When it comes to hosting a dinner party, the meal provided is, of course, going to be the star of the show. But don’t forget the unsung hero of the evening: the humble dinner plate. Today, tablescaping has become a multi-course event, showing off one’s favourite dinnerware and serveware, with a couple of tapered candles flickering in the middle of the table. The dinner plate is the glue that ties all the pieces together, whether they match or not, setting the tone for the evening.
So whether you’re a fan of sleek minimalist design, rustic charm, or something that screams “I’m here for a good time”, the right dinner plate can make all the difference.
The good old-fashioned plate wall is making a comeback. Find out how to create your own here.
How to create a decorative plate wall
We’ve found the best dinner plates on the market that’ll add some personality to your dining table, and serve some serious style.
20 dinner plates that serve in style

Lyon Portuguese Stoneware Dinner Plates, Set of 4
$155.09, at Anthropologie
The beaded trend isn’t going away, and for good reason. The addition of texture in unexpected places in homewares is a simple way to add interest to the everyday. These dinner plates (pictured alongside other pieces from the collection above) add elegance to your tablescape, turning meals into memorable moments.

Armidale Round Plate
$29.95, at Freedom
This solid acacia wood design is sure to make a statement at your dinner table. The natural beauty brings a rustic flair, perfect for everyday or special occasions. Due to its durability and aesthetic, you’ll want to have it on display at all times, so double it as a fruit bowl or serving platter.

Navy Bon Appetit Plate
$32.06, at In The Roundhouse
Now iconic tablescape brand In The Roundhouse is a much-loved resource for all-things hosting. Since going viral for their Italian Words Collection, the brand has brought out many other iterations for all themes and styles. This dinner plate takes the classic bistro style and updated it with phrases most likely heard at your next dinner party. C’est délicieux, indeed.

Seletti Eudossia Dessert Plate
$96.93, at Farfetch
If you came across this plate in a museum, I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised. The New Zealand brand’s collection of plates reflects ancient Western and Eastern ceramic production and combines these to create something truly unique.

Paris Croissant Plate
$41.95, at The Iconic
I love a plate that reveals the details the more you eat. Featuring an exquisite illustration of a flakey, buttery croissant, fresh out of the oven, you’ll be asking for seconds as soon as you’ve finished your déjeuner. Crafted from porcelain, these plates are durable enough for everyday use.

Luna Dinner Set
$209.00 at Freedom
For those who love organic yet clean lines and soft muted tones, this is a dinner set for you. The glaze matte finish on the speckled clay body provides that natural feel, and due to artisanal technique, no two pieces are the same. The set includes four dinner plates, four side plates and four bowls, perfect for a three-course meal among friends.

Capri 2.0 Blue Dinner Plate
$47.03, at The Iconic
You may not be dining on the Italian Riviera, but fold on a descent serving of pasta puttanesca onto these gorgeous plates and it’s almost the next best thing. The design of these plates is hand-drawn, elevating your tablescape.

Benedita Bow Stoneware Dinner Plates, Set of 4
$127.26, at Anthropologie
Serve up the motif of the moment: the bow. The bow has taken its place at the table for a while now, with no sign of slowing down. Each meal will feel like a gift to be unwrapped with these dinner plates.

Robert Gordon Dinner Plate
$37.00, at Vaune Home
These oatmeal-coloured dinner plates may appear simple, but the execution is far from. Crafted with care to create a modern profile with a slightly raised ridge, this collection would look perfectly stacked on a floating shelf.

Rise and Shine Ceramic Dinner Plate
$79.31, at Anthropologie
For those of you looking to bring a piece of art to the dinner table, this collection from Rise and Shine Ceramics is one to add to your cart. Each piece is handpainted, and crafted with comfort and joy at heart. The daisy print introduces colour and pattern to your space, while not too busy to overwhelm your space.

Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plate
$69.00, at Homestead
These iconic Bordello Pinheiro cabbage plates are ones to treasure for years. Whether they sit on the table as dinner plates, used to serve your fresh salads, or hung on the wall, these handpainted cabbage plates are a must-have in any homewares collection.

Stoneware Dinner Plate
$43.00, at Le Creuset
Le Creuset will always be here to brighten up your kitchen. And when we say always, we mean always. Their products are known for their longevity, so grandkids will be bringing these out at their future dinner parties. Crafted to perfection from specialist clays, strong, durable, and a pop of colour, what more could you want?

Tierra Dinner Plate
$19.95, at Freedom
Are you going for relaxed beachy chic or a simple country vibe? Whatever it is, the Tierra Dinner Plate is ready for all occasions. Its perfectly imperfect surface appears one-off, adding texture and depth to your home.

Marimekko Oiva Unikko Plate
$43.00 at Bolt of Cloth
The international icon of print design is available in dinnerware, so of course we must have it. Pronouncing joy and creativity, this design will bring celebration to the dinner table.

Roman Large Plate (Set of 4)
$136.00, at Acme
For those not looking for a bold statement, yet happy to dip their toes in the world of colour, this Kawakawa green is the best first step. Also available in a milk-white, mix and match them to set a standout table.

Finch Dinner Plate, Set of 4
$131.60, at Città
Here’s a set of dinner plates you will love for years to come. Suited to all dinner settings thanks to its organic form and subdued, two-tone palette, this set is perfect as a housewarming gift or a present to self.

Feast Serving Plate Face
$158, at ECC
You may be eating like Yotam Ottolenghi due to his super popular cookbooks, but now you can dine like him too. The British-Israeli chef has joined forces with Italian artist Ivo Bisignano to design this collection of plates, bowls and serveware. Each piece is meant to invite camaraderie, ensuring every table setting is one of celebration, creativity and togetherness.

Visby Dinner Plate
$55.24, at Franky’s
This dinner plate is an easy way to add a pop of colour (and texture) to your dining table. Available in three different colours, you can either mix or match, or stick to a single setting. Here’s to a truly unique table setting!

Red Stripe Dinner Plate
$44.00, at Kiki Bazaar
Stripes are here to make a statement. Vertical or horizontal? Set on your table or hung on your wall? Or both? Available in three colours, let your personality shine with these dinner plates.

Akira Dinner Plate
$39.99, at Nood
This stylish sage green brings a warm and natural vibe to the table. Pair with other pieces in the range for a cohesive look, or pair it with neutrals to lean into the organic colour palette.
How to create a decorative plate wall
There are two main ways to attach plates to the wall. The first is with the Safe N Sure Invisible Plate Hanger Disc, a big sticker that connects 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 your plates
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. New Zealand influencer Brit Cunningham hangs her In The Roundhouse (see above) plates above her kitchen sink as you’ll see in her Instagram reel here (reveal at the end).