Tableware

Elevate Your Dining: The Best Tableware Picks and Shops in the UK

Why tableware still matters in a digital world

Ever noticed how a simple plate can change the mood of a meal? Tableware is more than just functional — it sets the stage. Whether you're pouring a morning latte or hosting friends for dinner, the right cups, bowls, and serving platters act like a soundtrack to your meal, turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. In the UK, shoppers are increasingly balancing style, durability, and value when choosing tableware. If you've ever wondered where to start, this guide will walk you through the best stores, standout pieces, and smart buying tips.

Featured stores to shop tableware in the UK

There are specialist retailers focused on curated, design-led pieces and bigger high-street names that offer practical everyday sets. Two standout specialists worth a close look are Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend — both carry a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary flair. Below you'll find what makes them special and a few other trusted UK options to consider when shopping for tableware.

Nordic Nest — Scandinavian style with functional charm

Nordic Nest is known for clean lines, muted palettes, and pieces that feel at home in both cosy country kitchens and sleek city flats. Their collection includes items like the Olsson & Jensen Loa Bowl (Large, about 12.6 inches) in beige — a generous bowl perfect for sharing salads or serving stews. If you love a monochrome breakfast nook, the Arabia Emilia Egg Cup (2-pack) in classic black and white is ideal for soft-boiled eggs, while Marimekko’s Kukat Puhkeavat breakfast set blends bold prints with durable stoneware for a joyful morning table.

For serving, pieces such as the Broste Copenhagen Nordic Sea oval platter (roughly 6.7 by 11.8 inches) make a great centrepiece for fish or charcuterie. Pair a Hay Barro bowl (about 7.9 inches in diameter) set with glassware like the House Doctor Crys cognac glass (about 6.8 fluid ounces) to create a layered, tactile table. For outdoor entertaining, Sagaform’s picnic champagne glasses (4-pack) are lightweight yet elegant, and La Rochère’s Versailles butter dish (about 3.9 inches across) adds a touch of old-world charm.

Coffee Friend — café vibes at home

If you’re a coffee-lover who cares about presentation, Coffee Friend specialises in mugs and cups with character. Their Ona Lola round mug holds approximately 11.2 fluid ounces and comes in playful colours that brighten a morning routine. Plates like the Asa Selection Saisons Blackberry (about 10.4 inches) pair beautifully with latte cups and saucers from Loveramics — the Egg series latte cup holds roughly 10.1 fluid ounces while the espresso cup is a delicate 2.7 fluid ounces.

Coffee Friend also stocks practical items like the Homla glass jug (about 1.5 quarts) for milk or juice, and modern tumblers like the Hydro Flask All Around Aloe tumbler (roughly 23.7 fluid ounces) for on-the-go hydration. If you want café-style vibes at home, these accessories are a fast and stylish way to get there.

Top UK stores for tableware beyond the niche shops

While Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend are great for curated selections, mainstream UK retailers carry dependable, budget-friendly, and designer options. Stores to consider include John Lewis for quality ranges and solid warranties, Lakeland for practical kitchen tools and mixing bowls, Dunelm for affordable sets in a wide range of colours, Habitat and Heal’s for design-driven pieces, and Wayfair UK for huge variety and competitive prices. For bespoke finds, don’t forget Etsy UK for artisan ceramics and independent makers.

Materials: choosing what fits your lifestyle

Tableware material affects appearance, durability, and care. Ceramic and porcelain deliver classic looks and retain heat well, perfect for dinner plates and bowls. Stoneware is robust and rustic — it hides chips and scratches well if you entertain often. Glass is elegant for serving platters and tumblers but requires a delicate touch. Stainless steel is practical for camping or families. Consider how you live: do you use the dishwasher often? Are you clumsy with fragile items? Match materials to your routine for pieces that last.

Porcelain versus stoneware

Porcelain tends to be thinner and more refined; think dinner parties and fine detailing. Stoneware is thicker and often comes in textured glazes that age nicely with use. If you want a set that feels both substantial and forgiving of everyday knocks, stoneware is the safe bet. If you prefer light, elegant plates for formal dining, porcelain will serve you well.

How to choose sizes that work for you

Size matters. Oversized dinner plates might look impressive but take up cupboard space and encourage over-serving. A common dinner plate in the UK measures around 10 to 11 inches across; salad plates usually fall near 8 to 9 inches. Bowls for cereal or soup are often 5 to 8 inches across depending on depth. For cups: a standard coffee mug is about 10 to 12 fluid ounces, lattes typically cup at 10 fl oz, and an espresso cup is roughly 2.5 to 3 fl oz. Think about portion sizes and storage when selecting dimensions.

Serving pieces and entertaining sizes

If you love hosting, invest in a few key serving pieces like a large platter (about 12 inches or wider), a serving bowl (12 inches across or a deep 6–8 inch bowl), and a set of smaller side dishes. A 1.5 quart glass jug is handy for drinks, and a 24 fl oz tumbler or carafe is useful for iced drinks. These sizes strike a nice balance for parties and everyday use.

Styling tips: mix, match, and make it yours

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. A neutral base set in white or beige is like a blank canvas — you can add personality with patterned side plates, coloured glassware, or a printed breakfast set. For a cohesive look, stick to a colour family and play with scale: pair a bold-patterned plate with solid-colour bowls and clear glassware. Layering is the secret — a charger or placemat under a plate instantly elevates the table without breaking the bank.

Seasonal styling ideas

For spring, introduce floral cups or plates in soft pastels. Autumn is perfect for darker stoneware and deep green or cinnamon-toned glasses. Holiday tables demand metallic accents or special serving pieces that only come out once a year — these add theatre and make the meal feel special.

Budget-friendly picks and where to splurge

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get beautiful tableware. High-street stores like Dunelm and Next offer sets that look pricier than they are. Splurge where it counts: a really good chef’s plate, a beautiful serving platter, or a durable everyday mug will deliver more joy than a dozen novelty side plates. For heirloom items — think a classic porcelain set or a handcrafted serving bowl — it’s worth investing in quality that will last decades.

Sustainability and durability: buying with the future in mind

More shoppers are thinking about sustainability. Look for brands using recycled materials, low-energy glazing, or local production to cut carbon miles. Durable pieces that resist chipping — stoneware, tempered glass, or high-fired porcelain — reduce waste in the long run. Buying less but better is a practical approach: pick items you’ll use weekly, not just once a year.

Care and maintenance: keep your pieces looking great

Good care extends the life of your tableware. Always check whether a piece is dishwasher-safe before tossing it in; many modern stoneware and porcelain items are, but delicate glass and hand-painted pieces often are not. Use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching glazes, and store plates vertically if you’re short on space to prevent chipping. For cutlery and metal-trimmed items, hand washing often preserves the finish longer.

Final buying checklist: simplify your decision

Before you click buy, run through a quick checklist: What material fits your lifestyle? Are the sizes right for your portions and storage? Do you need serving pieces for entertaining? Is the piece dishwasher-safe? Does the design play well with your existing items? Answering these questions will keep you from impulse buys and help you build a tableware collection that truly enhances daily life.

Where to start shopping right now

If you’re ready to shop tonight, start with a focused approach: choose one anchor piece — a large serving platter or a set of mugs — and build from there. Browse Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend for curated, design-forward choices, and check out John Lewis, Lakeland, Dunelm, and Wayfair for wide selections and frequent deals. If you prefer handmade, Etsy UK or local pottery studios deliver one-of-a-kind options that tell a story every time you set the table.

Pairing tableware with kitchen style

Think of tableware as the outfit for your food — it should complement the kitchen, not compete with it. For modern kitchens with clean lines, go for minimal white or matte stoneware. In a rustic or farmhouse kitchen, textured glazes and warm tones feel at home. Mixing metal accents or wood chargers adds warmth to contemporary spaces and creates a welcoming, layered aesthetic.

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land — from Nordic Nest coastal calm to Coffee Friend café-ready cups — shopping for tableware becomes less about impulse and more about building a collection that suits how you live. Whether you want to create a calm, minimalist table or an eclectic, colourful spread, the right pieces are out there waiting to turn ordinary meals into small celebrations.

Conclusion: Thoughtful tableware transforms everyday dining into an experience. Start with a few carefully chosen pieces, pay attention to materials and sizes, and don’t shy away from mixing high and low. With a little planning, your table can become a place where style, function, and memories meet.