs luxury dinnerware set or the softer lines of the 24pcs Scandi dinnerware set.

Plates, bowls and serveware


Most UK households build around three plate sizes. A dinner plate of roughly 26cm to 28cm carries a full main course without food sliding off the rim. A side plate of around 20cm handles bread, starters and desserts. Pasta or serving bowls sit between the two and cover everything from cereal in the morning to a curry in the evening. Larger platters and wooden serveware come into their own for sharing boards, roasts and buffet style meals where guests help themselves.

Cutlery and flatware sets


Cutlery sets are usually sold as 16 piece, 20 piece or 24 piece. A 16 piece set covers four place settings of knife, fork, dessert spoon and teaspoon. A 24 piece set covers six. Look for 18/10 or 304 stainless steel if you want cutlery that resists rust and keeps its shine through years of dishwasher cycles. Polished mirror finishes look sharpest on a formal table, brushed matte finishes hide water marks and fingerprints better, and coloured or gold plated cutlery adds contrast against plain white plates.

The 24pcs luxury cutlery set covers a full service for six, and the travel and picnic cutlery set with case is worth keeping separate for lunches, camping and the car. For coffee and desserts, the shovel style coffee spoons are a small finishing touch.

Placemats, coasters and napkins


Table accessories do more work than people expect. Non slip woven placemats protect wooden surfaces from heat and scratches while adding texture under a plain plate. Matching coasters stop rings on the table and cost very little to replace. Fabric napkins in cotton, linen blend or satin lift a table setting instantly for birthdays, Christmas and weddings, and they cut down on kitchen roll the rest of the year.

Good starting points include the marble effect placemat and coaster set, the handmade weave non-slip placemats and a pack of cotton linen napkins. You can see the full range in the placemats collection.

Choosing the right material


Stoneware is thicker, heavier and more chip resistant than fine china, which makes it the practical choice for daily use and for households with children. Porcelain is lighter and more refined, fires at a higher temperature and tends to be the better looking option on a laid table. Bone china is the lightest and most delicate of the three, and is usually kept for occasions rather than everyday plates. Bamboo and wooden serveware suits sharing plates and boards, but should be hand washed and oiled occasionally rather than put through a dishwasher.

Looking after your dinnerware


Stack plates with a felt pad or a sheet of kitchen roll between them if you are storing them for a while, as grit trapped between rims is what causes most surface scratching. Load cutlery handle down where possible so the bowls and tines get the full spray. Avoid leaving stainless steel cutlery soaking overnight in water with salt or lemon in it, as that is what pits the surface. Anything with a metallic rim, gold plating or hand painted detail should be washed by hand, and should never go in a microwave.

Some products are sent directly from suppliers and delivery times can vary, with certain items taking up to 12 days. Check the individual product page for the latest delivery estimate before ordering.


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Dinnerware FAQs

What is included in a dinnerware set?
It depends on the set. Some are cutlery only, typically 16, 20 or 24 pieces covering knives, forks, dessert spoons and teaspoons. Others are crockery sets covering dinner plates, side plates and bowls. Each product page lists exactly what is in the box, along with the number of place settings it covers.
How many place settings do I need?
Count the people in your household, then add two. A set for four is right for couples and smaller kitchens, a set for six suits most families and covers the odd extra guest, and a set for eight makes sense if you host regularly or want spares for breakages.
What size is a standard UK dinner plate?
Most UK dinner plates sit between 26cm and 28cm across. Side plates are usually 19cm to 21cm. Anything above 28cm is generally sold as a charger or presentation plate rather than an everyday dinner plate.
Is your dinnerware dishwasher safe?
Most of the stainless steel cutlery and plain crockery in this collection is dishwasher safe. Pieces with gold plating, metallic rims or wooden and bamboo elements should be washed by hand to protect the finish. Always check the care details on the individual product page before the first wash.
Can I put these plates in the microwave?
Plain stoneware and porcelain plates without any metallic decoration are generally microwave safe. Anything with a gold or silver rim, or any plated detail, must not go in a microwave. The product page states this for each item.
What is the difference between stoneware, porcelain and bone china?
Stoneware is the thickest and most chip resistant, so it is the best choice for everyday family use. Porcelain is lighter, smoother and more refined in appearance. Bone china is the lightest and most delicate of the three and is usually kept for special occasions.
What type of stainless steel should I look for in cutlery?
18/10 and 304 grade stainless steel are the two to look for. Both resist rust and corrosion well and hold their shine through repeated dishwasher use. Lower grades are cheaper but are more likely to dull or spot over time.
How do I stop stainless steel cutlery going dull or spotted?
Dry it soon after washing rather than leaving it to sit in a rack, and avoid leaving it soaking in water containing salt, vinegar or lemon. Load it into the dishwasher basket with space between pieces so the detergent rinses off cleanly.
Do you sell matching placemats and coasters?
Yes. Woven, cork and fabric placemats are available in this collection, and several are sold as placemat and coaster combinations so your table setting matches without having to source pieces separately.
Does dinnerware make a good gift?
It works well for weddings, housewarmings, engagements and anniversaries, particularly boxed cutlery sets and matching table accessories. If you are unsure of someone's taste, neutral finishes in white, black or brushed steel are the safest choices because they sit alongside almost any existing crockery.
How long does UK delivery take?
Delivery times vary by product, with some items taking up to 12 days. Check the delivery estimate on the individual product page before ordering, especially if you need it for a specific date.
Can I return dinnerware if it is not right?
Yes. You have 30 days from receiving your order to request a return, as long as the item is unused, in its original packaging and you have proof of purchase. Email hello@kitchen-essentials.co.uk to start a return and we will send you a return label and instructions. Sale items cannot be returned. If anything arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us straight away and we will put it right.
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