The Best Christmas Plates, Comparison

Our pick: Lenox 835217 Holiday Dinner Plate Set

Lenox’s Holiday dinner plates are a beautiful blend of tradition and elegance. With the classic holly and berry motif accented by 24-karat gold, these plates instantly elevate any holiday table. First introduced in 1974, they continue to be a beloved seasonal staple for families looking to add warmth, nostalgia, and refinement to their festive meals.

Pros:

Iconic holiday design with rich red and green holly pattern and gold accents

Made of durable ivory porcelain that’s versatile enough for both everyday and special use

Dishwasher safe, making cleanup as easy as the setup

Timeless heirloom appeal—perfect for starting or continuing a family tradition

Elegant presentation without sacrificing practicality

Cons:

Gold accents mean it’s not microwave safe

Design is holiday-specific, so less versatile outside the Christmas season

For anyone looking to bring classic holiday elegance to the table, Lenox’s Holiday dinner plates deliver on both style and sentiment. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or adding a touch of seasonal charm to everyday meals, this set is a stunning choice that will be loved year after year.

Also great: By Madee HEAVYWEIGHT 100 Pc Clear and Red Party Plates

These red disposable party plates are a fantastic solution for hosts who want both elegance and ease. With a generous 100-piece count (50 dinner + 50 dessert plates), this set brings color and convenience to any celebration—without sacrificing style.

Pros:

Premium quality plastic that’s thicker and more durable than standard disposables

Elegant design mimics real china—perfect for upscale events without the cleanup hassle

Vibrant red color adds a festive, eye-catching pop to your table setting

Great value for large gatherings like weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and holidays

Effortless cleanup—just toss them after use, saving time and energy

Cons:

Single-use—not environmentally friendly compared to reusable options

No cutlery included, so you'll need to buy utensils separately if needed

If you’re hosting a big event and want to impress guests with upscale presentation while keeping cleanup simple, these red disposable plates strike the perfect balance. They're sturdy, stylish, and vibrant—making them a go-to choice for stress-free entertaining with a touch of flair.

Also great: 50 Count Christmas Oval Paper Plates

These 10" x 12.5" oval Christmas-themed paper plates offer a charming and practical way to serve holiday meals. With Santa Claus and snowflake designs on a bold red background, they add instant cheer to your festive table.

Pros:

Generous size (10 x 12.5 inches) is ideal for large holiday portions like ham, pie, and sides

Beautiful Christmas design featuring Santa and snowflakes enhances your holiday décor

Sturdy, high-quality paper resists bending and tearing – reliable for hearty servings

Disposable convenience saves you time and hassle after a big meal

Great value with 50-count set—perfect for family gatherings or larger parties

Cons:

Not microwave safe—not suitable for reheating food

Single-use only, which may not appeal to those seeking sustainable options

These festive paper platters are a fun, decorative, and stress-free solution for Christmas entertaining. Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or a casual holiday get-together, they add warmth and whimsy to the table—while keeping cleanup simple. A great pick for the holiday season!

Source: Amazon

A good dinnerware set should offer a combination of functionality, durability, visual appeal, and value. Whether you're using it every day or for special occasions, the best sets meet both practical needs and personal style preferences. Here’s what to look for:

Material Quality: Opt for high-quality materials like porcelain, stoneware, or tempered glass for everyday use. These are durable, safe for food, and resistant to chipping or staining. For outdoor or casual use, melamine is a practical, shatter-resistant option.

Microwave & Dishwasher Safety: A good set should be easy to care for. Look for dinnerware that is labeled microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe to save time and hassle during busy days.

Design & Versatility: The best dinnerware sets feature neutral or timeless designs that can match various table settings—from casual family meals to more formal gatherings. Plain white or solid-colored sets are particularly versatile and easy to dress up or down.

Complete Service: A solid set typically includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and sometimes mugs or cups. Make sure it offers enough place settings for your household and occasional guests (a 16-piece set usually serves 4 people).

Stackability & Storage: Look for dinnerware that stacks well without tipping or taking up too much space in your cabinets.

In short, a good dinnerware set should feel balanced in the hand, look good on your table, and hold up well under daily use.

What Should Be on a Christmas Dinner Plate?

A traditional Christmas dinner plate typically includes a mix of comforting, seasonal, and festive dishes that bring together rich flavors and nostalgic favorites. While menus vary by culture and region, here’s what you might find on a classic American Christmas plate:

Main Protein:

• Roast turkey with gravy

• Or baked ham, often glazed with honey or brown sugar

• In some families, prime rib or roast beef takes center stage

Starches:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy

• Stuffing (or dressing) made with herbs, bread, and sometimes sausage

• Sweet potato casserole, sometimes topped with marshmallows or pecans

Vegetables:

• Green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots

• Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast

Breads & Sides:

• Dinner rolls or buttery biscuits

• Possibly macaroni and cheese, especially in Southern-style Christmas dinners

Optional Additions:

• Deviled eggs, salads, or corn pudding

• A slice of fruitcake, pecan pie, or pumpkin pie for dessert

The goal is a hearty, comforting, and celebratory plate—often made with love, tradition, and enough leftovers to last a few days.

What to Avoid When Buying Dinnerware?

Buying dinnerware may seem simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

Unlabeled or Unsafe Materials: Always avoid dinnerware that doesn’t clearly state if it's lead-free, BPA-free, or food-safe. Cheap imports or vintage ceramics may contain toxic glazes that are not safe for everyday use.

Non-Microwave-Safe Sets: Some stylish dinnerware—especially melamine or those with metallic accents—can’t be microwaved. This can be frustrating for daily use, especially when reheating leftovers.

Fragile or Easily Chipped Materials: While fine china looks beautiful, it’s not ideal for everyday use due to its fragility. Likewise, low-quality stoneware may chip easily if it’s not properly glazed or fired.

Oversized Plates: Many modern plates are large and don’t fit standard cabinets or dishwashers. Check the dimensions, especially if kitchen space is limited.

Difficult-to-Clean Textures or Designs: Intricate, textured surfaces or heavily patterned dinnerware can be harder to clean or may show scratches over time. Stick with smooth, glazed surfaces for easy maintenance.

Sets with Missing Essentials: Some sets only include plates and bowls but skip mugs or salad plates. Make sure the set covers your daily needs—or check if expansion pieces are available.

What Is the Best Type of Plate for Everyday Use?

The best type of plate for everyday use is one that’s durable, easy to clean, safe for food contact, and suitable for reheating. Here are the top options:

Porcelain: Lightweight yet strong, porcelain plates are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous. They handle daily use well and look stylish enough for guests. They're often glazed to prevent staining and wear.

Stoneware: A bit heavier and more rustic, stoneware is durable and resistant to chips, though it may require more careful handling. It works well for families and casual dining.

Tempered Glass (e.g., Corelle): Highly resistant to breakage, very lightweight, and dishwasher/microwave safe. This is an excellent choice for families, small kitchens, or anyone wanting low-maintenance plates.

Melamine: Best for outdoor dining or use with children, melamine is lightweight and break-resistant. However, it is not microwave-safe, so it’s less ideal for people who reheat food often.

For most households, porcelain or tempered glass plates are the best overall picks for everyday meals. They combine style, safety, and durability—all important qualities for dishes you’ll use daily.

The best Christmas plates do more than hold your holiday meal—they help set the mood and bring a little extra magic to the table. Whether you love classic holiday patterns, elegant winter themes, or playful designs for kids, there’s a set out there that captures your festive style. Choose plates that not only look great but can also stand up to all the laughter, food, and memories the season brings. With the right set, every meal feels a little more special—and a lot more joyful.