SET THE TABLE FOR SUMMER: THE TOUGH DINNERWARE WE ARE LOVING RIGHT NOW

The festive entertaining season is almost upon us, which means one thing in most households: a quick, slightly panicked count of how many matching plates are left in the cupboard.

If yours are looking a bit chipped, a brand many of us grew up eating from has just had a refresh.

Corelle has unveiled a new look, new packaging and a new five-year chip warranty on its dinnerware, just in time for Christmas lunches and long summer dinners.

Why this dinnerware is different

Corelle has been made in Corning, New York, since 1970, and the brand says it is the only dinnerware in the world made using its own proprietary glass forming process.

Each piece is made from Vitrelle, three layers of tempered glass, which keeps it surprisingly light while being highly resistant to chips and cracks.

The company says the refreshed range is now five times more durable than before.

And the warranty has been stretched from three years to five, giving households more confidence in plates that get used every single day.

The new packaging puts the durability credentials and the warranty front and centre, so you can see exactly what you are getting when you shop.

The refreshed range has been rolling out in stores since 12 October.

"This brand refresh builds on those strengths, introducing a new 5-Year Chip Warranty," said Dean Grice, Director of Marketing ANZ at Global Kitchen Brands.

Practical for busy families

Anyone who has carried a stack of heavy ceramic plates out to the backyard will appreciate how light Corelle pieces are.

The plates and bowls also stack compactly, which frees up precious cupboard space for the platters and serving bowls that come out at Christmas.

The surfaces are non-porous, so they resist staining from curries, tomato sauces and beetroot.

The light weight also makes them handy for picnics, camping trips and outdoor dining over the warmer months.

And as the brand points out, fewer chipped or broken dishes means fewer replacements, which is better for your budget and for the planet.

Which dinnerware set should you choose?

There is a design to suit most tables, from crisp white to retro florals.

Winter Frost White, RRP $185 for a 12-piece set, is the classic all-white option that lets the food shine and works with any seasonal decorations.

Mystic Gray, RRP $109, features soft dove-grey bands and dots for an understated look.

Linen Weave, RRP $149, is a white set with a delicate embossed weave pattern.

Bella Faenza, RRP $139, has embossed floral scrolls in tone-on-tone white.

Square Round Pure White, RRP $129, has clean squared lines for a more modern table.

Country Cottage, RRP $109, is decorated with pretty periwinkle-blue blossoms.

And for anyone feeling nostalgic, Old Town Blue, RRP $119, is a fresh take on a much-loved 1970s Corelle pattern.

Where to buy

Corelle dinner sets start from RRP $79.

The range is available through Global Kitchen Brands, Spotlight, BIG W and Amazon.

Warranty terms and conditions apply, so it is worth reading the details when you buy.

Our tips for stress-free summer hosting

Count your place settings now, not on Christmas Eve, so you have time to fill any gaps.

Mix and match: an all-white set is a blank canvas that works with coloured napkins, greenery and festive touches.

Keep a few spare plates aside for unexpected guests, because there are always unexpected guests.

If you are buying for a big family gathering, two matching 12-piece sets will comfortably cover eight guests with plates and bowls to spare.

And a set of dinnerware can make a lovely practical Christmas gift for someone setting up their first home.

Happy hosting!