'After scouring Dunelm and M&S, I've finally found the perfect Scandi dinnerware for £25'

Navigating the exciting but challenging path as a first-time homebuyer, juggling the anticipation of finalising contracts and sprucing up my soon-to-be abode, I've dived into homeware shopping. As a carb lover, I've been scouring for some trendy crockery - and I think I’ve found the perfect pasta bowls. I scrolled through the sites of the usual suspects like Dunelm, The Range, to Marks and Spencer and wasn’t feeling particularly inspired. But it was actually a retailer I’d not heard of, Heal’s, where I found my dinnerware gem.

I hail from Stoke-on-Trent, where we're rather fussy about our pottery, and I’m willing to splurge for the extra oomph in crockery, thinking ahead for impressive spreads in my new kitchen. I had my heart set on something understated yet stylish, nothing that overshadows the food. When I came across the stunning Nordic Sand Pasta Bowls at Heal’s for £25 apiece, it was love at first sight. They exude a cool Scandinavian vibe with their cream and neutral hues. Each piece is hand-glazed, which gives them an artisanal aesthetic, complete with delicate textures and pretty edge detailing.

Online, they’ve received a number of five star reviews. One pleased buyer shared: "Just what I had been looking for. Delighted by the quick despatch and was kept informed on delivery progress.". Another customer was all praise: "This is a beautiful design . I love how all the plates are different due to the way they were glazed and fired. It’s a good size and weight for a dinner plate.". But it’s not just crockery I’ve been eyeing up at Heal’s.They’ve also got some gorgeous pieces, perfect for sprucing up your home and garden. The retailer’s Orion Portable LED Outdoor Table Lamp, £89, is perfect for creating a gentle glow over your outdoor space, while their £55 velvet cushions help cosy up a garden sofa or bistro set.

There are also some gorgeous kitchenware bits that you can bring outdoors while serving up barbecue food. For instance, this grey-blue serving bowl, £85, will go a treat with the matching bowls, £25. If you're feeling extra, these champagne flutes are available for £60. If you’re looking for homeware sales, Dusk is currently offering up to 65% off living room furniture and accessories. That includes this mid-century coffee table, reduced to £118 from £165, and this elegant loveseat, now £305 from £459.

Oliver Bonas also has a vast range of homeware accessories on sale, some of which can be transferred to your outdoor dining table in the spring. For instance, we like these reduced beaded coasters and glass tumblers. But if perfectly matching, vibrant dinnerware is your jam, this set might not hit the mark. Instead, Dunelm’s own-brand options may be a more affordable choice, with their Urban Cream Stoneware Pasta Bowl coming in at £7 each, but for me personally, they’re a little plain. The retailer is also stocking ProCook’s Oslo Stoneware Pasta Bowls, where you can get four for £36, down from £76, which works out at £9 per bowl instead of £19.