The Best Bread and Butter Plate

Buying Guide

Setting up a formal table makes the meal feel special. While you certainly don’t have to do it for everyday lunches, sometimes having all of the proper dinnerware just helps to bring a more sophisticated vibe to the meal. From dinner plates to side plates and saucers, there are a lot of things to consider. One such plate you don’t want to forget is the bread and butter plate.

As the name suggests, the bread and butter plate is used for eating bread and butter. While some people use the side plates for bread, in a formal table setting the bread has its own spot. Bread and butter plates are typically between eight and 11 inches in diameter, though some can be slightly smaller or larger. You don’t need to get bread and butter plates that match your dinnerware set. Many people choose complimentary colors and patters.

One of the most important things to think about when selecting bread and butter plates or any other kind of dinnerware is the material its made from. Fine china or porcelain are made from high-quality clays. They are on the costly end of the spectrum but they have a consistently superior quality. However, because they need to be hand washed, most people reserve these types of dishes for parties instead of using them for daily meals. For daily use, stoneware is a good option. these types of plates are highly durable. Plus, the material is thicker than fine china or porcelain, giving it more of a rustic or casual appeal that works well for most people.

• For some people, the weight of the dinnerware matters. This is especially important if you host meals often and find yourself carrying around stacks of dishes. Some materials, like bone china, are incredibly lightweight as compared to others like stoneware. However, contrary to what people may think, lighter plates aren’t less durable than heavier ones. Many light options are just as sturdy as their heavier counterparts.
• When it comes to the size of the bread and butter plate, it’s a good idea to make sure the size is in proportion to the rest of the dinnerware. For example, if you have large dinner plates, they may dwarf the smaller bread and butter plates. Instead, you may want to go with bread and butter plates that are on the larger end to match the other sizes of the dinnerware. Also consider the size of your flatware, especially the butter knives, when choosing the size of bread and butter plates and make sure they are proportional.
• When it comes to quantity, it all depends on your needs. If you have a dinnerware set with 12 plates, then you may also want to get 12 bread and butter plates so you have a full set. However, if you only entertain once in a while and never more than six guests, then consider just getting six bread and butter plates.
• While bread and butter are in their name, you aren’t limited to what you can serve on these plates. They also make excellent appetizer plates because of their size. You can also use them for dessert. Some people also use bread and butter plates as side plates.