Whether you’re planning a dinner party, picnic, or wedding, hosting an event can be a stressful experience. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right dinnerware, especially if food and drinks are the highlight of your event. The right dinnerware will showcase your guests’ food with minimum effort on your end, whereas the wrong dinnerware will ruin your party’s aesthetic and your guests’ appetites. Disposable dinnerware sets are a popular option for events due to their convenience and affordability, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've created this ultimate guide to help you choose the perfect disposable dinnerware set for your event.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Disposable Dinnerware Sets?
When choosing a disposable dinnerware set for your event, there are several questions that you should ask yourself.
1. What’s on the menu? The food that you plan to serve will play a significant role in the type of dinnerware set that you choose. If you plan to serve a meal with multiple courses, you should purchase a dinnerware set that has both small and large plate sizes to accommodate appetizers, entrees, and dessert. For example, you may find it necessary to purchase a dinnerware set that provides both a soup spoon and a mini dessert spoon for each guest. On the other hand, if you’re planning a single-course meal, you may only need to provide one plate and standard utensils for each guest. Ultimately, you may find it helpful to plan out your menu before deciding which dinnerware set to buy.
2. How will the table be set? If you plan to set the table yourself for a large event, you may find it more convenient to purchase a dinnerware set with utensils that are pre-wrapped in napkins. This will save you the time and effort of placing down each utensil one by one. Guests who are particularly health-conscious might also prefer pre-wrapped utensils because they will be certain that no one else has touched their silverware. However, for buffet-style events, it may make more sense to stack plates, utensils, and napkins separately so that guests can pick up whatever they need as they move down the line. In this case, it may be preferable to purchase a dinnerware set with freestanding utensils instead of pre-wrapped ones.
3. What drinks be served (if any)? If you’re planning to serve standard beverages, such as water, juice, and alcoholic drinks, you should probably purchase a dinnerware set that comes with matching cups. This will not only create a cohesive aesthetic for your event but will also save you the hassle of using glass cups, which can break if dropped and will need to be washed after the event. On the other hand, if you plan to serve shots at your event, you may want to purchase a dinnerware set without cups and buy a set of disposable shot glasses separately. The beverages at your event are just as important as the food, so make sure to take them into consideration when you’re deciding what dinnerware set to purchase.
What Other Factors Should I Take Into Account?
Once you’ve decided what dinnerware you need for your event, the next step is to select the perfect design. Ideally, your dinnerware set will complement the theme of your event and add to the overall aesthetic. There are plenty of options available, from classic silver and gold rim plates to square pink and black plates. To help narrow them down, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want the dinnerware itself to steal the show, or do you want more subtle dinnerware that makes your guests’ food stand out?
- Is your event formal or casual?
- What will the rest of décor at the party look like?
Once you have the answers to these questions, check out our blog post for a comprehensive guide to selecting the right style of dinnerware for your event. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect dinnerware set regardless of what type of event you’re planning.
Plastic vs. Biodegradable Dinnerware
Another important factor to consider is the material that your disposable dinnerware set is made from. At Select Settings, we offer plastic and biodegradable options, each of which has its own pros and cons.
| Plastic Dinnerware | Biodegradable Dinnerware |
| Wide variety of colors and designs | Simple and minimalist |
| Less environmentally friendly | Made from compostable, renewable sugarcane fibers |
| Can be paired with matching plastic utensils, cups, and napkins | Comes in multi-compartment styles for portion separation |
Both plastic and biodegradable dinnerware are durable, lightweight, and able withstand both tough foods and hot liquids. Ultimately, the choice of material is up to you: biodegradable dinnerware is a more environmentally friendly choice, while plastic plates may be a better option for those who prioritize style and design options.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Selecting the perfect disposable dinnerware set for your event can be a breeze with the right information. Remember to consider factors such as size, material, design, and eco-friendliness when making your decision. To get a better idea of your options, start out by checking out our most popular collections:
With this ultimate guide, you'll have no trouble choosing the perfect disposable dinnerware set for your next event. Share your own tips and experiences in the comments below!