Most experts recommend purchasing anywhere from eight to 12 complete place settings, and each setting will often have five pieces. You may want to consider purchasing an everyday set of dinnerware and a formal set for entertaining. If you do, you can purchase fewer everyday sets. Depending on your family size, an everyday set of six or so place settings should do it. Remember that formal events often come with expanded guest lists, so you’ll want 10 to 12 sets of formal dishes.