Last updated on January 17, 2020 by Liza Hawkins
These white dishes from Williams-Sonoma are my very favorite — affordable, sturdy and clean. Just the right thing for plating the perfect dish!
Let me start by saying this is not a sponsored post.
I simply feel it’s fair to share two things: 1) my love of this particular make of white dishes and 2) how presentation and aesthetics can really change the feel of a plated meal.
Let’s be honest.
Did I always have white dishes? Nope.
Did I always understand the aesthetic beauty of white dishes? Nope.
Have white dishes fixed all the plating problems in the kitchen? Yes. (Okay, well mostly.)
When did white dishes become so important?
When I started this blog in 2010, I knew nothing about plating and shooting food photos, aside from a few years of photography classes in high school and college way before the age of amazing smartphone cameras and affordable digital options (I used an old — but sturdy! — Pentax K1000 and spent copious amounts of time in the dark room).
It didn’t take long for me to realize the earthy gray-bluish plates we’d gotten for our wedding in 2002 were AWFUL in photos.
And they didn’t do much for the food in real life, either.
My photos were terrible, and … not just at the fault of the plates, if I’m honest.
**wince**
So, it was somewhat serendipitous when my co-workers gave me a holiday gift card to Williams-Sonoma in 2010.
My first thought was, “How do I spend this?”
Followed quickly by, “I need new plates!” You can read more about the gift card here.
For a food photographer (even an amateur like me), having really great accessories can make or break a photo.
Some food bloggers pull out all the stops, with little original touches of delicate silverware, special linens, backdrops … you name it.
I love that. But that’s not me.
I’m simple. I don’t like to fuss around much, nor do I have the time for it.
Give me a white plate, some natural light, a terrific angle and I’m good to go.
And, because it deserves another shout-out: always use natural light whenever possible for every photo, food or otherwise.
But you’re not a food blogger.
Okay, so you’re not a food blogger.
White plates are practical for everyone.
They make your food the highlight of the plate. It looks more appetizing. They go with any type of color scheme you have in mind for napkins, candles, tablecloths, or whatever’s in place for your dining room or tablescape.
And they look so clean.
I love these dishes. So much so, I keep buying more pieces to add.
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware
Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware is kind of hidden on their site, so if you go searching it may take a few minutes to find it.
It’s amazing, though, so aside from it being a lot less expensive than other dinnerware options in the store, I’m not really sure why it’s buried. Here’s their description:
A superb value, our restaurant-quality porcelain dinnerware is sophisticated enough for entertaining yet sturdy enough for everyday dining. The clean, simple lines and pristine white color coordinate beautifully with other dinnerware and serveware, so you can use the pieces as part of a wide variety of inviting table settings. Made of high-fired porcelain for exceptional durability, they will provide years of memorable meals. Oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Check out this list for these and other white dishes. While you’re at it, find ways to organize your pantry, here!
White Dishes
White dishes can add a calming simplicity to any table setting, without being too elegant, fussy or modern.
Williams Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware
A superb value, our restaurant-quality porcelain dinnerware is sophisticated enough for entertaining, yet sturdy enough for everyday dining. Its simple lines and classic color coordinate seamlessly with other dinnerware and serveware, so the pieces complement a wide variety of stunning table presentations.
Divitis INFINITY Bone China Dinnerware Set 16pcs (Soup Bowls, Dinner Plates, Salad Plates, Mugs)
The newest addition to the collection – INFINITY Fine Bone China Dinnerware Set 16pcs. This dinnerware set is a truly luxurious, white and light piece of art made with fine bone china, which has a magnificent translucency and glazed finish. Divitis Fine Bone China 16-piece Dinnerware set – the elegant addition to your next dinner party or special event.
AmazonBasics 18-Piece White Kitchen Dinnerware Set, Dishes, Bowls, Service for 6
Bring an elegant sense of contemporary style to the kitchen, dining room, or even the breakfast nook with this everyday AmazonBasics dinnerware set. A nice choice for family meals and casual gatherings, the 16-piece collection includes four place settings, each with a 10.5-inch dinner plate, 7.5-inch dessert plate, 5.5 x 2.75-inch soup/salad bowl, and a 4-inch tall mug with side handle.
Corelle 78-Piece Service for 12, Chip Resistant, Winter Frost White Dinnerware Set
The Corelle 78-Piece Dinnerware set has everything you need to go from everyday meals to special occasions and has service for 12. Offered in classic white to modern, stylish designs, try layering it with colors and patterns from your other favorite pieces. It lets food take center stage and gives you a canvas for seasonal touches. Set includes matching serving bowls.
Dinnerware Set Danmers 18-piece Opal Dishes Sets Service for 6
Suitable for family daily use, college students' dormitory, parties. Made of strong glass which is more durable and broken-resistant than other common porcelain. Contemporary style can bring you the sense of warmth and inject new impetus to your dining-table everyday.
Euro Ceramica WHT-868160 Essential Dinnerware and Serveware, 16 Piece Set, Service for 4, Pure White
Graceful, classic, casually refined: these are the defining elements of White essential. White porcelain doesn’t have to lack for style and finesse – especially in dishes brought to you by Euro ceramic, the company known for color and laying a joyful dinner table. The distinct coupe and friendly double Bowl configuration of the White essential dinnerware set brings that bit of unique flair to a conveniently every-home design. The sleek, glossy true-white finish on the dishes will not scratch or fade and is designed to bring the best presentation from any food.
Stone lain Eddy Embossed Porcelain Round Dinnerware Set, 32 Pieces Service For 8, White
Stone + Lain makes dishes come true. We create magnificent tableware for delicious social occasions. Our unforgettable dishware turns a moment in time into a timeless experience. Stone + Lain was founded around a dinner table. That celebratory energy is channeled into everything we create. We endeavor to elevate life by crafting beauty out of porcelain, bone china and stoneware. We encourage mixing and matching from our wide catalog to serve all your casual and formal dining needs.
Gibson Overseas, Inc. 102504.16RM Amelia Court 16 Piece Dinnerware Set, White, 1
The Gibson Home Amelia Court 16 Piece Dinnerware Set is perfect for fine dining or the casual meal. The embossed white design and fine ceramic construction will look good on any table. The set includes 4 each of 10" dinner plate, 7. 5" dessert plate, 6" bowl and 16 oz. mug. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Timeless elegance and the perfect backdrop to any food occasion. Gibson whiteware is perfect for every event.
