Most Unexpected Design
West Elm Constellation Plates, Set of 4
Pros
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Affordable
- Sold in a set
Cons
- May be difficult to replace
While blue seems like a surprising color choice in fall, this mesmerizing hue is the perfect scene to capture any guest's attention. The post-turkey haze doesn't stand a chance.
Best Melamine
Siren Song Floral Print Melamine Plates, Set of 4
Credit: Food52
Pros
- BPA-free melamine
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not microwave safe
Go dark and moody with these stunningly detailed floral print plates. Paired with gold flatware and brighter accents, these plates will surely make a statement come dinner time. And the best part? They're melamine and virtually unbreakable.
Best Disposable
Coterie Floral Paper Dinner Plates, Set of 10
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy cleanup
- Elegant design
Cons
- Not reusable
Paper plates may be an unconventional pick for Thanksgiving, but that's probably because we tend to think of super-thin flimsy white ones. These, however, will totally change your mind. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they're equally durable. Plus, you wouldn't even know they're paper unless you touch them.
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Most Unique
West Elm Reactive Glaze 20-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set
Credit: West Elm
Pros
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Comes in large set
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Not versatile
We love the unpredictability that comes with reactive glazes. Basically, non-formulaic kiln firing process makes it impossible to know how the pottery will turn out, meaning no two pieces look the same. This cool set, which is on sale, comes in a sea-inspired palette and a bold black-and-white.
Most Elegant
Vera Wang for Wedgwood Vera Jardin 4-Piece Dinnerware Set
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Not microwave safe
Keep it simple, delicate, and formal with this white dinnerware set adorned with gold foil botanical prints.
Best Classic Design
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Stoneware Reactive Glaze Dinner Plates, Set of 4
Credit: Target
Pros
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Affordable
Cons
- May chip easily
If you're into creating an epic buffet spread for your Thanksgiving feast, white plates with a nice gloss and speckles are another classic option. These plates are minimal and keep the attention on the hours you spent cooking the delicious meal.
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Most Colorful Pattern
Oscar De La Renta Coralina 4-Piece Dinnerware Set
Pros
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Expensive
Vibrant tableware by Oscar De La Renta brings playful elegance into your dining room. The orange hue gives your table the extra punch you're looking for.
Best Hand Painted
Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage 4-Piece Dinnerware Set
Pros
- Made from durable earthenware
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Set available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Heavy
Even the pickiest eater will have no choice but to admire this rustic green cabbage set. Conceived by Portuguese ceramist Bordallo Pinheiro, the leafy green will tie in your homemade meal in a cinch.
Most Versatile
Crate & Barrel Addison Grey 4-Piece Gold Rim Dinnerware Set
Credit: Crate & Barrel
Pros
- Affordable
- Hand painted golden rims
Cons
- Hand-washing recommended
- Not microwave safe
Who needs autumnal colors when you can go with an all-season set like this gray dinnerware? With its thin gold rim, it's special enough that it can easily be dressed up for the holidays, but not so fancy that you can't use it casually, too.
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Most Sustainable
Meri Meri Speckled Reusable Bamboo Plates, Set of 6
Now 11% Off
Credit: Meri MeriPros
- Reusable bamboo fiber mix
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- May stain easily
Your guests may not be able to see the charming and colorful speckles on these scalloped bamboo plates under the heaps of sides and turkey, but they're still worth using. Not only are they affordable, but they're also eco-conscious and dishwasher-safe.
Most Iridescent
Crate & Barrel Ora 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set
Credit: Crate & Barrel
Pros
- One-of-a-kind
- Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe (up to 250 degrees)
- Affordable
Cons
- Fragile
Another stunning example of reactive glaze is this 16-set. It's a bit more subtle and boasts a mystifying iridescence from which we can't look away. Additionally, they're simple enough to use daily while being distinct enough for a festive occasion.
Most Detailed
Williams Sonoma Famille Rose Blue Boxed Appetizer Plates, Set of 4
Credit: Williams Sonoma
Pros
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Affordable
Cons
- May be difficult to pair with other flatware
Thanksgiving may be all about the turkey, but the appetizers are just as important. This set of gold-rimmed plates is inspired by ancient Chinese porcelain and makes for an elegant alternative to plain white dishes.
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Most Unexpected Material
Blue Pheasant Rowan Cocktail Plates, Set of 3
Credit: Anthropologie
Pros
- Easy to clean by hand
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not microwave, dishwasher, or oven safe
Wooden plates may seem difficult to clean and heavy to lift, but these are deceptively easy because they're made of teak (typically found on boats, so you know it's durable and can withstand some wear and tear).
Best for Desserts
House of Hackney for Anthropologie Dessert Plate
Credit: Anthropologie
Pros
- Available in multiple patterns
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Made of durable decaled stoneware
Cons
- Sold individually
House of Hackney's recent collaboration with Anthropologie had us frantically clicking "add to cart." Technically, they're dessert plates, but what's Thanksgiving without a slice of pie? These charming dishes boast House of Hackney's classic vintage-inspired patterns—all of which pair perfectly with one another–in a glossy finish.
Most Simple Design
Casafina Modern Classic Ceramic 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
Credit: Food52
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
Cons
- Expensive
Speaking in paint-friendly terms, this dinnerware set comes in a semi-gloss finish because it's not overtly shiny, but not matte either. On top of that, it's available in eight whopping colors including navy, cream, and our favorite, blush.
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Most Affordable
Willa Arlo Interiors Wilkins 16-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set
Now 14% Off
Credit: WayfairPros
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe
Cons
- Large set
BPA-free, dishwasher, oven, and microwave-safe is what this dinnerware is all about. Moreover, it's affordable and the black colorway will make it an eye-catching conversation starter.
Best Classic Design
Gracie Oaks Aplin Embossed Medallion 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
Now 32% Off
Credit: WayfairPros
- Available in multiple colors
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Chip-resistant
- BPA-free
Cons
- Not oven safe
You can never go wrong with a classic set of white dishes. We love these ones because, even though they're simple, the textured pattern gives them some irresistible dimension. They're also on sale, which never hurts!
Most Ergonomic
Frontgate x House Beautiful Arezzo Flatware 5-Piece Setting
Credit: Frontgate
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Strong enough for commercial-grade use
Cons
- Includes only one place setting
Sometimes the simplest option is the best, which is why we are obsessed with this five-piece set of plain white dishes that don't skimp on elegance. Finished with the perfect amount of gloss, they are bold in all the right ways. Did we mention that they are ergonomically designed to feel comfortable in your hand?
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When is Thanksgiving this year?
Every year, Thanksgiving falls on the last Thursday in November. This year, Thanksgiving is on November 24, 2022.
What dinnerware material is most durable?
Bone china is lightweight, thin, and widely considered the most durable ceramic material when it comes to dinnerware. It also happens to be the most expensive. Stoneware, which is a bit heavier and more affordable, is another durable option.
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s Associate Shopping Editor, a role she’s honed since joining the editorial team in September 2022. Since then, she’s been testing and reviewing , carefully curating timely , and tapping her vast network of interior designers to weigh in on that often have the Internet divided. Though most of her day-to-day is product-focused, every now and then, she manages to publish a few , which are the types of features she has written over the course of her eight-year career and in previous roles at 1stDibs and Architectural Digest. In her current role as a shopping editor, Jess has mastered the art of swapping decor in and out of her own New York City apartment to fulfill her seemingly never-ending quest for the perfectly styled space.
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