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The tablecloth has been laid just so, the flowers are here, the drinks are on ice, and a glorious spread is on standby. Next, set the table with a final flourish — the china.
Luxury dinnerware is the polish that can elevate tablescaping, bring a touch of effortlessness to boozy long lunching or spice up midweek dinner parties with chic and on-trend styles. And for the sanity of the host, most new-wave dinnerware sets are dishwasher safe, too.
From Wedgwood’s renaissance redux to high-grade porcelain à la La DoubleJ, or heritage-listed Italian icons steeped in an oriental vibe, these are the best dinnerware sets for entertaining in 2026.
GT’s top dinnerware sets in 2026
- La DoubleJ set of eight porcelain charger plates, $800, Net-A-Porter (for a chic Italian pranzo)
- Wedgwood Renaissance dinnerware set, $759, David Jones (for a regal addition to the table)
- Mud Australia Classic 16-piece porcelain dinner set, $945, Mud Australia (for a touch of elegance in everyday entertaining)
The best dinnerware sets for entertaining in 2026
Best for: Luxury entertaining
Set the table for a long Italian pranzo with this glorious set of charger plates from La DoubleJ. Purveyors of high Italian luxury, these dinner plates are crafted in collaboration with fine porcelain maker Ancap and inspired by the 1896 ‘Libellula’ design to bring a touch of eccentricity to tablescaping.
Key features:
- Includes: eight charger plates
- Gold-plated and multicoloured Ancap porcelain
- Dishwasher safe
Best for: Fine dining
The reason most of us don’t bring out the fine china at a dinner party? Handwashing. Luckily for us, Mud has the fix with their classic dinner set. Handmade in Sydney from French porcelain with a clear glaze, not only does this chic dinner set elevate your entertaining game, but it’s also dishwasher safe.
Key features:
- Includes: four dinner plates, four salad plates, four ‘Pebble’ bowls and four ‘Noodle’ bowls
- Handmade and crafted in sand porcelain
- Recommended storage is plate racks or with a linen layer between each item to prevent from scratching
Best for: Upper-crust chic
Antique china is in its redux era and Wedgwood sets the standard with this renaissance dinnerware set. Mingling tones of royal blue and deep red, this collection is handlined with gold detailing and crafted from fine-bone china, making a stately addition to the tabletop.
Key features:
- Includes: two plates, two deep plates, two bowls, and two soup spoons
- Crafted from fine-bone china
- Dishwasher safe
Best for: A lively vintage energy
Made in collaboration with Italy’s most prestigious dinnerware brands Ancap, the Libellula Dessert Set is crafted from fine porcelain with hand painted gold trim, and curated with a lively vintage imagination. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe!
Key features:
- Includes: six dessert plates
- Dishwasher safe
- Crafted from fine porcelain and hand painted with gold trim
Best for: The prestigious minimalist
Crafted from fine bone china and complimented with a finely delicate metallic design, this timeless and luxurious set of 12 is the perfect offering for newlyweds or first-time homeowners who desire a little luxury without the grandeur.
Key features:
- Includes: four dinner plates, four side plates and four pasta bowls.
- Dishwasher safe but not suited for microwave
- Crafted from fine bone china
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Best for: Everyday elegance
Creamy, dreamy and taupe, this dipped-glaze stoneware from Country Road is a firm favourite on our lust list. Timeless and dishwasher safe, this 16-piece dinnerware set promises everything and more, including dinner and side plates, bowls and mugs.
Key features:
- Includes: 16-piece set of four dinner plates, four side plates, four bowls and four mugs.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Hand-dipped in natural-coloured glaze
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Best for: Effortless entertaining
A glossy finish and cascading glaze give this stoneware set an understated, artful quality. The 16-piece collection includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs, making it an easy foundation for a colourful table spread.
Key features:
- Includes: four cereal bowls, four salad plates, four dinner plates and four mugs
- Stoneware with reactive glaze finish
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
Which is better, porcelain or ceramic dinnerware?
Porcelain is high-grade and enduring, developing a hard and chic glassy finish after firing that’s more resistant and less porous than ceramic dinnerware. Our pick is La DoubleJ’s pristine porcelain charger plates, for lasting durability with a touch of glam.
What is the trend in dinnerware in 2026?
Italian and brightly patterned dinnerware sets are continuing to fly high in 2026, with colour-blocked tablescaping and themed lunches staying on-trend. We’re also keeping neutral tones and high-grade materials such as fine-bone china and fine porcelain high on our watchlist this year, with brands like Mud and Country Road bringing out timeless, heritage collections.
Related articles:
- Heat up your entertaining game with one of these luxe pizza ovens
- 12 masterful cookware sets for the discerning home chef
- 6 wine fridges to store your collection for entertaining and longevity
