Serving Ware: Set Out a Feast for the Eyes and Give Your Food the Spotlight

You know how in movies and TV shows they always seem to have set the perfect dining table? Everything is so meticulously arranged and esthetically pleasing that you just can’t help but envy their dining experience. Seriously though, who wouldn’t want that? Sure enough, we’d all like to feel a little fancy every now and then. And yes, while we’re sure the food you make is delicious, presentation matters as well.

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Whether you’re planning a little get-together with friends or you just want to enjoy a nice meal with family members, the way the food is organised on the table can truly affect the overall mood. Setting the table according to your preferences will not only improve your overall dining experience but it’s also a way for you to express your personality and style.

Having a well-stocked kitchen with the appropriate serving ware is the key to achieving a wonderfully decorated dining table. Just make sure that you get things that are both functional and practical and items that you’ll actually use. Let’s be real for a second, how often would you actually need a fancy cake plate or an oversized condiment bowl? That’s right, probably never. The good news is, we’ll help you figure out exactly what is included in serving ware and which items you’ll actually use for your dinner table.

What Servingware Items Do You Need?

Serving Bowls

It’s virtually impossible to talk about essential serving ware items without mentioning serving bowls. Shallow bowls have a large flat base which is perfect for serving solid foods as opposed to the deep bowls which are more suitable for soft foods.

Serving bowls are quite versatile and can complement your tableware in many different ways. You can use small serving bowls for appetizers such as nuts and chips whereas the midsize bowls are suitable for any side dishes such as salads and even fresh fruit. Leave out the large serving bowls to house the main dish and let it be the centrepiece of your dining table.

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Serving Platters

These days, serving platters come in a variety of shapes but the most popular ones are either round or rectangular. Round platters, with their minimalistic and contemporary circular shape, are commonly used for serving meat, fish and roasted vegetables. And on the other side of the servingware spectrum, you have the rectangular platters which are an elegant way of showcasing your latest desserts and cookie decorations.

It’s a good idea to have at least two serving platters in your arsenal just in case. You can increase the number up to 5 if you’re planning on welcoming a larger group to accommodate their needs and go beyond simply serving food.

Serving Utensils

The most widely-used serving tools include a pair of salad tongs, serving spoons and serving forks. Remember to have different ones for the salad, the main dish as well as dessert. And if your guests are fans of cheese, they might appreciate a set of cheese knives.

Serving Tray

Serving trays are quite convenient for transporting plates, bowls as well as coffee cups from one room to another. Their multi-purpose and portable design makes them a must-have tableware item for all households. Some even have foldable legs so you can easily use them to surprise your significant other with breakfast in bed.

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Types of Serveware Materials

Now that we’ve considered the fundamental tableware elements, let’s have a quick look at the most common materials that are used to make them.

Stoneware

Most stoneware items are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe which makes them easy to use and maintain. They’re quite sturdy and durable too so if you’re a somewhat clumsy cook, you still won’t be able to damage them that easily. Stoneware also has an inherently non-stick surface which will make the cooking process much more efficient since you’ll save money on oils and non-stick sprays.

Porcelain

Despite having a more delicate appearance, porcelain serveware is highly resistant to chipping and scratches. Because porcelain is exposed to high temperatures during its creation, it shows great levels of heat resistance and is perfect for microwave and oven use. It also comes in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes, more so than any other tableware material.

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Wood

As a non-reactive and non-corrosive material, wood is the go-to options for those that want to be eco-friendly and save the environment. And if by any chance you drop it to the floor, it’s highly unlikely that it’ll break. And lastly, wood has always been associated with the warmth and comfort of a family meal so of course, you’d feel inclined to get it.

Things to Consider When Buying Tableware

Okay, so you have an idea of what you want to get. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making a purchase.

Storage Space

Look, we get it, those dinner plates look breathtakingly beautiful and you just want to get your hands on them. Or, you simply can’t stop thinking about that fancy serving platter with a spiral design. There’s nothing wrong with that. But what’s the point of getting them if you don’t have enough storage space or they don’t fit in your kitchen cabinets? Make sure to think rationally and make smart decisions on the type of serveware you’re getting to truly reap the benefits of an enjoyable dining experience.

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Open Stock Purchases for Greater Customisation

You don’t have to buy a ready-made set of servingware. Look for open stock purchases that let you mix and match the bowls and plates in a way that allows you freedom of expression that is so uniquely you.

Setting the Right Mood

Having the appropriate serveware is set to complement the visual aspects of the food as well as the general theme of the dinner. Try to get the best of both worlds by avoiding anything too colourful or too plain. You can even show off with a handy set of bartending accessories and treat your guests to homemade alcoholic drinks and cocktails that will make their tastebuds tingle. Now that’s an experience they will never forget.