Different Designs

This kitchenware is available in different shapes like oval, square and rectangular. One can choose the material from a huge range of ceramic dishes, glass, plastic, steel and bone china dishes. However, majority of the people like to stick to plain and simple designs for daily use. Intricately designed and expensive plates are more apt for formal occasions and parties. They are used by people who want their status to reflect in their kitchenware. Expensive plates even have silver or gold plating.  Porcelain dishes have always been associated with luxury and royalty. Most people, who are unable to afford them, opt for cheaper substitutes.

Saucers

Another kind of plate is saucer; these dishes are used to support mugs and cups for tea or coffee. Sometimes soup bowls and ice-cream bowls are also accessorized with a saucer. These small dishes have raised edges at the center with a depression to fit in the mugs. Earlier they were used to cool down the hot liquid and then straight away drink from these dishes.

However, such mannerisms are not considered as good dining etiquette. These dishes are also used to keep a soggy teabag and a damp spoon after mixing the sweetener or cream in the tea or coffee. They also prevent contact of the cup with the table or the table-cloth. Hence they avert dripping, falling, brim over or splashes from the mugs. The teacup sets often contain cups with matching saucers, decorated with with gold, silver, precious stones and bead work.

Plates For Decoration

Plates are not only used as a part of the dishware but are also put on display as a decorative item. A few people also utilize them to make paintings and craft beautiful designs and later sell them. A few individuals and companies also sell them as collector’s plates and earned big bucks. Many people also get their family photographs printed on their dishes. Such custom-made dishes are very popular souvenirs.

In Hotels And Cafetarias

These dishes are also used to serve food in hotels and restaurants. In restaurants, dishes are usually accessorized with a napkin or a tissue paper. Most of the cafeterias, hotels and restaurants have their brand name printed on the dishes and saucers.

The cafeterias generally use saucers to serve tea or coffee which makes them appear hygienic and presentable. The disposable plates are quite popular among the picnic goers as it is a convenient option to throw them after use. Such dishes are generally made of paper and are quite environment friendly.

Undoubtedly, dishes truly are a home-maker’s best friend.

Do you know? There’s a slight difference in the preference of someone who loves to cook and someone who relishes food. Well, the former is more particular about cooking utensils and appliances that help prepare meals. On the other hand, a foodie is more interested in how the dinner table looks.

Importance Of A Well-Set Dinner Table

Ask a person who is skilled in the art of serving and he’ll tell you how important it is for a dinner table to look well set and inviting. All the plates and dishes have to be arranged in symmetry. The forks and knives have to be at their right places. The table napkins should be neatly folded (some are so finicky they would even measure the angle of fold!) There are people who lose their appetite, if they see an ill-set table. And you can’t disagree with the fact that a well-set table with beautiful kitchenware and tablecloth enchants you to sit and order something. Perhaps that’s why hotels and restaurants pay attention to every inch of their dinner tables.

Kitchenware That Catches The Eye

In the olden times, people were more concerned about the food in the plate. Today, food is still important, but the plate holds special significance too. Flip through the pages of a food magazine. How mouth-watering those dishes look! But, if you look carefully, they are the same recipes that you prepare at home, only that they are served on exotic tableware! They make you hungry, don’t they? Well, such is the charm of exotic dishes. Like it or not, appealing kitchenware and dishes is inevitable for serving food.

Food garnished well and served stylishly on an appealing kitchenware acts as an appetizer!

Now, just possessing an exquisite set of kitchenware and dishes is not enough. You must know how to set the table for dinner. It’s an art. And it can be learned. Do you know your dinner table speaks a lot about your personality? You can easily make a style statement provided you know how to arrange the tableware elegantly.

Nowadays, it’s a trend to own the finest quality kitchenware. One can’t think of eating in a simple (and boring) dish. Even round ones are passé today. You’ll find a range of shapes like square, triangle, oblong, and oval adorning the dining table. Bowls have more shapes than you can imagine. There are flower shaped bowls, leaf shaped, and many more interesting shapes. You just can’t resist food in such kitchenware!

Serve your guests food in a fine set of dishes and plates and they’ll remember your hospitality for a long time!