Master Dinner Plate Types: Shapes, Materials, Occasions, and More

Dinner plates may appear relatively straightforward. However, there are several types you can choose — based on design, functionality, and purpose. If you select a dinner plate set, you must choose the right one for your needs. Here is an overview of everything you need to know before buying dinner plates, such as the different kinds of shapes, materials, and features they have.

Occasion

The first thing to consider is the occasion or setting in which your dinner plates will be used. Two common occasions are everyday use and dining in restaurants or hotels.

Everyday use

Everyday use refers to the dinner plates you use for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks in your household. You may have already noticed that you naturally gravitate towards a particular plate type for each meal. For example, you may prefer a smaller plate for breakfast — such as a side plate for toast. Or, you might like using larger plates for dinner since dinner is usually a bigger meal.

While the term dinner plate typically refers to plates you use for dinner, in a much broader sense it can refer to just about any plate used for serving food. In fact, many dinner plate sets will include plates intended for dessert or any other meal outside of dinner.

It is also common for many households to have more than one dinner plate set. This is because one set may be kept aside for special occasions such as festivals, celebrations, or when guests visit.

Initially, it may not seem like there is much to consider when selecting dinner plates for everyday use. However, it can get rather complex when you start considering what plate type is required for each household meal.

Restaurant/Hotel

Many restaurants and hotels want to provide an element of fine dining to their establishment. There are several ways in which this can be done, but choosing the best dinner plates will certainly leave a good impression.

To start with, setting the table properly can go a long way, and this can be achieved with different-sized plates laid out on the table. For example, having side plates for entrees and larger plates for the main course.

The dining experience can also be enhanced by the type of plate a meal is served on. For instance, some chefs select a specific plate shape or design to complement their meals nicely. A plain plate typically puts more focus or emphasis on the meal, while a decorative plate may provide an element of artistic flare.

There are limitless options when selecting dinner plates for a restaurant or hotel. It may seem like dinner plates are a minimal component of a dining experience that typically goes unnoticed. Although they have a subtle effect, this will undoubtedly be noticed when the wrong plates are selected because they will seem out of place.

Shape

Plates come in a range of different shapes and sizes. However, there are defining features of particular shapes which can be narrowed down into various categories.

Dinner Plate

A dinner plate is the most commonly used type of plate. The primary use of this dish is as a main dish, usually for dinner.

However, due to the size, shape, and functionality of dinner plates, they are also used as a main dish for other types of meals.

Most dinner plates are round and somewhere between 11-12 inches in diameter (~27-30 centimeters), making them the biggest plate in a dinner set.

Dessert Plate

As the name suggests, dessert plates are used for desserts or sweet meals.

While it is commonly used for these types of meals, the plate is sometimes repurposed for snacks and appetizers.

A dessert plate is typically 8 inches in diameter (21 centimeters), making them one of the smaller sized plates in a dinner set.

Bread And Butter Plate

Bread and butter plates are side plates used for holding bread alongside a main course.

They are usually the smallest dinner set plates and are about 6 inches in diameter (15 centimeters).

Although these plates are commonly used for bread and butter, they may be used for holding any food accompanying a main course.

Soup Plate/Bowl

Soup plates or bowls come in various sizes, and there is generally no exact size recommended for one.

That’s because a smaller soup bowl could be ideal for the entree, whereas a larger one would be preferred if the soup is served as the main course.

Additionally, larger soup plates or bowls are also used for a creamy or saucy main dish, such as a pasta dish or one consisting of gravy.

Overall, soup plates and bowls are typically round in shape and are considerably deeper to hold liquids.

Appetizer Plate

Appetizer plates are also quite diverse. They are often selected based on the appetizer that is being served.

For example, a small round plate might be used to present a miniature filo nicely.

Or, a small rectangle plate will nicely display a skewer. After all, an appetizer is a small and light meal preceding the main course intended to stimulate one’s appetite.

They are commonly served at parties and are showcased decoratively. That is why a range of plates can be used for appetizers.

Cereal Bowl

Cereal bowls are typically small to medium-sized deep bowls used for breakfast cereals or muesli.

Alternatively, one might use a cereal bowl at breakfast for fruit and yogurt.

Salad Bowl

Like soup bowls, salad bowls also come in various sizes. Again, it depends on whether the salad is an entree, main, or side to the main.

Smaller salad bowls are used for entrees or sides, and larger ones are used when the salad is being served as a light main meal. Salad bowls may also be used to serve other side dishes other than salads.

Generally, there is no specific bowl for serving a salad. Essentially, any bowl can be used as long as it fits its intended purpose well.

Platter

Platters are large, flat dishes used for displaying food, usually in the center of a table or at a buffet.

Platters also come in various sizes but are generally quite large because they hold several servings for many guests.

Most platters are somewhere between 32 cm – 43 cm (inches).

Place Plate

Place plates are not intended for food. Instead, they indicate a place at the table and sit beneath the other plates while people eat.

These plates are for decorative purposes only, so they usually have quite an elaborate design or make a bold statement.

Materials

While most plates are usually made of ceramic or bone china, various other materials are also used. These include materials such as melamine or glass.

Melamine

Melamine is a material that feels similar to plastic, but it is more durable and has a nicer finish.

It is derived from an organic compound called cyanamide. While melamine is quite durable, it can chip easily when not handled appropriately.

Despite that, melamine is quite popular in busy restaurants and hotels because it is lightweight and easy to store several melamine dinner plates together.

Earthenware

Earthenware plates are a basic type of ceramic that can chip or shatter easily because it is made from generic clay.

But these plates can add a nice rustic element to any meal, so they are still popular.

Earthenware is also deemed one of the most sustainable materials, making them ideal for vegan or environmentally conscious restaurants.

Porcelain

Porcelain is the most commonly used material for plates. There are different types of porcelain, and bone china is one of the best.

The main component of porcelain is kaolin clay. Porcelain is well known for its bright white color, although it can be easily colored or painted.

It can be used for any meal, and because of this, it is a versatile option for restaurants and hotels.

Glass

Glass is one of the lesser common materials used for dinner plates. That’s because glass can shatter and scratch more easily.

But when maintained, glass can look elegant at a dinner table and complement any meal.

If glass is not practicable for dinner plates, it is easy to compromise and use it for platters instead.

Features

Some plates also include various features, such as being safe in the oven, dishwasher, or microwave. If you are unsure whether your plates include these features, check the packaging they come in or flip the plate over to see whether there is any information on the underside of the plate.

Oven safe

Oven safe means that the dinner plates can withstand normal temperatures in the oven.

You may wish to check whether your highest oven temperature is safe for your plates before putting them in the oven.

Dishwasher safe

Dishwasher safe means that it is safe to wash your dinner plates in the dishwasher.

If your plates have a design or are painted, you may wish to check whether it is safe to wash them in the dishwasher before doing so.

Otherwise, the heat or the dishwasher detergent could harm your plates, and they could lose their color or design. If they are not dishwasher safe, hand-washing them with a gentle detergent would be best.

Microwave safe

When plates are in the microwave, they are typically transferred from the refrigerator (because they are being used to store food) directly to the microwave.

Therefore, the plates are being exposed to thermal shock, a sudden temperature change. Depending on the material the plates are made of, some plates cannot tolerate thermal shock.

From this, they would break in the microwave while heating food. Again, this is another good feature to check before using your plates, especially if they are made from material you are not familiar with.

Cuisines

French

French dinner plates have a distinctive pattern around the outer edge, usually plain white or cream.

Some may have an embossed letter or logo on the plate as part of the unique design.

Additionally, french plates generally have some depth. This is ideal for french cuisine since many popular dishes are pretty creamy.

Italian

Depending on the region, the cuisine in Italy can vary a lot. Because of this, the type of dish used also varies a lot.

Therefore, the plates in Italy are pretty diverse, and the type used will depend on the meal served.

For instance, pasta dishes are common in Italy, the plates often have some depth to contain the food nicely.

Chinese

Many traditional Chinese dinner plates are bone china with intricate designs.

Besides plates, it is common for Chinese dinner sets to contain bowls. That’s because rice and soups are popular choices in Chinese cuisine, and these types of meals are often served on the side of a dinner plate.

India

Many traditional Indian plates are made of metals such as copper, tin, or stainless steel.

A popular dish in India is a curry, often served in metal bowls with handles on the side.

This makes it easier at large gatherings to share these dishes among guests.

Japanese

Japanese plates are also adorned with elaborate designs. Due to Japan’s geographical location, it offers a range of food, such as many fruits and vegetables, seafood, and seaweed.

Additionally, various materials are used for tableware products, like ceramics, glass, and lacquerware.

Things To Consider When Selecting Dinner Plates

Tip1: Functionality

Regarding functionality, you must consider whether the plates are well-suited for their intended purpose. Essential points to consider are:

How durable are the plates?
How stackable are the plates?
Are lightweight plates more practical than heavier plates?
Are plates safe to use in the oven, dishwasher, or microwave?

Tip 2: Design Consistency

Design consistency refers to how well the tableware works with the food or the setting it is used in. When serving food, it is essential to keep everything on the table consistent; otherwise, it will stand out if something does not match or appears out of place.

Does the color and size of the tableware match the food?
Does it match the tableware you have?
Does it match the interior design of the table?
Does the design make the food look good?

Tip 3: Maintenance

Lastly, maintenance is crucial because you will want plates that last with minimal care. Key points to keep in mind are:

Are the plates resistant to shattering, chipping, or scratching?
Are the plates likely to fade in the dishwasher if painted or decorated?
How often will the plates need to be replaced if in a hotel or restaurant?

NARUMI's bone china collections

Professional collections

The professional collection offers a range of contemporary designs for cafes, restaurants, and chefs to help showcase their best meals. These designs are practical for hospitality environments but will still enhance the dining experience for your guests or clients.

Due to the durability and elegance of bone china, it makes perfect sense to use it in a commercial setting. That’s because it will last longer while still looking presentable and new for years to come. Therefore, it is an excellent investment for any cafe or restaurant because it adds to the dining experience but will last for a considerable time.

RYDGES

Waltz

WAKU

Home Collections

The home collection offers classic and timeless designs. These designs are practical for everyday use, but still enhance the dining experience of your home.

While it is common for many households to reserve their bone china for special occasions, you will get more enjoyment from using it every day. Since bone china is highly durable, it will certainly last despite being used frequently. Therefore, many households are now switching to bone china dinnerware due to its beauty and durability.