While the food takes centre stage at any dinner party, your plates are the foundation.
Today, tablescaping has turned the dining table into a conversational starter. From carefully chosen dinnerware and serveware to tapered candles and seasonal touches, each detail establishes the mood.
Whether you prefer minimalism, rustic ceramics, or a dinnerware theme, shop our edit of beautiful dinner plates for every style, budget, and occasion, along with advice on choosing and styling them.
The best dinner plates to shop now
Classic white dinner plates
Classic white plates give your food and table accents a clean background, allowing them to stand out. Easy to mix and match, they’re a great starting point if you want to grow your collection.
Stoneware and rustic-style dinner plates
The natural, imperfect finish and earthy glaze make these rustic-style plates perfect for casual weekend entertaining or leisurely long lunches at the bach.
Colourful, patterned and maximalist dinner plates
If you like to make a statement, patterned dinner plates are a simple way to stand out. Mix them with plain pieces or use them as the starting point for your dinner party theme.
Affordable dinner plates
You don’t have to spend a fortune to update your dinnerware collection or create a stylish tablescape.
Dinnerware sets
If you’re moving or need to replace old plates, a dinnerware set is the simplest, most cost-effective way to create a cohesive table setting.
A guide to choosing and styling your dinner plates
What size dinner plate should I buy?
Most dinner plates are around 25–28cm, but you should also consider if they fit your most-cooked meals. your table size and available storage space.
Tip: If you store your plates in a cabinet up high, it’s likely you’ll forget about them.
Dinnerware materials
The prettiest option isn’t always the most practical. For everyday dining or hosting guests, choose durable, dishwasher-safe dinner plates for easy handling and cleanup.
Porcelain
Best for: A classic table setting
Porcelain is a popular choice for its smooth, glossy finish and durability, making it ideal for everyday use without feeling too precious.
Stoneware
Best for: Relaxed dining
The laid-back feel and earthy finish of stoneware is a natural fit for hearty, unpretentious food and casual entertaining.
Ceramic
Best for: Adding a personal touch
Ceramic plates are usually affordable and come in many different colours and designs.
Bone china
Best for: Special occasions and formal dining
Bone china feels light but is high-quality.
Melamine
Best for: Outdoor entertaining
Melamine is light yet tough. It’s perfect for al fresco dining, picnics, and households with small children.
How to create a stylish table setting
These simple table styling tips make everyday eating feel considered and special.
Layer your tableware
Begin with your dinner plate, then add smaller plates, bowls and side plates, depending on the meal being served.
Mix and match sets
Your dinner plates don’t have to match perfectly. Have some fun by combining complementary textures, colours and shapes.
Add finishing touches
Napkins, glassware, candles and fresh flowers can instantly change the mood without needing new dinnerware.
How many dinner plates do you need?
Consider how often you run your dishwasher, how regularly you eat at home, and how many members of your household there are. For a dinner party, having one plate or bowl per course is usually enough. However, it’s wise to keep extras on hand for spills or unexpected guests.
An alternative to dinner: Hanging decorative plates on the wall
If your dinner plates are simply too beautiful to eat off, why not create a decorative plate wall? There are two primary methods for attaching plates to the wall. The first option is the Safe N Sure Invisible Plate Hanger Disc. This is a large sticker that attaches to the back of the plate and allows you to hang it from a wall hook. The second is the Safe N Sure Spring Hanger, which has an adjustable spring-loaded rack that can fit a range of plate sizes.
No matter which method you choose, make sure you get a plate holder that is appropriate for the weight and diameter of the plate – accidents can happen!
Where to hang them: There are no rules. Your kitchen is the obvious choice but try above a door frame, your home office, your stairwell or your bathroom – wherever you find the wall space. You can easily switch them out with your dining plates as they’re so easy to hang.
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