Livingetc's 12 best dinnerware sets for 8 - the perfect edit for large family life

The 12 best dinnerware sets for 8 mean you can entertain the hordes or set the table for a large family with style and ease

white plates set
(Image credit: Our Place)

It's often simpler to buy a complete dinnerware set, rather than individual pieces. Especially when you're setting up a home for the first time. Yet if you like to entertain and have friends and family round, you might need a larger set than you think.

Opting for a dinnerware set for eight, or even twelve, will ensure you have enough plates, mugs and bowls when the holiday season rolls round. It'll be more cost-effective to buy everything you need in one the best dinnerware sets. It will look better too and it's easier than trying to find spares to match an existing set at the last minute. 

So these are our favourite dinnerware sets for 8 from the best home decor stores, whether for casual dining or special occasions. 

Best white dinnerware sets for 8

Best colorful dinnerware sets for 8

Best black dinnerware sets for 8

Best simple dinnerware sets for 8

How many pieces is a dinner set for 8 people?

An everyday dinnerware set for eight people, generally contains 32 pieces. This is usually eight dinner plates, eight side (or salad) plates, eight (cereal or soup) bowls and eight mugs. There are variations, however, such as dinnerware sets with pasta bowls. 

'If you find yourself needing extra bowls often, opt for a double-bowl set,' say the tableware buyers at Wayfair. 'These dinnerware sets include dinner plates, salad plates and two types of bowl – soup or pasta bowls and dessert bowls. Mugs are typically not included in these sets.'

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.