The holidays are almost here, which means you’ll likely be having guests over in the near future. Whether that’s family or friends, it’s always worth snapping up some new plates, bowls and napkins to prepare. Function is obviously paramount here—it’s important to have a matching set that will last and can withstand dinner party wear and tear—but much of the decision comes down to personal taste. Some will prefer a more neutral-toned set, while others may want to make a big statement, especially if they’re already going all-out for the festive season. To help make the decision a bit easier, we polled seven interior designers for their tableware go-tos. The results were wide-ranging, and include everything from bright, fuchsia plates from Ginori 1735 to more pared-back, textured options from Roman & Williams. Grab a few of those and others from the list below for your big holiday gathering this season.
The editors of Robb Report scour the globe (and the Internet) for the best of the best and only endorse products we love—and think you’ll love, too. If you purchase a product or service through a link in this story, we may receive a small commission.
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Hunt Slonem Rabbit Run Serving Bowl
Image Credit: Bergdorf Goodman “I love Hunt Slonem’s whimsical bunny tableware set in black and white. They’re the perfect way to make a dramatic statement with your table without making it feel too serious. Plus you can mix and match them! They’re elegant and sophisticated with a playful twist.” —Melanie Roy, Melanie Roy Design
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Ginori 1735 Oriente Dinner Plate
Image Credit: Neiman Marcus “I like the ‘Oriente’ Collection from Richard Ginori because of its vibrant play with color against a classical motif, and the ability to mix and match colors within the same set. Plus, the motif and scale of the dinner plates translates so well from casual to more formal entertaining.” —Natasha Baradaran, Natasha Baradaran Interior Design
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Sieger Ca’ d’Oro Collection
Image Credit: Amara “Right now I’m really into the Sieger Ca’ d’Oro Porcelain by Furstenberg. It’s both minimalist and opulent. I love the delicate trim of gold and the fun, different patterns. Mixing the Gothic-inspired designs makes the plates versatile and playful at the same time. The architectural patterns are very elegant, and with the white, black and gold designs in the white porcelain it achieves an elegant interplay of stripes, squares and circles.” —Gonzalo Bueno, Ten Plus Three
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Foundrae Chapter 1 Dessert Plate Set
Image Credit: Foundrae “I first discovered Foundrae for their exquisite jewelry, but I fell in love with their Tenet plates while on a trip to NYC. In collaboration with the Milan-based Laboratorio Paravicini, the plates represent strength, karma, dreams, protection and wholeness. The second set expands on these tenets to also include passion, true love, resilience and internal compass. The skill and hand of the artisan are present on each plate. The artwork and the meaning behind these tenets speak to me personally. Dessert is the best part of any meal, so why not highlight that on these perfectly sized and immensely chic plates?” —Kendall Wilkinson, Kendall Wilkinson Design
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Mind the Gap Heirloom Napkin Set
Image Credit: Mind the Gap “I’m a maximalist to the nth degree—patterned color, nothing beige. So when I discovered Mind the Gap’s new kitchen linen collection, I adored the motifs. The heirloom napkin set has this darling red scalloped crochet trim, and the reds and greens work all year round, but how perfect for a European country Christmas theme. Made from stonewashed 100 percent linen—chic, absorbent and machine washable!” —Isabel Ladd, Isabel Ladd Interiors
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Roman and Williams Kohiki Shima Plate
Image Credit: Roman & Williams “One cannot think of dinnerware without all the other table top elements. We love the Hitoshi Kato dinnerware from RW Guild as it is refined, sophisticated and has soft lines. Aesthetically pleasing, but it also fulfills all the necessary functions of being dishwasher and microwave safe.” —Aamir Khandwala, Aamir Khandwala Interior Design
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Elizabeth Lake Dirty Martini Cocktail Napkins
Image Credit: Elizabeth Lake “I’m loving Elizabeth Lake’s martini-centric cocktail napkins—so chic, fun and whimsical, and the colors work perfectly with the upcoming festive season (and also work outside of the holiday season as well—pair this with mints and corals for spring/summer).” Christina Nielsen, Christina Nielsen Design
