Dinnerware Trends: What’s Hot This Holiday Season
Posted by Belle and June on December 20, 2023
Decorating for the holidays is just one thing that makes the season so special. And if you're hosting a get together this year, you might be putting a bit more thought into your decor.
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, let’s look into the dinnerware trends to help you make a statement at your dinner parties this holiday season. Whether you like the classic look or you’re into the latest trends, these dinnerware styles will add plenty of visual interest to the dinner table.
1. Light Up The Room With Metallic Accents
Nothing says luxury quite like metallics, especially during the holidays. If you want to add a little sparkle to your dinner table, opt for a dinnerware set with subtle metallic accents, like plates with delicate gold or silver rims. For a bit more pizazz, choose metallic patterns like these classic polka dots. And if you really want to make a statement, you’ll love this gorgeous metallic glassware.
No matter which one you choose, metallic dinnerware brings a luxurious vibe to any dinner party.
2. Embrace Nature-Inspired Designs
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere at your dining table with nature-inspired plates, bowls, and serving platters. Earthenware and glazed stoneware are the perfect choice for this trend since they typically come in organic shapes, natural colors, and may even have a handcrafted look and feel with their imperfect texture. As a bonus, nature-inspired pieces are frequently made of sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, or biodegradable plastics.
When it comes to serving dishes, wooden salad bowls and charcuterie or serving boards are the perfect accompaniment to your outdoor-inspired tableware collection. Durable stoneware is also a great choice since it frequently has an organic look.
3. Add Artisanal Craftsmanship
Like nature-inspired pieces, artisanal craftsmanship celebrates the unique and imperfect. From irregular shapes to hand-painted details, an artisanal dinnerware set or serving dishes will add an authentic touch to your table. You can find artisanal items at local pop-up markets, craft fairs, and boutiques. Consider mixing handcrafted elements with more conventional pieces for a perfectly eclectic look.
4. Create Drama With Color
If you love a modern feel, step away from traditional reds and greens this holiday season and embrace the drama of deep, moody colors. Navy blue, rich maroon, and forest green are all great options to bring modernity to your table setting.
Mix and match dark-toned dinner plates, table linens, and glassware for a sophisticated look. In addition to elevating the look of your dining table, these colors allow for versatile styling that you’ll be able to seamlessly carry into the New Year.
5. Add Velvet Accents
Few things pair better with moody colors than velvet. For even more opulence, add velvet accents to your dinner table. Velvet table runners or placemats look gorgeous, while matte plates add a luxurious touch without actually being velvet. Complete the look with metallic flatware and crystal glassware for a truly luxurious holiday table.
6. Choose Bold and Geometric Shapes
If your style is ultra modern, skip round, white plates and opt for something bolder by embracing unconventional shapes. Square or hexagonal plates and rectangular or asymmetrical serving dishes add a contemporary edge to your dining table. Pair geometric dishes with minimalist accents for a sleek and fashion-forward holiday setting.
7. Explore Your Bohemian Side
If you consider yourself a free spirit, you'll love letting your self-expression run wild with the mix-and-match bohemian trend. This aesthetic offers a playful and eclectic look by combining patterns, colors, and textures to create a vibrant table setting.
Who says a dinnerware set has to match? Experiment with unconventional pairings, like a plaid tablecloth and floral plates or mismatched glassware. This trend encourages a laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for casual holiday parties as well as everyday dining.
8. Go Minimalist Monochromatic
In a departure from the moody or bohemian, the minimalist monochromatic trend brings a sense of calm and cohesion to the holiday table. Dinnerware and serving dishes with clean lines and simple shapes all in one color creates an elegant look on any dining room table. This trend provides a timeless backdrop for your holiday feast and easily integrates with your existing table décor and dinnerware.
Create a monochromatic—but still visually interesting—table setting with white dinnerware and ivory table linens. White ceramic dinnerware is easy to find and lends itself well to formal dinners rather than casual parties.
9. Have a Vintage Revival
With the vintage revival trend, nostalgia is alive and well. Antique-inspired dinnerware—like something your grandparents may have used—takes center stage. Explore thrift stores, antique stores, and estate sales to find pieces with intricate patterns, floral motifs, or retro color schemes.
Vintage-inspired dinnerware adds a bit of romanticism to your table, adding even more sentimentality to your holiday celebrations.
10. Add a Personalized Touch with Monogrammed Pieces
Elevate your tableware collection with monogrammed dinnerware. Monogrammed plates or mugs add a sense of exclusivity, instantly adding a sophisticated touch to your party. These pieces may also become treasured heirlooms for your children or grandchildren.
How to Choose the Right Dinnerware Trend for You
When you're thinking about which trend to incorporate into your dinnerware, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many place settings do I need? - This will help you set a budget and may help you when you're shopping since you'll know exactly what you're looking for.
- What will fit in with my existing home decor? - You want to choose items that feel true to you and match your style. For example, if you're a minimalist, boho dishes in bright colors probably aren't a good fit for your home.
- Do I need my pieces to be microwave, oven, or dishwasher safe? - Some materials need to be hand washed, while other materials cannot be put in the dishwasher. Checking before you purchase can help avoid unwanted surprises once you get home.
How to Properly Set a Table
Whether your table setting needs to be casual or formal, here's a foolproof guide to create perfect place settings.
Setting the Table for a Formal Dinner
- Place a placemat, charger, dinner plate, salad plate, and soup bowl at each sea, in that order.
- To the top left of the charger, place the bread plates. Butter knives should go laid horizontally across the bread plate with the blade facing down and the handle to the right.
- Underneath the bread plate, place a folded napkin with a dinner fork on the inside near the charger and a salad fork on the outside.
- To the right of the charger, lay the dinner knife on the inside with the blade facing in. The spoon will go to the right of the knife on the outside of the setting.
- The water glass will go directly above the knife on the right. Wine glasses should be placed to the right of and slightly higher than the water glass.
- Place the dessert spoon or fork horizontally above the charger on the table with the handle pointing to the right.
- Finally, put your the place setting card just above the dessert silverware, toward the center of the table.
Setting a Table for a Casual Meal
- Put your placemat and dinner plate on the table. Salad, soup, or pasta bowls should go on top of the plate.
- Neatly fold the napkin (cloth or paper) and place it to the left of the plate with the fork centered on top.
- Directly to the right of the dinner plate, lay the knife with the blade facing inward. You will place the dinner spoon to the right of the knife.
- Now for drinkware. The water glass will go on the upper right side with wine glasses to the right of the water glasses.
Craft Your Most Stylish Holiday Table
As we mentioned, embracing the elements that resonate with you is the key to incorporating these trends into your holiday parties. Whether you opt for classic elegance, nature-inspired warmth, or embrace the bohemian vibes, let your holiday table reflect the joy of the season. With these trends as your guide, you're sure to create a stylish and memorable dining experience.