We need plates that express the presentation style, cuisine, and portion size of a menu. It’s important to identify the specific purposes that which of your plates need to fulfill and then pick the best ones to meet those requirements. This begs the question, how a dinner plate size should be considered and used in our daily life. As well as, the things we must be aware of before acquiring a new set of dinner plates.
History of Dinner Plates and Sizes
We should first glance at the brief history of the dinner plates and their sizes. The size of an average dinner plate has increased by almost 25% since the 1900s.
In the 1960s a dinner plate size had a diameter of 8.5-9 inches. Those plates were capable of holding around 800 calories.
In the 1980s the size of a dinner plate got bigger, 10 inches in diameter, and was capable of holding 1000 calories on it (20% kcal increase).
The size of a dinner plate in the 2000s grew an inch from the 1980s diameter into 11 inches. It held about 1600 calories (35% kcal increment). By the year 2009 and post the size of a dinner plate in diameter is 12 inches. Capable of holding 1900-2000 calories on that plate (15% kcal increase).
Now with all of this information, one must wonder what if we change the size of a dinner plate into various diameters depending on the food we serve, the occasion, or the culture we are in!
Well, that has brought us to the next point where we will be getting to know the different sizes of dinner plates.
Different Types of Dinner Plates
1. Dinner Plate:
Which is used for main courses. An average dinner plate sizes 11 or 12 inches across. The most used plate during any entire meal and usually comes out after the salad. It is the plate usually resting just above the charger. It is allowed to be used as the same plates for both lunch and dinner.
2. Dessert Plate:
A dessert plate is usually used at formal and informal banquets. The dessert plate is usually called the luncheon plate by craftsmen. This plate is quite diverse. It can be used for snacks, appetizers, and desserts. It is only about 18 cm in diameter. Usually used at formal occasions such as parties, weddings, and others.
3. Bread and Butter Plate:
A.k.a the BnB plate is used to put bread and butter. This plate is also known as a quarter plate or side plate because it is usually placed next to the fork. BnB plate is more like a tea saucer. The difference is that it has a small size among all other sizes of dinner plates, which is about 15 cm in diameter.
4. Soup Plate:
A soup plate has a different shape than other types of dishes. Because they are used for containing watery food such as soup. The shape follows the main function of a soup container. The top of the plate has an arch-like bowl. There are differences between the types of soup plates for formal meals and informal meals. Formal dinner soup plate is usually shorter in height. Standard soup plate size can be 9-10 inches in diameter where the plate rim can be 1-2 inches in diameter.
5. Salad Plate:
The salad plate itself has a round shape with two types of different sizes. The first type of large size of about 22 cm, and the other of small size of about 20 cm. Do not get confused about the type of plate for salads and ordinary dishes as the salad plate has a larger size than the type of bread and butter plate.
6. Appetizer Plate:
An appetizer plate is a type of plate that is available in sizes that are quite diverse. Sizes start from 17 cm. This plate usually have no indentation and have a curved tip. This plate is almost similar to a BnB plate, it is just slightly bigger than the BnB plate. It can be used to serve an appetizer such as cheeses or fruits.
Now with all of these plates how can we decorate or set them on the table? Let’s discuss that quickly too!
How To Decorate Dinner Plates
The dinner plate always resides on the bottom of the pile. Sometimes on top of a charger which is the bottom plate in this case. The salad plate will be on top of the dinner plate. On top of the salad plate, the soup bowl should be placed. The BnB plate should be placed on the top left corner of the dinner plate with necessary cutleries.
Now, all different types of plates, and they are arranged may slightly differ depending on the preference of the foods that are being served and also the formality of the occasion itself. Since the arrangement of the plating can give you a sense of the occasion, it can also tell you about the number of food one about to consume.
So, how the size of a dinner plate can be a measurement of the calorie intake in your daily life? Let’s dive in!!
If we use a strategy for keeping a balanced diet by opting to fill half of the plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains.
A 9-inch will hold 519 calories and a 12-inch dinner plate will hold 779 calories. So, you will be cutting down on 260 calories. Around 750 calories per day and 5250 calories per week. Note that, 3500 calories is equal to a pound. So just by downsizing the meal and the dinner plate size, we’re cutting 1.5 pounds per week.
Now, of course, the weight loss depends on many other factors other than your diet but nonetheless, it has the potential to make a significant impact on weight loss.
How To Keep Dinner Plates Warm
Now, that we’ve discussed the relationship between usage of the right size of the dinner plate and your possibility to maintain a healthy food portion, we can now talk about serving a delicious meal on that dinner plate. Yes, the ways to keep our dinner plates warm before serving food on them easily.
1. Oven heating:
Stack plates in the oven from 140°F to 190°F (60°C to 90°C) for about 15 minutes. But careful though, avoid heating plates up to 175°F (80°C) as you can burn yourself by touching plates that are too hot. Some ovens specifically designed to keep dishes hot before serving.
2. Microwave heating:
Another way is to use the Microwave for 2 minutes at maximum power, with a cup or glass of water on top. Never switch on your microwave without some water as it might damage the plates.
3. Hot Water:
You can also use hot water in the sink and cover the plates with the water for 5 minutes, then pat dry the plates before using them.
Final Words
Now, a fun way to bring color to your home, you can use dinner plates as a decoration too! For an easy way to draw images and messages, try to use permanent markers. Bake-on ceramic paints are a great way to create longer-lasting art on a dinner plate.
Also, we can use the decoupage glue to cover the plates in paper patterns. No matter what remember to choose, decorate the plates which will not be used to eat off of to avoid accidentally ingesting the materials.
