====== Plates (The Essential Guide) ======

**Plates** are the fundamental vessels of dining, serving as the stage for culinary presentation. From the grand decorative charger to the humble bread plate, each type has a specific size, function, and placement on the table.

Understanding the hierarchy of plates is essential for setting a proper table, whether for a casual bistro lunch or a formal state dinner.

===== 1. The Anatomy of a Plate =====

  * **The Well (Verge)**: The center depression where food is placed.
  * **The Rim**: The flat outer edge. In formal dining, the rim acts as a frame for the food and a place for the server to hold the plate without touching the meal.
  * **Coupe Shape**: A modern style where the plate has no distinct rim, curving gently upward. This offers a larger surface area for food and is common in contemporary restaurants.

===== 2. Types of Plates by Size & Function =====

^ Type ^ Diameter (Approx.) ^ Function & Placement ^
| **Charger Plate** (Service Plate) | 30–33 cm (12–13") | A decorative base plate. Never used for food directly. It remains on the table until the main course is served. |
| **Dinner Plate** | 25–28 cm (10–11") | The workhorse of the table. Used for the main entrée. |
| **Luncheon Plate** | 22–24 cm (9") | Slightly smaller than a dinner plate, used for lighter meals or breakfast buffets. |
| **Salad / Dessert Plate** | 20–22 cm (8") | Used for salads (before the main) or desserts (after the main). |
| **Bread & Butter Plate** (B&B) | 15–17 cm (6") | The smallest plate, always placed at the **top left** of the setting (above the forks). |

===== 3. Style Guide: Rim vs. Coupe =====

  * **Rimmed Plates**:
    * *Vibe:* Formal, Traditional, Elegant.
    * *Best for:* Saucy dishes (the rim keeps liquids contained) and banquets.
    * *Brands:* [[:en:brands:wedgwood|Wedgwood]], [[:en:brands:lenox|Lenox]].
  
  * **Coupe Plates**:
    * *Vibe:* Modern, Minimalist, Casual.
    * *Best for:* Artistic plating, pasta, and "farm-to-table" aesthetics.
    * *Brands:* [[:en:brands:heath_ceramics|Heath Ceramics]], [[:en:brands:villeroy_and_boch|Villeroy & Boch]].

===== 4. Care and Storage =====

  * **Stacking**: To prevent scratching the glaze, place a felt divider or a paper napkin between plates when stacking, especially for [[:en:materials:bone_china|Bone China]] or plates with metallic rims.
  * **Microwave Safety**: Always check for gold or platinum rims. Metallic accents will spark and damage the microwave.

---
**See Also:**
  * [[:en:materials:porcelain|Porcelain vs. Stoneware]]
  * [[:en:guides:table_setting|Visual Guide to Plate Placement]]

{{tag>items plates dinnerware guide sizes}}