How to Choose Dinnerware This Black Friday Sale 2025
Black Friday is great for scoring quality dinnerware without dropping a ton of cash. But it’s also when we all get a little trigger-happy with the “add to cart” button. Don’t let a big red sale tag trick you into buying something you don’t need or won’t reach for.
Are you finally ditching those chipped plates or setting up your first place? This guide will help you shop smarter and dodge any regrets later.
Start With Why You’re Buying Dinnerware
Before you get sucked into scrolling through a thousand pretty plates and sale banners, just pause for a sec. Ask yourself why you’re even shopping for dishes.
Are you upgrading what you use every day? Or are you finally getting a proper set for when people come over? Moving somewhere new? Just sick of looking at what you have now? Your reason matters because it totally changes what you should be looking for.
Black Friday’s a great time to do it since you can grab nicer dinnerware at a lower price.
When you know your “why,” you’re not just shopping; you’re being intentional. That’s the difference between a random impulse buy you’ll regret and something you’ll actually be happy to use every day.
How You Can Prep for Black Friday Sale
The people who crush Black Friday? They do a little prep work before everything goes live. Here’s what to sort out ahead of time:
Set a realistic budget
Figure out what you can actually spend total, and what makes sense per place setting. Dinnerware runs anywhere from $30 to $300+ per setting, so knowing your limit keeps you from that cart total heart attack moment.
Take stock of what you’ve already got
Before you hit “buy,” do a quick check of what’s actually in your cabinets right now. Count up your plates, bowls, mugs, serving stuff, everything. You might find out you don’t need to start over, maybe just grab a few things to fill in the gaps.
Make a list of brands and stores you trust
Jot down which brands and stores you already know are solid. This gives you a good place to start looking. You can also sign up for their emails and loyalty programs now. You’ll get early access codes and see the deals before everyone else does.
Knowing the Different Dinnerware Materials
The materials your dishes are made of aren’t just about looks. They change how heavy they are and how long they last. Black Friday’s cool because it makes the nicer materials way more reachable, so don’t just default to whatever’s cheapest.
Here’s the rundown on what’s out there:
Porcelain is your go-to everyday workhorse. It doesn’t soak up stains, throws in the microwave and dishwasher just fine, good for both regular Tuesday dinner and when you have people over. Feels solid but won’t weigh down your cabinet.
Bone china is lighter and has this pretty, almost see-through quality. It’s what you pull out when you want things to look nice, though you need to be a little more gentle with it.
Stoneware is chunky and has that homey, rustic feel. It lasts forever and usually comes in nice warm colors.
Earthenware and ceramics are more artsy and unique. If you’re looking for cool glazes or interesting textures, this is the material to go with. They look amazing, but they can chip more easily if you’re not careful.
Melamine is what you want for backyard dinners or if you’ve got kids running around. It won’t break if it hits the ground, super light, but not always microwave-safe.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
Dinnerware sticks around for years, so don’t just go with whatever’s all over Instagram right now. Neutrals like white, beige, sand, cream, or light gray are popular for a reason. White plates especially just let the food be the star.
But if you’re into something with more personality, Black Friday’s the time to go for it. Just make sure it vibes with your tablescape accessories like napkins or serving dishes. Bold can totally be timeless if it actually matches your style instead of just what’s trending this month.
So, what’s the move a lot of people do? Mix neutrals with something interesting. Like a full set of white plates, but then darker or textured bowls to shake things up. Black Friday bundles are great for this since you can grab different pieces together for less.
Compare Prices, but Don’t Compromise on Quality
Black Friday makes it feel like everyone’s screaming about having the best price, but going with whatever’s cheapest is usually a mistake.
A set that seems like a steal, but chips or stains after a couple of months? That’s not a deal, that’s just throwing money away.
Good dinnerware like porcelain, bone china, and solid stoneware pieces should last you years, not fall apart by spring.
Black Friday just means you can grab quality stuff without the usual price tag. We recommend that you look for savings, but be smart about what you’re actually buying.
What to Check Before You Buy
Whether you’re clicking “add to cart” or grabbing stuff off a shelf, make sure you look at this stuff first:
Size and what’s actually in the box. Check how big the plates are, how deep the bowls are, all that.
The finish. Matte vs shiny isn’t just about looks; it changes how you clean them, too. You might think that metallic edges are fancy, but they usually can’t go in the microwave. Always consider which finish you’ll go for.
How to take care of them. Make sure they can go in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven. Some beautiful sets need handwashing, which might be a hard no depending on your lifestyle.
Warranty and replacement policies. Can you buy individual replacement pieces if something chips? What’s the return window? These are some factors you need to consider.
Customer reviews. Sort by most recent and look for patterns. If multiple reviewers mention chipping, color variation, or staining, always take note of that.
The actual product photos. Zoom in and look at the texture and finish. If it’s all professional studio shots, try to find real photos that people posted on Instagram or other platforms.
How to Actually Find the Good Deals
Here’s how to tell what’s a real sale from what’s just hype:
Track prices before the madness starts: A few weeks before Black Friday, check what your top picks normally cost. Take screenshots or use one of those price tracker apps so you’ll know if the “sale” is legit or if they just marked it up to mark it down.
Don’t just shop at one place: Sometimes buying straight from the brand gets you better bundles or warranties than going through Amazon or Target.
Stack everything you can: Use your loyalty points, whatever your credit card offers, and cashback sites. A 40% off sale, plus 5% cashback, plus free shipping actually adds up.
Look for bundles: Getting place settings that come with serving pieces is usually a way better value than buying extras separately later.
Be skeptical of the “too good to be true” deals: If something’s crazy cheap but has sketchy reviews or barely any reviews, read the fine print. Sometimes those big doorbusters are lower-quality versions or old lines they’re trying to get rid of.
Relax about FOMO: Cyber Monday and the whole week after usually have the same deals or even better ones. Friday’s not your last shot.
The Bottom Line
Black Friday is an excellent opportunity to buy better dinnerware, not just cheaper dinnerware. The difference comes down to preparation: decide your use and budget first, understand the material differences, verify dimensions and care requirements, and compare price history before committing.
Shop smart, and you’ll be setting your table with dishes you genuinely love, not just ones you bought because they were on sale.
For high-quality haute cuisine tableware, Catalonia Plates is your go-to source. Whether you’re curating a Michelin-inspired tablescape, upgrading your restaurant’s plating experience, or simply bringing fine-dining elegance into your home, our collections deliver the perfect balance of style, performance, and long-lasting quality.
