Parent's Choice

Tablescaping Finds: 10 Ceramic Shops You Need to Check Out

by Diane Go
March 22, 2024

From elegant ceramics to colorful, oriental-themed dinnerware and more, you too can up your platita (or platito) game with these pieces.

With all the time spent at home, a lot of us have kept busy finding ways to beautify our space. The crafty ones take on DIY projects, while a good number of us spend long hours on the internet looking for pretty things to buy (like ceramics, for example). Call it retail therapy, boredom, or love at first sight, but regardless of what reason you may have, these online purchases do make us happy.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Parents who love tablescaping or collecting ceramics and themed dinnerware pieces are dubbed platitas and platitos. Dinnerware is their game, and they have an impressive collection to show. We’re talking about plates, bowls, cutlery, serving vessels… or just about anything that makes eating a visual treat.

Whether you like classy modern pieces, traditional Japanese ones, or quirky, colorful ones, chances are, an online shop has just the thing for you. Happy Shopping!

Japanese Surplus Ceramics

One of the more plentiful dinnerware items sold online. These usually didn’t make it to the cut in Japan because of minor factory defects like crazing (which does not affect the usability and quality). But you know what they say: “There’s beauty in imperfection.” These pieces are usually shipped in large boxes here in the Philippines, and depending on the shop that gets them, they can offer affordable but common pieces or special, curated ones.

Remember to take a closer look, too, because some of their wares include branded ones at good prices. I, for example, have gotten a Noritake espresso cup and saucer at a very good price, along with a Pierre Cardin teacup one time!

1. Ureshii PH (@ureshiiph)

This Manila-based shop (offers a wide range of Japanese surplus items—from claypots to sushi plates, teapots and teacups, soup bowls, and more. Occasionally, you can even find coffee pitchers, baskets, vases, and even figurines if you look well. Ureshii PH ships nationwide and even has its own store at 3826 Biyaya Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

2. EJD Needs and Wants (@ejd_needsandwants)

If you’re looking for character-themed knickknacks and ceramics, EJD Needs and Wants offers all these and more. Aside from the classic Japanese ceramics, expect a few Disney-themed items and Japanese kokeshi dolls in stock in this online shop. These items are priced at affordable rates and despite being pre-loved or surplus in nature, they come in good condition.

3. Home Love Point (@homelovepoint)

Bringing together beauty and practical function, Home Love Point sells curated Japanese surplus pieces in lovely designs (and occasional quirky ones, too). Pay special attention to some of these items, too, as some of them are branded ceramics at good prices. Payment can be made through BPI, BDO, and Credit Card (PayPal) or you may also visit their store.

4. Hajime Home (@hajimehome)

Another online shop with adorable themed collections, Hajime Home showcases in-demand curated pieces that come in quirky, colorful, and pretty designs. Although pricier than most Instagram shops, you can rest easy knowing that you got for yourself a piece that is hard to find anywhere else. And the good news is that they ship nationwide!

5. Rustic Home (@rustichome.ph)

Another shop that offers handpicked finds, Rustic Home features pieces that are… well, rustic. But don’t misunderstand—each stoneware piece is thick and durable. Plus, it’s long-lasting and comes in a timeless design that you can easily mix and match in your setup.

The best part? Their pieces are so rare, it’s hard to find a similar one anywhere else! Doesn’t help too that the way these pieces are pictured makes them look so, so lovely.

Timeless Classics

Simple, classic pieces will never go out of style and this includes the ever-so-popular Nordic Scandanavian ceramics. Modern pieces in neutral or pastel colors also make it into this list—perfect for those who prefer minimalist pieces that let the food and drink shine.

Here, you can find glassware, stackable pastel plates, gold-lined pieces, serving trays in the shape of round pans, pastel casserole dishes, and more. If the theme of your home is posh and contemporary or light and breezy, you’ll definitely love these!

6. Spencers Concept (@spencers.ph)

This shop offers thick and durable pieces that are meant to last. Choose from posh dinnerware sets that include plates (this Mari Collection with its stoneware pieces, is my personal favorite), servings trays, and even pots for soups and stews. Additionally, you may shop for kitchenware and drinkware over on their website because yes, they offer nationwide shipping.

7. Harper and Harlow (@harperandharlowph)

Harper and Harlow have been around since 2015—years before the platita trend boomed. This shop proudly showcases tea sets, casseroles, dinner plates, cups and saucers (this drinking set is especially cute), and more dinnerware. They even have napkin rings in case you’d like to go all out with your dining set up, along with other kitchenware to make cooking a fun experience.

Shop at their website or message them on Instagram for price inquiries and more.

8. Kimi Home and Lifestyle (@homebykimi)

Looking for colorful but classy pieces? Kimi’s Home and Lifestyle has just the right set of dinnerware for you! This shop offers fancy pieces like bone china cups and saucers with abstract watercolor patterns. On the other hand, they also have ceramic serving trays, casseroles, and even cute fruit and vegetable-themed plates. The two-piece safari fine bone dinner set makes a good gift for yourself on Mother’s Day!

To order and see their available pieces, you may visit their website.

The Wildcard: A Little Bit of Everything

For the discerning collector, some ceramic stores offer a little bit of everything—from traditional to modern and unique finds. These one-stop shops are for people who want a diverse collection of dinnerware or for those who just want to keep things interesting.

9. Muradito Home PH (@muraditohomeofficial)

As a haven for platitos and platitas, Muradito Home boasts a giant warehouse that is filled to the brim with many different ceramic pieces. Think rustic stoneware cups and saucers, or even brightly-colored floral plates, elegant glass goblets, and more. In fact, you can even shop for themed pieces for a wide range of occasions, like heart-shaped plates for Valentine’s Day or even ceramics with Christmas trees for the holidays.

While it’s best to visit their warehouse in Quezon City or Alabang so that you can see and check out their pieces firsthand, it can be hard to get good parking. My tip? Make sure to go over early and check out their different social media pages for what they currently have. You can even time your visit to when they offer clearance sales on old pieces!

10. Dapitan Arcade

As the OG purveyor of ceramics, glassware, stoneware pieces, and more, Dapitan Arcade is a market that every platito and platita should visit. With many stalls that sell different kinds of dinnerware at affordable prices, you can easily build up a collection that will get guests talking at your next gathering.

From themed pieces to quirky finds, classic pieces, and more, a day is never enough when you drop by Dapitan Arcade. Just make sure to carefully check each ceramic before buying it, as some come with small factory defects. Make sure that it doesn’t affect functionality, as these pieces are meant to last!