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Lenox Review

Thursday, January 23rd

2025 China Dinnerware Store Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Lenox Review 5 Star Rating

Lenox

5 Star Rating
  • In business for over 100 years
  • Includes options from Kate Spade, Dansk, Cambridge, and more
  • Free replacement on Lenox-brand dinnerware that breaks through normal use
  • 120-day return policy
  • Free shipping on orders over $75
  • Save 15% by signing up for email newsletter
  • "A+” rated by the BBB
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Lenox, a brand deeply rooted in American heritage, has been a household name for over a century. With a wide-ranging selection of homewares and collectibles, Lenox offers everything from personalized Christmas ornaments to elegant picture frames and exquisite vases.

World-renowned reputation

And of course, the company is world-renowned for their extensive dinnerware collection, which encompasses a variety of materials. Some tof these include ironstone, porcelain, stoneware, and the coveted bone china. In fact, this esteemed brand has had the honor of being featured in the White House, where custom-made Lenox tableware graced the tables of six U.S. presidents.

Several brands of china to choose from

What makes Lenox even more enticing is its expanded brand family, which includes Kate Spade New York, Dansk, Cambridge, Hampton Forge, Reed & Barton, and most recently, Oneida (a brand you'll find reviewed separately on our list). When you browse for dinnerware, you'll discover these sister brands in your results list if they too offer china. If one of them catches your eye, you can easily filter your search to display only items from that brand. Lenox also provides convenient filters like color, features, and collections to help you narrow down your choices.

Everything from fun to formal

The sheer possibilities seem endless when it comes to Lenox's fine china dinnerware. From whimsical and playful patterns to luxurious and formal designs, this brand caters to a wide spectrum of tastes. For those who appreciate something floral and fun, the Sprig & Vine pattern is a delightful choice, while the Westmore pattern offers a more classic and formal feel.

Easy to see multiple color options

Many of Lenox's collections offer an array of color options. For instance, the appropriately-named Bay Colors set was available in four different colors at the time of this review, and the Kate Spade Willow Drive collection offered options in cream, grey, and blue. Conveniently, you can view these color options right on the results page. Plus, there's a handy heart button on every thumbnail image, allowing you to save your favorites (though, trust us, narrowing down your choices can be a pleasant challenge).

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Plenty of information for each piece

Once you find a china pattern that captures your heart, you'll see more details when you click on the individual product page. Use the dropdown box to select your preferred set options and adjust the quantity as needed. This flexibility ensures you get precisely the number of place settings you require, avoiding the hassle of buying more or less than necessary. The "More Information" section provides detailed product specifications, including size and capacity. Don't forget to scroll down to discover companion items that pair well with your chosen pattern.

Not made in the USA now

One thing to mention is that in 2022, Lenox closed its last remaining American manufacturing facility. So, while the company remains U.S.-based, their current dinnerware no longer bears the "Made in the USA" label. You may still find china dinnerware in stock (in older patterns) that retains that designation, but anticipate seeing a shift in their inventory reflecting this change.

Several ways to save

Signing up for Lenox's email list comes with a great perk: a 15% discount on your next order. Keep an eye out for this offer as you explore the website. And here's some more good news: Lenox offers free shipping on all orders totaling $75 or more, with no need for a coupon code.

Generous return policy

In terms of their return policy, Lenox provides a generous 120-day window for returns on all new and unused china dinnerware. While you're responsible for the return shipping costs, exceptions are made for defective, damaged, broken, or incorrect items.

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Exceptional breakage replacement coverage

Better yet, Lenox updated its Breakage Replacement Program in 2020. Whereas before you would only get a 50% discount on replacing that plate that you broke when it was slippery in the sink or the bowl that didn't quite make it into the cabinet without hitting the granite countertop, now Lenox will replace it for free. There are some requirements, though: you'll need to register your china dinnerware when you buy it (you can do that right on the website after you place your order), you'll need to submit a photo of the broken china, and it has to be specifically in the Lenox brand line (not Oneida or Kate Spade, for example). Still, even with those tiny hoops to jump through, Lenox's guarantee is phenomenal.

Excellent reputation

With over 130 years in operation, Lenox has earned its fair share of recognition, including an "A+” from the Better business Bureau. Customers consistently praise the unmatched quality of Lenox china, noting its elegant yet practical attributes. Comments like "microwave-safe metal accents," "dishwasher-safe bone china," and "chip-resistant and durable yet delicate" are just some of the accolades we found.

Best overall retailer and brand of china dinnerware

It's easy to see why Lenox remains our top choice among stores offering fine china dinnerware. Their user-friendly website makes shopping a breeze, offering a wide selection of beautiful plates, dishes, and cups designed to last for decades of memorable dining occasions. Furthermore, Lenox continues to uphold its reputation for excellent customer service, demonstrated by its upgrade to the breakage replacement program and maintaining a generous return policy. Whether you opt for china representing the epitome of formality or a fun holiday-themed or Disney pattern, you'll take pleasure in seeing Lenox grace your table. With reason, Lenox is our most highly recommended store for china dinnerware.

Where Can You Get the Best Selection of Fine China Dinnerware?

China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.

First, china dinnerware is renowned for its delicate and refined appearance. The intricate patterns, often featuring floral or geometric designs, exude a sense of timeless beauty that enhances any dining experience. The delicate translucency of fine china also adds to its charm. But, while china may seem delicate, it is actually quite durable when properly cared for. High-quality china can last for generations, making it an excellent investment.

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China Dinnerware Store FAQ

Despite the name, the plates, bowls, cups and saucers aren't necessarily made in China - although that's why delicate dinnerware was originally given the name of "china”. There are two main types of dinnerware referred to as china, porcelain and bone. Bone china is created in a similar process as porcelain, but an extra ingredient (bone ash) is used when making it. This bone ash gives the final product a milkier white color.
That depends on your preferences. Bone china has a more delicate look and feel, to the point of being almost translucent. Porcelain colors are often brighter, the whites are whiter, and so on. Either one can make your dinner table look beautiful!
It takes a much higher temperature to fire china dinnerware. Those high temperatures make it more likely that a dish or bowl won't survive the firing process - making the ones that do come out perfectly a more expensive final product.
Read the printed materials that came with your dinnerware to determine if it can be used in the oven or microwave. You may also be able to find that information on the bottom of the plate, bowl, or cup itself. If your china has any metal accents, like a gold design or platinum band around the edge, DO NOT use it in the oven or microwave!
If you are using your great-grandmother's china that came over from England, it's probably best to wash it by hand using a gentle dish detergent and warm water. On the other hand, newer china is often made for the rigors of today's day-to-day life, including being washable in the dishwasher. Again, check the information provided about your china or look on the bottom of the dinnerware to see if it has been designated as dishwasher-safe.
Although it's not as common on gift registries now as it was in the past, china dinnerware still catches the eye of many engaged couples. It's fun to have a set of "nice” dishes for the first Thanksgiving meal together or for entertaining dinner guests. Plus, with many people embracing the idea of "you only live once”, china dinnerware is often found in everyday use.
Where else will you find the world's best selection of brands, patterns, and pieces of china? Local retailers often carry an extremely limited inventory of china, and they may not have enough on hand for the number of full place settings you want. Getting your dinnerware directly from the manufacturer or from an online home goods store ensures that you can get exactly what you're looking for, delivered safely to your doorstep.
Probably not. Many china retailers want to earn your business, so you'll often find free shipping offers with a certain minimum purchase amount. You may also spot discounts on your purchase that can make it even more affordable to get the dishes you've been dreaming of.
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Continued from above...

Also, many people reserve their china dinnerware for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Using it during these moments adds a sense of tradition and significance to the event. Of course, you can always live like every day is special, because china can be suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings. Its versatility allows you to create different table settings to suit various events and moods.

Finally, collecting china dinnerware has been a popular hobby for many. Some patterns and brands have become highly sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts scouring antique shops and auctions for rare pieces. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use and occasional accidents.

However, when you're out shopping for china dinnerware at your local stores, you might notice that your options are a bit limited. Those big-box retailers usually stock just a couple of brands and a handful of patterns. So, if you want to match your china with your home decor or you have a particular brand in mind, turning to online stores is your best bet. They tend to have a wider selection, often at better prices.

Online shops make it super easy and fun to find the perfect china for you. They've usually got handy filters and clear images of each plate, cup, bowl, and saucer. The only tricky part might be trying to pick just one pattern from all the gorgeous options they offer!

Ready to get shopping? Here are some ways to narrow down the options as you search for your perfect china dinnerware:

  • Design and pattern. Choose a style that appeals to your personal taste and complements your existing tableware or decor. Consider whether you want a classic, traditional pattern or a more contemporary design.
  • Brand reputation. Research the reputation of the brand you're considering. Established brands with a long history of producing quality china are often a safe bet. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who own china dinnerware.
  • Use and maintenance. Check if the china dinnerware is safe to use in the microwave and oven if you intend to heat or reheat food in them. Also research how easy it is to clean and maintain. Some patterns or brands may be dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing.
  • Completeness and availability. If you plan to use your china dinnerware regularly, ensure that the set you're purchasing includes all the essential pieces you need, such as dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, and serving pieces. Check if replacement pieces are readily available in case of breakage, and if you can get those replacements free of charge or at a reduced cost.

Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the right china dinnerware can elevate your table settings and create lasting memories. To help you find the best patterns and settings, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular brands and retailers. Your table will be picture-perfect in no time!

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