How to understand plates: which plates are intended for what

We make sure to get the best sets for the festive table. Well, how could it be otherwise? Good tableware makes a good meal. But there are so many plates in the service that you can get confused. It’s good that a friend advised me once. And she works as a hall manager in a restaurant, you can trust her! It turned out that everything is not so difficult. See for yourself.

The most familiar

Let's start with those that we use daily. Manufacturers make deep containers for first courses and flat ones for second courses. They have standard sizes, different colors and shapes. We usually use round ones, but if you wish, you can choose square or oval ones. So, let's figure out what plates we use.

Every day and on holidays

Everyday dishes are distinguished by their practicality and modest decor. Festive sets are made from expensive materials. They are elegant and graceful, they have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, painted with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornaments.

For the first course

You can use several types of cookware. Most often we use table (or soup) dishes. They are also called deep.

For general purposes, there are utensils of various sizes. You can choose items of the same decor for both a full portion and half of it.

Reference. The volume of soup plates is 0.5 l, diameter is from 20 to 25 cm.

Cream soup is served in soup bowls, and clear soups and broths are poured into bowls. You can also serve oatmeal, muesli, cereal with milk in them.

For second courses

When serving the second one, we will also need a dinner plate. But this time it’s shallow and flat. Traditional size - from 24 cm to 30 cm.

For a snack

Of course, even with everyday meals, you want to diversify the table and pamper your family. Salads, snacks, pickles - who doesn't love them? And a festive feast is not complete without them. These dishes require special utensils. That's what it's called - snack bar.

Snack plates come in large and small sizes. They are used for meat dishes, side dishes, and cold appetizers. Sizes vary from 24 to 30 cm. Large ones are needed for serving, and smaller ones are needed for everyone sitting at the table.

For dessert

We're setting up a tea party dessert plates. They are smaller than canteens and snack bars (20 cm in diameter), but they are also flat and deep.

The specific type is chosen depending on the dish and its design. For example, fruits, sweets, small cakes, lemon wedges are served in flat dishes. And cakes, pastries, pies, buns, muffins - in deep ones.

All this tableware is used both in everyday and festive feasts. But the special occasion is not limited to these types only. We will need a variety of plates that have a special purpose.

Special plates for ceremonial serving

• Pirozhkovaya. Most often it does not have a picture. It is painted in one color, has a size of 16–18 cm and smooth edges. They put toast, bread, buns, pies in it. You can also add sliced ​​cheese and whole fruits. In some cases, it serves as a stand for caviar.

• For fish. The name of the dish is also evident in its shape: long (up to 40 cm) and elongated, like a fish. The container is not only long, but also wide (up to 30 cm). Thanks to this, both whole fish and portioned pieces will be placed attractively.

• Chill. The dish is made in the shape of a shell shell. Used for oysters, stews, vegetable salads, squash caviar. The device is very stylish. You won't see it on all tables.

• Menazhnitsa. An interesting and convenient dish from several zones. Each compartment contains one or another dish. The hostess manages to serve everything that is prepared, saving space on the table.

• Salad bowl. Comes in different sizes. It can be made in the shape of an oval, square, circle, boat, even a wine glass.

• Herring girl. Similar to a fish plate, but smaller. The usual format is 25x20 cm. It serves herring and canned fish.

• Caviar. In especially solemn and rich feasts, caviar is served as a separate dish. In this case, it needs its own dishes. The expensive product is offered on small plates (up to 15 cm in diameter).

• Egg. Deviled egg snacks are easy to make. At the same time, you can experiment with filling and decoration. A special container with indentations the size of eggs helps to effectively present it to guests.

• Saucer. Glasses for tea or coffee are only appropriate at home. In a formal setting, drinks are served in special cups and saucers. These are small flat plates from 10 to 20 cm.

• Socket. Dishes that become an additional decoration for tea drinking. Rosettes are deep containers for honey and jam. Their diameter is 10 cm.

With all the variety of items included in the service, it is obvious that its configuration has been carefully thought out.And each dish fulfills its purpose and helps the hostess and her guests feel comfortable during the feast.