Plates for Home & Kitchen
The evolution of plates is interesting and modern. In ancient times people ate from leaves, seashells or half gourds. When clay was discovered pottery dinnerware was used. The early trenchers made of earthenware, wood, metal or hard bread was used until 16th century. The bread trenchers was the most popular.
Bread trenchers were made by carving out breads to hold sauces, salt, meat and even as candleholders. At the end of each meal these bread would be either eaten or given to the poor. A small clean trencher would be served with cheese and delicacies. This was the dessert trencher.
In Middle Age, pewter plates were used by those who could afford it. Pewter plates were not suitable as it cause lead leakage when in contact with acidic foods like lemon or tomatoes.
Plates- Type
With the passing of time, technology progressed and plates as we know now were made. Plates of almost all known metals are made to suit the style, taste, design and type of cuisine around the world. Some common types of plates are:
Glass plates
- Popular material for plates cause it is affordable and easy to clean. These glass plates are available in simple design for daily use or elaborate designs for special occasions. You can even choose from coloured options. Moreover these glass plates are dishwasher safe too.
Ceramic plates
- Another most popular and common type of plates used everyday. They are durable and versatile. These plates can be extremely decorative for special occasions or common for daily usage.
The wide range and variety make it extremely popular and appealing. While ceramic is broad term and can be used for other type of plates like stoneware and earthenware.
-
Stoneware-
Technically it falls under the ceramic section but categorically it has carved its own niche. Stoneware plates are common and quite durable. They are scratch resistant, making it ideal for daily use.
Clay is the basic material to create these plates. It gives these plates distinct and rustic charm.
-
Earthenware plates-
They are somewhat similar to stoneware plates. Earthenware plates are more coarse and have a glaze on them. The glaze helps artisans for creating more intricate designs on these plates.
The standard earthenware plates are usually solid colours. They are ideal for daily use and affordable. These plates are attractive and multipurpose. Some earthenware plates have tin enamelled coating allowing beautiful colours in its application. This versatile plates are perfect for your home.
-
Melamine-
This is an organic type of chemical, people use when making plastic products. Many of the plates we think are plastic is actually melamine. These plates are easy to design and look attractive. Many floral designs and carton character designs can be seen on these plates. They are appealing and can withstand high amount of wear and tear. So it is best suited for children too.
Melamine should not be used in microwave. It will start melting in high temperature. But it is dishwasher safe.
Steel plates-
Ceramic and glass plates are fragile while plastic plates may contain toxic chemicals or the risk of leaching in ageing plastics. This makes stainless steel the most popular material for plates. Stainless steel plates should be made of 18/10 or 18/8 grade of steel. They are lightweight and durable. They usually do not leach chemicals in food like plastic.
Bamboo plates-
These eco friendly, biodegradable plates add natural vibes to your table. Their unique appeal makes it possible to reuse bamboo plates multiple times. This is possible if you are hand washing them. These plates cannot be cleaned in dishwasher as it will break it. Either using it single or multiple times they are affordable. Bamboo plates are usually not used for fine dining but they impart a unique charm
Paper plates-
They are the best option in disposable plates. Commonly used in large gatherings like birthday parties, picnics. It is convenient as you can use these plates and throw them without worrying about washing. This has lead many people avoiding the use of it as it is not environmentally friendly. Plus, because of its humble make, it is not impressive.
Disposable plastic plates-
These affordable plates are not environmental friendly. They are more sturdy than paper plates and were used for large gatherings.
Silicone plates-
They are made of 100% food grade silicone. These plates do not leach chemicals and are non toxic. Silicone plates are both flexible and durable. But it is best to avoid it for microwave as heating produces chemical gas, VOC or volatile organic compound associated with paint fumes.
Plates- Style
Our modest plates have been styled innumerable times to suit people all over the globe. Some of these styles are:
Clear glass plates-
Most common type of plates. These plates looks beautiful in any setting. They are convenient and can be purchased in numerous sizes and shapes.
Coloured glass plates-
They have elegant appeal. The exquisite colouring of many of these plate showcases aesthetic sense of its owner. You can purchase these glass plates in various colours of your choice and style.
Multi Coloured glass plates-
Glass plates with multiple colours on them. It will be either subdued feature with simple splashes of colours or interesting artistic pieces with eye catching colour combination. They are perfect for any dinner setting.
Recycled glass plates-
The glass obtained from various sources is repurposed to make elegant glass plates. As we are becoming more conscious of the environment, recycled products are gaining recognition. A mix of both clear and colour or other combination can be used to make this. The designs are amazing that it cannot be rejected.
China-
It is usually made of clay, quartz, feldspar and some other materials to give its artistic feature. They are delicate and have so much elegance that these plates are used only for special occasions. The only problem is that these plates are not practical. They are more to be admired than to be used.
Bone China-
These plates are made of calcified bones that is bones of certain animals are incinerated to make a powder used in making these plates. It is more fine than other types of china’s. This thinnes makes it more durable than other China types. The bones used in making these plates adds increased durability. But you still have to be careful with your bone China.
Bone China is usually white as milk in colour. They look apart from other China varieties. At some places it is referred to as Ivory China but it is the same thing.
Fine China-
The most delicate of all type of China. The aesthetic elegance is highly appreciated. These fine China plates have an artistic appeal in them. These plates usually cost you fair sum of money. Some people like it as a display item. It is also referred to as porcelain China.
Traditional stoneware plates-
They are most commonly used and are characterised by being thick and durable. They are ideal for daily use. They are available in numerous colours and designs. Plus, they are affordable.
Fine stoneware plates-
They are more decorative than the traditional ones. Many of them are available in attractive designs. They are more delicate than traditional ones but not fragile like fine China.
Tin glazed earthenware plates-
The glaze allows standard earthenware plates to become more attractive and durable.
Creamware-
This type of earthenware features a characteristic cream colour. Transparent type of glaze is used when these plates are made to allow the natural cream colour of the ware to shine. It looks classy and can be used daily. They are not expensive.
Size of plates
Plates need to suit a specific purpose as large plates cannot be used for starters so a 6 inch plate will look restricted for main course. So it is important to identify the purpose which your plates need to meet and then consider the best size. Some common plate types which are available in LimeRoad are:
Saucer- Usually 5 ½ - 6 ½ inch in diameter. The size is dictated by cup or mug which has to snuggly fit the foot of the cup.
Appetiser plate- Smallest plate on dining table, usually 4-5 inch in diameter. Used for serving appetisers and petite items.
Side plate- 6-7 inch in size and can be used from serving bread to placing napkins.
Starter plates- It is served on 7-8 inch plate. Also used for serving salads.
Dessert plate- Typically between 8-10 inch in size.
Dinner plate- Standard dinner plates has a diameter of 10.5 inch. This has increased to 11- 12 inch.
Related search terms: plate, melamine plates, decorative plates, dinner plates, ceramic plates
