Choosing serving plates: a practical guide to appetisers, tapas and desserts

A stylish serving plate can make a drinks party or dinner feel more organised, but the wrong design can quickly disappoint. A board that’s too small leaves little room for cheese and fruit. A heavy plate can be awkward if you need to carry it from the kitchen to the table. And a material that can only be washed by hand won’t suit everyone.

There are three common pitfalls to watch out for when choosing serving plates:

• Choosing by appearance without checking the dimensions. A 30 x 15 cm serving board is suitable for small appetisers, but may be too limited for a generous sharing platter.
• Overlooking care instructions. Not every wooden, bamboo or slate design is dishwasher-safe. Cleaning it incorrectly on a regular basis can damage the material.
• Confusing features with ease of use. A lid protects appetisers while they’re being stored, whereas a rotating serving platter is especially useful when several people want to help themselves at the same time.

Which specifications matter?

1. Size and layout

First, think about what you usually serve. A compact round plate may be enough for a few pastries or desserts. For cheese, cold meats, fruit and dips, a larger rectangular design is more practical.

Look out for:

• Small serving plates: suitable for snacks, pastries and individual portions.
• Medium-sized designs: handy for tapas, fruit and a modest sharing platter.
• Large boards: offer more room for a variety of ingredients, but also take up more space on the table and in the cupboard.
• Compartments: a snack plate with sections keeps dry and moist appetisers separate.

Also check whether the stated dimensions refer to the whole product. With a rotating design, for example, the diameter may matter more than the height.

2. Material and care

The material affects not only the look, but also how practical the plate is for everyday use.

• Bamboo: lightweight with a warm appearance. A bamboo serving board should generally be washed by hand and dried thoroughly. Some designs may benefit from occasional care with food-safe oil, if this is recommended in the product information.
• Slate: creates a simple, understated backdrop for cheese, tapas and desserts. Slate can be fragile, so check whether the board has non-slip feet and handle it with care.
• Plastic: practical if easy cleaning is important. A transparent design with a lid may be suitable for pastries and snacks that need to be kept covered.
• Porcelain, earthenware or stoneware: looks smart, but is often heavier and can be fragile.
• Stainless steel: practical for a snack plate with several compartments. It isn’t automatically suitable for use in a microwave or oven, so always follow the product instructions.

A dishwasher-safe label applies only to the product in question. If you’re unsure, washing by hand is the safest option. Don’t put a serving board in the oven, microwave or fridge unless the product information specifically says it’s suitable.

3. Features to suit your needs

Think about when you’ll use the plate:

• A serving plate with a lid is handy for desserts, cakes and snacks you want to cover temporarily.
• A rotating serving platter makes shared dishes easy to reach, so no one has to lean across the table.
• A tapas board set with a holder keeps several small boards together for compact storage.
• A slate serving board works well for an understated presentation of cheese, sushi or small desserts.
• A plate for appetisers and desserts with separate bowls gives you more ways to arrange your food than a single flat surface.

For catering or frequent use, stackability, cleaning, fragility and the number of items per pack are also important. A stylish plate for home isn’t automatically practical for serving food regularly.

Our recommendations for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

6-in-1 Serving Plate

Why it suits this type of user: This 30 cm transparent design is made for cakes, desserts and snacks. The lid makes it practical for keeping food covered at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The diameter and height are specified, so you can get a clear idea of how much space is available. It isn’t designed for use in the microwave, oven or fridge.

Key benefits and features

Transparent plastic, a deep design, a lid included and, according to the product information, dishwasher-safe.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Secret de Gourmet Revolving Serving Platter - White Marble & Mango Wood, 30 cm

Why it suits this type of user: Ideal for a stylish dinner where several guests want to help themselves to cheese, fruit or desserts at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 30 cm diameter makes the available space clear. Made from a combination of stoneware and mango wood, this isn’t a lightweight plastic plate, so place it securely on the table.

Key benefits and features

Rotates 360°, has a non-slip base and is ideal for sharing.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use

Maxcook 304 Stainless Steel Square 3-Compartment Plate - Capivara

Why it suits this type of user: The three compartments are handy for snacks, sauces and side dishes you want to keep separate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compartments stop appetisers from mixing together on a single surface. Don’t use the plate in an oven or microwave unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s suitable.

Key benefits and features

304 stainless steel, three compartments and dimensions of approximately 24 x 22 cm.

Suitable for: Tapas fans short on space

5five Bamboo Tapas Boards Set - 4 pcs, Brown

Why it suits this type of user: Four individual bamboo boards with a metal holder are handy for serving individual portions at a drinks party or tapas night.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The four boards can be stored together in the holder. Hand-washing and occasional treatment with vegetable oil are recommended, so the care requirements are clear from the outset.

Key benefits and features

Four bamboo serving boards, a metal holder, a handle and a compact design measuring 15 x 6,5 x 26 cm.

Frequently asked questions about serving plates

Which serving plate is suitable for a drinks party?

It depends on the number of guests and the appetisers you’re serving. A bamboo serving board works well for cheese, bread and cold meats. For a variety of small snacks, a tapas board or a plate with compartments is more practical. Check the length and width beforehand, so you don’t have to pile too much food onto a small surface.

Can serving plates go in the dishwasher?

Not always. Plastic designs may be dishwasher-safe, while bamboo and wood usually need to be washed by hand. You should also follow the product information for stoneware or porcelain. If there are no clear instructions, wash the plate by hand with mild washing-up liquid and dry it straight away.

How do I care for a wooden or bamboo serving board?

Wash the board by hand, don’t leave it to soak for a long time and dry both sides thoroughly. If recommended in the product information, you can occasionally treat the surface with suitable food-safe oil. Don’t use a bamboo serving board as a chopping board unless this is specifically stated as one of its uses.