Meet the Plates – Discover the Captivating World of Porcelain Plates

A plate is far more than just a surface on which food is served. It is a stage – and often a silent companion to special moments. In its form and function, it reflects not only the dining culture of its time but also history, craftsmanship, and social change. Even in ancient times, flat dishes made of wood, clay, or metal were used as a base for meals. During the Middle Ages, it was common to use loaves of bread as makeshift plates – they absorbed the juices of the food and were either eaten or discarded afterwards. It was not until the development of fine porcelain in China and its introduction to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries that the plate, as we know it today, experienced its cultural flourishing. Porcelain quickly became a symbol of prosperity and exquisite table culture.

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Bread Plate – Tradition and Etiquette

In classical European table settings, the bread plate has its fixed place – to the left and slightly above the main plate. Historically, it recalls the medieval custom of serving bread separately. Today, it symbolises an attention to detail and refined table culture.

Appetiser Plate – The Elegant Beginning

Smaller plates, typically between 18 and 22 cm in diameter, are designed for starters, salads, or light intermediate courses. Their role is to awaken curiosity for the main course and bring visual variety to the table setting.

Dinner Plate – The Centrepiece of the Menu

The classic dinner plate is the heart of any place setting. With a diameter of around 24–28 cm, it offers ample space for main dishes and their accompaniments. In sophisticated table culture, the dinner plate is also an aesthetic statement – presenting the dish in a way that allows colours, textures, and composition to shine.

Dessert Bowl – A Stage for Small Moments of Happiness

Desserts are small works of art – and find their perfect form in an elegant dessert bowl. Whether delicate creams, sorbets, or parfaits: depending on the design, the bowl creates its own distinctive accent. Variants with a stem or in a coupe shape elevate the dessert visually and lend it a festive appearance. With a capacity of around 150 to 300 ml, dessert bowls offer enough space for refined textures, fruity toppings, and playful layers of height. They unite indulgence and presentation – giving the sweet finale a stylish frame.

Service Plate – The Stage for Everything Else

The service plate remains beneath the place setting throughout the entire meal. It is larger than all other plates and serves as a decorative base that lends the table a festive look and highlights the service line. Its effect is almost like a picture frame for the menu. Every plate is a reflection of its time: in its shape, material, and décor, we see cultural trends, technical progress, and social values. From the lavishly painted Rococo plate to contemporary minimalist design – plates are silent storytellers of history and lifestyle.