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When it comes to dinnerware, most of us tend to gravitate towards simple, neutral sets that we can use every single day—options that work well for casual dining, but can be dressed up in a more formal setting. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this: Having a staple collection of dishes is a must for every household, and that's true whether you regularly play the role of hostess or not. Still, there's something to be said about a specialty piece or set—a collection of dishes that bring you joy whenever you place them on your tabletop.
Since we're in the thick of the summer season, colorful botanical and floral motifs are on the top of our list. And, as it turns out, there are plenty of dinnerware accessories and collections that have translated these warm-weather details right onto porcelain. The final result couldn't be prettier: Think whimsical, dainty dishware that makes you want to throw a garden party. We've gone ahead and culled several of our favorite options right now, from classic blue-and-white sets (like this one, which was designed by Martha, herself) that work all year round to cherry tree blossom-covered iterations that you'll pull out of the china cabinet at the first sign of spring.
Ultimately, though, botanical and floral motifs aren't married to a single season or time of year, which is why you should feel free to set the table with any of these whimsical pieces whenever the mood strikes. Ahead, peruse some of the floral and botanical dinner sets we are reaching for now—and later.
Botanical Wreath
Ringed with a colorful mix of wildflowers, this dinner plate is the sweetest base for your garden party place settings. Top it with an opaque salad plate in lavender or blue for a tonal complement.
Shop Now: Williams-Sonoma Floral Meadow Wreath Dinner Plate, $7.99, williams-sonoma.com.
English Garden
You can't go wrong with this classic blue-and-white option, designed by Martha herself. It's simple enough for everyday dining, but feels special, too. It suits any entertaining venture just as well.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection English Garden 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, $234 for four settings, macys.com.
Touch of the Tropics
Covered in exotic blooms and tropical birds, this set transports just about any tablescape to a place far, far away.
Shop Now: 222 Fifth "Ambri" 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $99 for four settings, wayfair.com.
Rich Colors
Here's proof that a botanical, flower-forward motif can work all year round—not just during the spring and summer months. The colorways, like navy, rust, and green, present throughout Anthropologie's Botanica collection speak to the fall season perfectly.
Shop Now: Anthropologie Botanica Dinner Plates, $96 for set of four, anthropologie.com.
Rose Buds
Preparing to host a formal tea party? Add a few of these sets, which include a tea cup, saucer, and salad plate, to your cart—they're perfect for an afternoon cuppa and finger sandwiches.
Shop Now: Royal Albert Rose Confetti Three-Piece Set, $41.99, macys.com.
Berry Nice
This English cottage-inspired collection was designed to be mixed and matched, so do just that—a varied set will lend a vintage vibe to your table.
Shop Now: Villeroy & Boch Cottage Inn Assorted Salad Plates, $40.50 each, bloomingdales.com.
Watercolor
Set your table with this watercolor flower-covered set and you'll craft a scene straight out of the countryside. The chinas' textured surface and organic, imperfect shapes reinforce this idea.
Shop Now: Marks & Spencer London 12-Piece Watercolor Floral Dinner Set, $127, marksandspencer.com.
Minimal
This plate may be minimal (it features just three blooms and sketched leaves!), but there's impact to be had in negative space. Stock up on the rest of the collection or go for a mix-and-match approach—the set's simplicity allows for unlimited variations.
Shop Now: Sundance Garden Blooms Dinner Plate, $40 each, sundancecatalog.com.
Cherry Blossoms
Nothing says spring quite like cherry tree blossoms, the blooming of which signals that the season has, in fact, arrived. Stock up on this entire four-piece set, which is covered in the dainty motif.
Shop Now: Juliska "Berry & Thread" Floral Sketch Place Setting in Cherry Blossom, $150 for four-piece setting, finelinens.com.
The Splurge
Looking to splurge on a botanical-inspired dish? Look no further than this Anna Weatherley piece, which was hand-painted with real gold accents.
Shop Now: Anna Weatherley Botanical Studies Dinner Plate, $395, scullyandscully.com.
Romantic and Whimsical
Pair these floral plates and bowls with pink goblets and linens to enhance the rose-hued buds; gold flatware will pick up the shiny metallic rim.
Shop Now: Neiman Marcus "Amber" 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, $135 for four settings, horchow.com.
Assorted
Here's another assorted set that works beautifully together: Covered in all types of garden-inspired motifs, like hydrangeas and butterflies, these plates are the ultimate botanical option.
Shop Now: Portmeiron Assorted Set of Four Plates, $59.62, lijodecor.com.