Everyone loves a good family party, but when you’re the one hosting, there’s really a lot to consider. The music, the menu, the place settings, oh my! Some of the first questions that often come up when planning to host are: which are the best plates to use and where can you find them? 

There are so many options out there when it comes to dinnerware, and narrowing it down can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re looking to replace your current, everyday dishes or you want a special occasion, party-specific set, there are several things you might want to take into consideration, such as:  

Size and Quantity 

As it turns out, size does matter. Not only are you choosing the size of your dishes with future meals in mind, you must also consider the size of your table, cupboards, and dishwasher. For this reason, it’s generally a good idea to have options, especially if you plan to host an array of parties (the needs of a pool party differ greatly from those of a family reunion, for example). Luckily, many retailers will allow “open-stock” collections, which let you customize your place settings, piece by piece. This is also convenient for stashing away a backup or two. 

Once you’ve determined the sizes you’d like, the number of different pieces is also worth considering. Do you need or want to have formal table settings with enough dinnerware for multiple courses, or will your parties be more family-style, in which case serving platters and larger plates may be necessary? Thinking about the maximum number of guests is also a must as no one wants to be the one sitting in the corner with the “reject” plates. 

Material and Design

In addition to the sizes and quantities, you’ll also have to think about the material you want. If you’re looking for more elegant, classic dishes, porcelain or bone china are good choices. Stoneware or earthenware are more rustic options, and melamine is a great choice for kid-friendly events, as it is shatterproof and very lightweight. Ultimately, it really depends on how versatile you want your place settings to be and how much you’re willing to pay for them. 

Once all the calculations are done and the tough choices are made, you get to have a little fun! With each of the materials listed above, there are a plethora of design choices. You can find a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. Of course, solid neutral colors will be the most adaptable, but it’s your partyware and you can style it up as you like! This is a great opportunity to really flex your creative muscles and play around with different styles or themes. 

Other Things to Consider 

With all the options and various needs to attend to, it can start to seem like quite an expense. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that high-quality dinnerware is made to last. There is an investment element to buying and using specifically curated sets of dishes. It’s also worth thinking about the longevity of not only the product, but also that of the proprietor, and the possibility of replacing any lost or damaged items. Of course, buying a backup set can help, but buying from a reputable, sustainable company is an important aspect as well.

While there are many things to keep in mind when purchasing the perfect plates, and at times the possibilities might seem endless, you can now rest assured that you have what it takes to make the right decision for you and your dinner needs. Happy choosing, and bon appetit!