Planning the perfect dinner party? Specialty plates can round out a table setting, making it picture perfect. From serving plates to sushi ware, specialty plates allow you to present food in a fun or elegant way. So buff up your dinnerware and add a few pretty plates to your collection.
Different Types of Specialty Plate
There are a few different types of specialty plates available on the market. Buffet plates are larger than regular dinner plates and often times come as a part of a dinnerware set. They can be used for both eating off of and as serving dishes for appetizers. Appetizer plates are smaller and allow your guest to save their dinner plate, well, for dinner. Artichoke plates are a true specialty dish and made solely for serving artichokes. Serving platters are used to serve food, from cheeses and other hors d'oeuvres to main dishes like turkey or ham. Serving trays look a lot like serving dishes but can hold more food. Restaurant worthy sushi dishes are also available. They are longer and thinner than regular dishes and can be purchased alone or as part of a set. For dessert, look for cake plates that come flat, on a pedestal or sometimes with a glass or plastic cover.
Materials, Styles and Colors
Specialty plates come in a wide variety of shapes and materials. Look for specialty plates that are circular, rectangular, square and oval shaped. You'll find serving dishes, buffet plates, cake plates and sushi plates in ceramic, china, silver, glass, bronze, plastic and porcelain. You'll find specialty dishes that are glazed or painted, dishes with scalloped edges, those with handles and even engraved dishes. Many specialty dishes have prints on them including abstract art, flowers, nature scenes and sports team logos. Solid color plates come in every color of the rainbow. Popular colors include white, black, red and blue. Many newer specialty plates are dishwasher safe, but antique serving and buffet plates may need to be hand washed.
