Platters & Serving Plates
Platters and serving plates are large, flat or shallow-rimmed pieces used for sharing dishes, buffets and food presentation across hotels, pubs and restaurants, typically ranging from 30cm oval platters up to 50cm+ banqueting platters. The key buying consideration is size relative to the sharing menu or buffet volume, plus material — porcelain, slate or stainless steel — for the presentation style wanted. “Serving platters” is the plain buyer term.
Related: Plates & Platters · Serving Bowls · Serving Dishes & Ramekins · Dinner Plates
Buying guides: Buffet and Sharing-Style Tableware
Key specifications
Platters and serving plates run large, from around 30cm oval platters up to 50cm-plus banqueting pieces, for sharing dishes, buffets and food presentation. Porcelain and stoneware give a refined look for plated sharing, stainless steel handles heat-lamp and chafing displays and resists chipping under heavy buffet turnover, and slate or wood boards feature where a rustic presentation is wanted. Oval, round and rectangular shapes each suit different layouts. The key choice is size relative to the sharing menu and the space on the pass or buffet, with stackable ranges easing storage in hotels, pubs and event catering.
Platters & Serving Plates — FAQs
What size platter suits a sharing starter for a table of four?
A 30-35cm oval or rectangular platter typically suits a sharing starter for three to four guests, giving enough surface area to arrange food without overcrowding.
Porcelain, slate or wood platters for presentation?
Porcelain platters are the most practical and dishwasher-safe option for daily service; slate and wood boards are popular for premium sharing-plate presentation in gastropubs but require more careful hand-washing and maintenance.
