We love how tablescaping turns an ordinary meal into a real mood, where every little piece tells its own story. That is why we would like to introduce you to the Mix-and-Match approach.

By moving beyond uniform dinnerware sets, you can combine everyday plates with remarkable accent pieces to give the table more depth and class any day of the week. Building such a tablescape is easy with a convenient capsule approach: you start with a simple base set, then effortlessly accent it with pieces from a couture companion set.

Pro Explanation: What Is Mix-and-Match in Tablesetting

This design approach is quickly gaining traction among tableware enthusiasts everywhere. Against the backdrop of the booming slow luxury philosophy, premium tableware is becoming a natural part of everyday life. Fine handcrafted bone china with durable pigments is increasingly chosen for daily use, while for particular occasions, the layout is simply enhanced with companion pieces—amazing charger or dessert plates featuring complex decals.

To better understand the nuances of this concept, we consulted the specialists at MDMAISON, a team that curates custom tablescapes and decor for private jets, superyachts, and luxury homes. They do more than simply supply dinnerware from legendary manufacturers around the world; they also confidently take on the roles of set designers and etiquette curators, selecting the ideal palette for each interior and helping clients select a palette that complements the interior and build a sophisticated, adaptable table wardrobe. Their expertise covers everything from pairing shapes and shades with a specific space to choosing the correct pieces and using them according to proper table-setting etiquette.

MDMAISON specialists shared with us that they often use a basic set from one brand as a foundation and complement it with more elegant pieces, eliminating the need to buy two bulky dinnerware sets. And that is exactly what Mix-and-Match is all about. Their clients regularly request these curated pairings to create trendy table setups with total ease.

The experts explained to us that when we choose the right companion pieces, our dinnerware always fits the occasion, and setting the table never becomes a problem. As a bonus, the team shared five eye-catching combinations with us that we can try today.

Mix-and-Match Set Combinations

Example 1

The Ecume collection by Bernardaud is an excellent example of how easily mix-and-match works in real life. For everyday dining, start with Ecume White porcelain, known for its modest textured finish inspired by sea foam. It has an elegant, upscale look without sacrificing everyday practicality. For special moments, you only need to add a few pieces from the Ecume Gold line to this minimalist base, featuring a precious 24-karat gold finish. Place large gold-accented serving platters in the center of the table to create an instant focal point and positive feel. Then layer gold chargers beneath the white dinner plates for a more affluent, more glossy tablescape.

Example 2

The French house Haviland shows a masterclass in mixing and matching through its iconic Infini collection. Snow-white dinnerware with a raised striped texture brings plenty of character without elaborate decoration. This luxury plates dinnerware also pairs easily with a wide range of kitchen styles. If you want to mark the importance of a special moment, turn to the precious companion lines Infini Platinum and Infini Gold. These pieces are generously finished with precious metals. For a more dramatic presentation, MDMAISON suggests considering collections like Souffle d’or, where an intricate golden stardust pattern creates a distinct atmosphere. The collections share the same manufacturing heritage, so their pieces come together naturally in both proportion and style.

Example 3

Hering Berlin designed the Velvet collection as a versatile biscuit base built around the brand’s unified design language. The matte white Velvet plates provide a neutral foundation, while other collections bring additional character to the table. Introduce Polite Silver for a luminous metallic touch, bring in Emerald for a gorgeous splash of jewel green, or anchor the space with Silent Iron’s dramatic dark gray contrast. You can combine them depending on the event, making the table more elegant, vibrant, or layered. Interestingly, each collection has its own distinctive serving pieces, giving you the opportunity to build a rich set for different menus. In addition, Stefanie Hering dinnerware is developed as a unified modular system, so all of these collections work together on the table.

Example 4

The combination of the Oriente Italiano and Antico Doccia collections from the iconic Ginori 1735 house is a definitive example of Italian table-setting style and one of the most notable illustrations of Mix & Match, based on complete geometric uniformity. Both are built around the historic Antico Doccia shape, with its signature curves and wavy edges. This shared geometry allows the pieces to stack easily and maintain a clean, coordinated look. The snow-white Antico Doccia plates set a serene, timeless basis, giving the table a sense of harmony. Then Oriente Italiano brings the drama, with rich chinoiserie-inspired carnation designs that add color and a touch of theatrical luxury. Together, the collections create a cohesive backdrop and show just how easily one brand can help us refresh an ordinary table setting.

Example 5

And the legendary Francis Carreau collection from Rosenthal is created for an outstanding mix-and-match within a single design. With an identical motif across all pieces, the elements coordinate seamlessly. Neutral beige plates serve well for daily dining, while blue pieces can be introduced for special occasions to create a strong contrast. These colors complement one another, creating an inviting yet refined layout. Rely on the geometric pattern to pull your individual pieces into a unified set, and use the two rich tones to create dynamic contrast.

A Few Final Tips

Every concept has its own little rules, so keep them in mind whenever you experiment. Pay attention to the colors, blend textures thoughtfully, balance pattern scales, and make sure the overall style feels cohesive.

A professional set designer can help you move beyond costly mistakes and impulse purchases toward a collection that feels truly intentional. They look at details you might overlook, from the way light falls across your dining room to the atmosphere you want to create for your evenings. The result is not just dinnerware, but a private collection with its own character and a beautifully refined aesthetic.

Contact MDMAISON through their website to learn more about Mix-and-Match. The company works with both B2B and private clients and offers free consultations covering current table-setting and dinnerware trends. They will help you choose pieces that look impressive, work beautifully in practice, and are made to last.