Materials

Plates are commonly made from ceramic materials such as bone china, porcelain, and stoneware, as well as other materials like plastic, glass, or metal; occasionally, wood or carved stone is used. Disposable plates, which are often made from paper pulp, were invented in 1904. Also melamine resin or tempered glass such as Corelle can be used.

Size and type

Plates for serving food come in a variety of sizes and types, such as:^[2]

• Saucer - a small plate with an indentation for a cup
• Appetizer, dessert, salad plate, and side plates - vary in size from 4 to 9 inches
• Bread and butter plate - small (about 6-7 inches) for individual servings
• Dinner plates - large (10-12 inches), including buffet plates which tend to be larger (11-14 inches)
• Platters - oversized dishes from which food for several people may be distributed at table
• Decorative plates - for display rather than used for food. Commemorative plates have designs reflecting a particular theme.
• Charger - a decorative plate placed under a separate plate used to hold food, larger (13-14 inches)

Plates can be any shape, but almost all have a rim to prevent food from falling off the edge. They are often white or off-white, but can be any color, including patterns and artistic designs. Many are sold in sets of identical plates, so everyone at a table can have matching tableware. Styles include:

• Round - the most common shape, especially for dinner plates and saucers
• Square - more common in Asian traditions like sushi plates or bento, and to add modern style.
• Coupe - a round dish with a smooth, round, steep curve up to the rim (as opposed to rims that curve up then flatten out)
• Food-themed artwork is common