Table setting ideas: Dinnerware and glassware for any occasion

Master the art of tablescaping with stylish dinner sets and glassware ideas.

Habitat green wide ribbed set of 4 wine glasses on a table.

Choose the perfect dinner set

Do your culinary creations justice with the right crockery set - dinner plates and bowls with gorgeous glassware to match. Big or small, extravagant or everyday, we've got something to make every occasion special. When it comes to choosing dinner sets, follow your own tastes and preferences to find something that'll add charm to mealtimes. There's no one right answer - from bright shades to muted colours, explore a variety of shapes and styles in our collection.

Dinner set materials

Start by considering how you'll be using your dinnerware. Do you want something simple that you can eat off of every day? Or are you after a more formal dinner set for hosting?

A table set with a Habitat Bobbin 12 piece stoneware dinner set in cream.

Stoneware dinner sets

Dinnerware made of stoneware has a rustic, hearty feel. It is usually a little heavier and thicker than porcelain and bone china and can be a durable option for everyday use.

Shop stoneware dinnerware

A table set with a white Sebastian Conran 12 piece porcelain dinner set.

Porcelain dinner sets

Porcelain dinnerware is fired at a very high temperature, making it tough and durable yet lightweight enough to feel comfortable in your hand. It is ideal for formal dining but it needn't only be reserved for special occasions.

Shop porcelain dinnerware

A table set with a patterned fine china dinner set.

Fine China dinner sets

Transform simple meals into special occasions. Meticulously crafted by firing and glazing fine clay (or porcelain) at a high temperature, fine china plates and bowls have a glass-like finish and distinct shine.

Shop fine china dinnerware

Shop all dinnerware

Matching dinner sets or mix and match?

While the timeless appeal of monochrome will never fade, mixing and matching different colours and shapes is a trend that's gaining attention for its unique look and infusion of personality. Here's a quick comparison of the two:

A table set with a Habitat dipped 12 piece multicoloured stoneware dinner set.

Style: Matching sets are harmonious, and go with modern minimalist or cosy bohemian décor. Mix-and-match dinner sets make a statement and add a pop of colour, making them a great fit for bright contemporary décor.
Use: Matching dinnerware is neat and uniform, so they're also good dinner sets for formal occasions. Mix-and-match suits everyday use, and is ideal if you like changing things up every now and again. Pick from bold reds and yellows to popular patterns like stripes - the combinations are endless!
Mood: Matching dinnerware offers a calm, organised and elegant feel, perfect to elevate the everyday. Mix-and-match sets are fun and expressive, highlighting individuality.
Tips: For matching dinner sets, stick to the same tones and textures in your tablescape to keep it cohesive. Not too sure about mix-and-match, but want to give it a go? Start by building around a single hero piece, or go for multi-coloured dinner sets that provide a similar look.

Select the right drinking glasses

Whether you’re starting afresh or simply adding to your collection, glassware is a necessity for your home. But which glass should you use for which drink? Check out our handy tips below.

Habitat Portofino set of 2 champagne coupe glasses placed on a table next to a bottle of champagne.

Types of drinking glasses

Champagne glasses - Designed specially for champagne and sparkling wines, champagne glasses in any form - flute or coupe, can make your celebrations feel even more special.

Wine glasses - Whether stemmed or stemless, wine glasses are typically classified as as white, red, burgundy, water and champagne. The best option depends on your personal style and how you plan to use them.

Tumblers - Small in capacity, these are perfect for water, squash and juice. They're also great for short cocktails such as caipirinhas and negronis.

High-ball glasses - These are great for gin and tonics, mojitos and wine spritzers and are also suitable for water and soft drinks. They can be used for both formal and informal dining settings.

Stemware capacities range from 19 to 20cl for champagne flutes and go up to 58cl for a burgundy glass.

Habitat Portofino set of 4 Hi ball glasses on a table with water and some lemon next to a jug.

Drinking glass materials

Machine-made or mouth-blown? Glassware can be made from various types of glass, each with its own distinct look and qualities.

Soda-lime glass - Typically used for everyday glassware, soda-lime is a relatively inexpensive raw material that can be decorated with decals or screen-printed.

Crystalline glass - This has the strength and clarity of crystalline that makes it comparable to crystal, but without the inclusion of lead.

SON.hy® glass - A high-tech crystal glass that’s transparent and ultra-clear. The material is highly resistant to breakage and is created using an eco-friendly melting process.

SPARKX® ultra-clear glass - This transparent material is durable and resistant to over 2,000 industrial washing cycles and is produced using eco-friendly methods.

Explore our glassware range

Habitat Sahara set of 4 wine glasses on a table with some cheese and nuts.

Taking care of drinking glasses

To keep your glasses chip-free for longer, avoid stacking them inside each other and don't store them upside down.
Handwashing is the safest way to clean stemmed glasses. Wash them in warm soapy water before rinsing, and then leave to air dry or wipe with a lint-free cloth.
Many glasses are dishwasher safe, but please check the ‘Care Instructions’ for each individual product as there may be some exceptions.

Tablescape inspiration by you

Discover dining room inspiration from customers who've shopped at Habitat.

Setting your table

Take your table place setting up a notch by adding these amazing finishing touches from wow-worthy centrepieces to classic cutlery.

A table set with a Habitat Preto black stoneware dinner set and wine glasses with red wine.

Hosting tips

Enjoy every celebration to its fullest with our top tips for stress-free hosting. Because who said hosting had to be a hassle?

Start by getting your menu ready in advance to make sure you'll have what you need and finish any meal prep before the guests arrive.
Make sure the dining area is clear so the focus is only on your table.
Overdoing a tablescape can cause clutter, so focus on the little touches, like filling a vase with fresh flowers.
Use dinnerware, cutlery and glasses that suit the occasion. Choose whatever you like best, from classic neutrals like black and white dinner sets to bright and colourful dinner sets for something different.
Create a welcoming ambience with warm lighting and some music.