You have a few main types of materials to choose from in dinnerware sets:

Bone china

This combines both worlds of looking delicate and being quite strong. It usually comes in styles of white. Some drawbacks are that it could look too dainty and high-end for casual styles and sometimes must be hand washed. It's also quite expensive.

Porcelain

This is a heavier type of dinnerware that is more affordable than bone china. It's very durable. It's also usually rated for microwaves and dishwashers. However, it also has an upper-class style that might not work in casual dining environments. Even the most durable porcelain can also crack or shatter if put down too hard on stone surfaces or dropped.

Melamine

This resin-type dinnerware is made to be extremely durable. It's resistant to shattering and chipping. It's also known for the wide variety of styles it comes in. It's made to mimic ceramic, but it also might look best in more casual environments, especially if the pattern is very colorful.

Stoneware

This has more of a casual look to it and is more chip-resistant. It comes in a wide variety of styles, as well. However, you do have to be careful while washing and heating food on it. It often needs to be hand washed. It can also heat up in the microwave.

Earthenware

This is the most affordable on the list. It's often glazed for added waterproofing, which makes for some fun and unique styles. It's less strong than the other options and is best for casual dining environments.

Dinnerware is often an artistic purchase that comes in a wide variety of styles. Below are some of the top types and in which situations they work best. 

White

The most common style you'll see dinnerware come in is a basic white. These are often sold as part of home essential collections. Choose a white style if you're going for an upscale, classy look or party. These are often fine china or mimic the look. They also work well in sleek, modern table settings because of how bright and basic they are. White dinnerware with no ornamentation and basic shapes can also work in casual dining.

Black and white

If you have a more modern home that makes use of high contrast, a stark black and white dinnerware set can fit in with the overall style.

Neutrals

This covers dinnerware sets that come in understated tans, grays and the like. These work in casual dining situations because of how understated they look.

Pastel solid

Choose a solid pastel shade if your table setting makes use of light and bright coloring. Examples could be artistic styles that use high color, seasonal spring table settings or styles with a pastel accent color.

Colorful geometric pattern

This covers anything that has a colorful pattern on it. Some get quite intricate to the point of looking like a mandala or have a cultural look to them. Choose these for artsy styles or a home style that makes use of cultural items for a traveled look.

Theme picture

Some will have pictures on them, like woodland animals. Themes should fit your home's style, for example, woodland creatures would look nice in a rustic/cabin style. You might also select a holiday theme for parties.

Old-world cultural styles

Some dinnerware is made to mimic styles that were popular in years gone by in certain countries to give the look like the dinnerware is a family heirloom. For instance, it might have designs that make it look like old-world Italian china. Choose these sets for cultural styles or classic styles.

Bright solid color

Dinnerware of this style will either come in one bright color or with each piece in a different color for a primary color rainbow look. These look good in artsy homes or styles that work with accent color.

Dark solid color

These are a more understated and classy way to get some color into your home. These versatile dinnerware sets look good in timeless styles, regal styles or classic looks.

Glaze patterns

This type of dinnerware set has colors that bleed together in a ceramic glazing effect. These are great for casual table settings.

Another important consideration is the size of the dinnerware set. Sets are often designated by how many pieces come in the set. The smallest size that's the most common is a four-piece set that usually contains a bowl, a mug and two plates of different sizes. Larger sets often have more bowls, plates and cups. You'll also see 12-piece, 16-piece and even 40-piece sets. Other sets may be more customized and contain five pieces, such as a teacup, a saucer and three different sizes of plates.

In general, choose the number of dinnerware pieces you think you'll need for how many people are using it. Many sets spell out how many people you can serve with the set. For instance, a 12-piece or 16-piece set is usually a service for four.