Dinnerware

When most people hear the word dinner plate they quickly associate the word with the object. However, there are many table top pieces that are not used on a regular basis that may leave you scrathing your head. Use this guide to help identify those pieces that you may or may not be familiar with.

Dinnerware

• Dinner Plate - This 9"-11" plate is used for the main course and can be bought as an open stock piece or part of a 5 piece place setting.
• Salad Plate - This 6"-8" plate is used for salads or desserts and can be bought as an open stock piece or part of a 5 piece place setting.
• Bread & Butter Plate - This 5"-7" plate is used for bread or to serve butter and can be bought as an open stock piece or part of a 5 piece place setting.
• Teacup - This cup, used for tea or coffee, comes in a flat or footed style and can usually be purchased as open stock or part of a 5 piece place setting.
• Teacup Saucer - This saucer is used with its matching teacup and is also available for puchase in open stock or as part of a 5 piece place setting.
• Demitasse Cup - This smaller cup, also known as an after dinner cup, is typically used for stonger drinks like espresso.
• Demitasse Saucer - This after dinner saucer compliments the smaller size of the demitasse cup.
• Soup Bowl - This dish is not only used for soup, but can also be used to serve cereal, pasta, and salad. Some manufacturers offer this piece as part of a 4 or 5 piece place setting in place of the bread and butter plate.
• Mug - A mug is a perfect way to enjoy a coffee or tea in the morning or a delicious cup of hot cocoa when its cold outside!
• Accent Plate - This 8"-12" plate is used for a variety of purposes, but its main draw is that it offers a more detailed and dramatic pattern than other pieces in a collection.

Serving Pieces

• Cake / Pie Dish - These are used to display cakes, desserts, and appetizers.
• Carafe - A wide-mouthed glass or metal bottle with a lip or spout, for holding and serving beverages
• Charger - This piece is also known as an underplate or chopplate. Food is not actually serverd on a charger and is often placed under a soup bowl or dinner plate.
• Cheese Board - Cheese boards are usually designed so that they can double as a cutting board and a serving tray for cheese and crackers.
• Coffee Server - This beverage server is inteded for coffee, and is usually taller and more slender than a teapot.
• Completer Set - This combination set of serving pieces usually includes a serving bowl, platter, sugar bowl, and creamer.
• Covered Butter Dish - This piece is a great way to serve your butter.
• Covered Serving Dish - This dish can be used to serve hot or cold dishes, and a lid with a handle.
• Creamer - This dish is used for serving cream and flavored syrups for coffee and tea.
• Divided Serving Dish -This two sided dish is divided to serve two sides
• Gravy Boat - This dish is used for serving gravies and sauces. Some gravy boats also have a matching saucer to catch any drips.
• Hostess Tray - This dish is used to serve appetizers and desserts.
• Pitcher - A container usually with a spout or a lip used for holding and pouring liquids.
• Platter - This dish can be used to serve meats, vegetables, bread, fruits, cheeses, or anything that can fit the space. They typically range in size from 12" to 20".
• Ramekin - This dish is typically used for serving creme brulee, cheese dishes, souflee, or condiments to be served with an entree.
• Relish Tray - This dish is used to serve condiments or appetizers and sometimes comes with multiple sections which help to organize your food.
• Salad Bowl - This is dish is used to serve salad and usually holds at least 28 oz.
• Serving Bowl - This dish is used to serve anything you need to dish out, whether its pasta, salad, vegetables, casseroles, breads or fruits.
• Spoon Rest - This item is a place to lay a spoon or other cooking utensils so that your countertops stay clean.
• Sugar Bowl - This item is used to serve sugar or sweeteners.
• Teapot - This beverage server is inteded for tea, and is usually shorter and stouter than a coffee pot.
• Trivet - This is item is used to protect your table from hot items that have just come out of the microwave or oven.
• Utensil Crock - This item is a fantastic way to keep your kitchen utensils organized, and creates an interesting counter top decoration!