Plates: The Art Of Food Presentation

Made In is a brand of dinnerware that is crafted in Stoke-on-Trent, England, which has been home to the world's best china since the 1600s. The brand offers a range of plates, including dinner plates, bread and butter plates, and appetizer plates, in a variety of colours such as white, black, red, and navy. The plates are made of porcelain and are fully glazed, making them scratch-proof and stackable. They are also microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe, and oven-safe up to 580 degrees Fahrenheit. The plates are designed with a focus on durability and elegance, making them a perfect choice for both restaurants and home cooks.

Dinner Plates

Made In offers a set of four elegant 10" dinner plates that are crafted in Stoke-on-Trent, England, which has been home to the world's best china since the 1600s. The plates are white with a navy rim and are made of porcelain. They are described as "restaurant-quality" and "durable", with a one-year edge chip warranty. The plates are also microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven-safe up to 580 degrees Fahrenheit. They are fully glazed, which helps them retain their shine and protects their surfaces.

The plates are crafted with local clay and pottery traditions, creating high-quality alumina vitrified china that is known for its exceptional beauty and durability. The glaze covers the entire plate, including the bottom, to prevent scratching when stacked and to ensure no water absorption or bacteria buildup. The plates are also stackable and come with a 1-year no-chip guarantee.

The Made In dinner plates have received positive reviews, with customers praising their durability, elegance, and simplicity. The plates are also noted for their weight and smoothness, indicating their high quality. However, there have been some concerns about quality issues, specifically regarding "beauty marks" or imperfections caused by the coating process. Despite this, the plates are generally considered to be a good value and are expected to last for generations.

Appetizer Plates

Made In offers a set of four 8-inch appetizer plates crafted from high alumina vitrified china, making them durable and elegant. These plates are microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven safe (up to 580F). They are also fully glazed, which helps them retain their shine and protects them from scratches. The set retails for $69.00, with a one-year edge chip warranty.

Bloomingdales offers a range of appetizer plates, including sets by AERIN, Royal Albert, and Wedgwood. These plates come in a variety of patterns and designs, such as floral prints and scalloped edges, adding a chic and eclectic touch to your table setting.

Crate & Barrel also offers a wide selection of appetizer plates in various materials, including stone, porcelain, wood, and bamboo. Their appetizer plates come in different shapes, such as square and rectangular, and in various colours like white, grey, charcoal, and blue. They offer individual plates and sets ranging from four to twelve pieces.

Bread and Butter Plates

There are a variety of bread and butter plates available in the market, with different shapes, colours, and designs. For instance, the Blue Italian Bread and Butter Plates are a set of four 6.5-inch round blue and white plates made in England. The 10 Strawberry Street Silver Line bread and butter plates are another set of four 6.75-inch white plates with a silver border. Mikasa also offers a range of bread and butter plates, such as the Antique White set of four and the French Countryside plate.

In addition to these options, there are also holiday-themed bread and butter plates, such as the Set of 4 Red Buffalo Plaid Square Indoor Christmas Bread and Butter Plates, which are 6 inches in size. For those looking for a more elegant option, the Mikasa-Shimmer Vine Collection Bread & Butter Plate is a great choice, with its warm white colour and 6.75-inch size.

Plateware Material

Plateware is available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here is an overview of some common plateware materials:

Porcelain

Porcelain plateware offers a combination of strength and elegance. It is crafted from a type of ceramic that is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a durable and chip-resistant product. Porcelain plateware is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, with a smooth, glossy finish that can elevate the dining experience. This material is commonly used in restaurants due to its ability to withstand heavy use. Porcelain plateware is typically microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer-safe, making it a versatile and convenient option for both home cooks and professional chefs.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic plateware that is known for its durability and earthy aesthetic. It is made from a mixture of clay and other natural materials, which gives it a unique texture and appearance. Stoneware is often thicker and heavier than other types of plateware, giving it a substantial feel. This material is commonly glazed, which adds a layer of protection and can enhance its visual appeal. Stoneware is generally safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of porcelain that contains bone ash, giving it a unique translucent quality. It is known for its exceptional strength and durability despite its thin and lightweight construction. Bone china plateware often has a bright, creamy hue that adds elegance to the dining experience. This material is ideal for those who entertain frequently, as it combines sophistication with everyday functionality. Bone china is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, making it a versatile option for various culinary needs.

Vitrelle Glass

Vitrelle glass is a type of durable glass laminate used for plateware, known for its strength and shatter resistance. It is a lightweight material that is similar in appearance to porcelain but offers the benefits of glass. Vitrelle glass plateware is thin and stackable, making it a space-saving option for those with limited storage. This material is typically dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, although it should not be used for freezing liquids to avoid cracking. Vitrelle glass plateware often has a noticeable green hue, which may be a consideration when matching with other tableware.

Fully Vitrified Ceramic

Fully vitrified ceramic plateware undergoes a process of heating to high temperatures before being fired in a kiln, resulting in a strong and chip-resistant product. The vitrification process reduces the porosity of the material, creating a durable construction that is safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Fully vitrified ceramic plateware often features a fully glazed finish, which not only enhances its appearance but also provides scratch resistance and thermal shock protection. This type of plateware is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Plate Sizes

Side plates, which are perfect for adding colour and variety to your table setting, usually measure between 6 and 9 inches in diameter. They are versatile and can be used for serving side dishes, bread, or even as a breakfast or lunch plate. Bread and butter plates are similar in size, ranging from 6 to 7 inches in diameter, and are ideal for serving bread, butter, or small appetizers in fine dining establishments.

Dessert plates, also known as dessert dishes or saucers, are designed for individual servings of sweets. They typically measure around 6 to 8 inches in diameter, providing the perfect portion size for desserts without overwhelming your guests. These plates are often used interchangeably with appetizer plates, which measure around 4 to 7 inches in diameter, depending on the type of appetizer being served.

Salad plates are smaller than dinner plates, usually measuring between 7 and 8.5 inches in diameter, making them perfect for individual servings of salads, appetizers, or side dishes. They typically feature a raised rim to prevent food from spilling.

Soup plates are a cross between a dinner plate and a soup bowl, with a wider rim for displaying decorative details. They typically measure around 8 to 10 inches in diameter.

Serving plates or platters come in various shapes and sizes, from oval to round to scalloped, and can range from 8 to 20 inches in size. They are perfect for showcasing food at get-togethers or as a centrepiece on the dinner table.

Frequently asked questions