How to select the right size serving platter?

A platter is essential in any kitchen. It is used for serving any meal or snacks. It is important to get a good size serving platter for it to be visually appealing and fit comfortably on the table. It should also be easy to get around to people. Serving platters come in different sizes which is why it is important to get the right size for the occasion. Practical ways to help you choose the right size serving platter are discussed now. 

Think About the Food Type and Amount  

When picking serving platters the first thing you should think about is the type of food that you are going to serve on it. Small platters work for finger  sandwiches, appetizers, or fruit slices. They are also good for keeping snacks compact and grabbing easily. You are also able to fill it so it does not look sparse. Mgvillage's small platters are great for casual get-togethers for serving 2-4 people. Main dishes, for example, roasted chicken, a medium 12-14 inch serving chicken platter is best. It will also give you space to add small side items like herbs or sauce to the platter.

When it comes to family style meals or large gatherings (6+ people), a large serving platter (16-18 inches) is essential to hold large portions of food such as a whole turkey breast, a stack of burgers, or a large bowl of pasta. For each platter, it is important to estimate the amount of food to avoid overcrowding the platter or wasting space. 

Match the Size of the Serving Platter to Table Space  

The right serving platter size is determined by the size of your dining table as well; you don’t want a platter too big to fit or a platter too small to be of any help. For small dining tables (seating 2-4 people), a medium serving platter (12-14 inches) is the maximum size to avoid overcrowding. This allows food to be placed, along with plates, bowls, and glasses, around the dining table and prevents the table from feeling cluttered. mgvillage’s medium serving platters are designed to be slim, which is perfect for small tables since it can hold enough food while taking up little space. For medium tables (seating 4-6 people), you can use a combination of medium and large serving platters; use one large platter (16 inches) for the main dish and a medium one for sides. For large dining tables (seating 6+ people), large serving platters (16-18 inches) are perfect, and you can even add a few small platters for snacks or condiments.

To avoid making your table feel cramped, consider your table size before purchasing a serving platter. Ensure you have a minimum of 6 inches of empty table space around your serving platter. This makes your table seem uncluttered and keeps your serving platter easily accessible. Everyone will reach food easily.

Consider The Number of Guests You’ll Be Serving 

When deciding on the size of your serving platter, the number of people you will serve is always a main consideration. For small, intimate meals with 1-2 people, a small serving platter of 8-10 inches will hold a portion of steak, veggies and a side of potatoes. This is pleasant and cozy, and helps to avoid waste. Small serving platters  by mgvillage designed for small meals are really nice. For family dinners with 3-4 people, you can use a medium serving platter (12-14 inches) as well. You can serve a main dish along with a side dish and it reduces the number of dishes to wash. For gatherings of 5 or more, you will need a large serving platter (16-18 inches) for it to be effective with food that needs serving. You won’t have to refill the platter many times.

If you regularly entertain large crowds, think about purchasing a few different sized serving platters from mgvillage, so you have flexible options for different size gatherings.  

Think About Where To Store Your Serving Platter  

Make sure you think about where the serving platter will be stored. Choosing a size that will fit into your cupboards will save you some frustration in the future. Small serving platters (8-10 inches) are easy to stow away, as most of your kitchen cupboards, even the small ones, will have room for them. They can be stacked with other plates or platters. Storage will be even more simple with mgvillage’s small serving platters as they are lightweight and stackable. Medium serving platters (12-14 inches) will take a bit more room, but will still be able to fit in either your upper or lower cabinets. Large serving platters (16-18 inches) will take even more room, so measure your cabinet shelves before purchasing to make sure they will fit. If your storage is tight, look for mgvillage’s nesting serving platters. They stack inside each other, taking even less space. Selecting a serving platter that will fit in your storage space will ensure accessibility, and you will be able to use it rather than letting sit in a box.  

Balance Function and Aesthetics   

You will also want to ensure the serving platter looks good while still being functional, in addition to size.

If a serving platter is too small, your food will look cramped, and if it’s too large, it will make small portions look sparse and unappetizing. At mgvillage, we try to make serving platters that will help you balance food function and aesthetics in your presentation. Take a medium serving platter, for instance. It is designed to allow you to serve food without it sliding off, while also looking sleek and minimally designed to add elegance to your table. If you’re serving a medley of colorful food, like a fruit salad or roasted vegetables, a serving platter in white or another neutral color will enhance their look. A bigger serving platter is helpful in more formal occasions. It will help balance the table and have your guests focus on the food. By balancing the looks and function of the platter, you will create a pleasant serving experience for your guests.

Conclusion

Choosing a serving platter involves taking into consideration many factors, including the food type and amount, the number of guests, table size, and the storage space available. At mgvillage, we have serving platters in small (8–10 inches), medium (12–14 inches), and large (16–18 inches) sizes, so there should be an ideal size for your situation.

Using a well-sized serving platter can help you organize meals, make them more enjoyable, and increase their visual appeal, even if you're hosting a small dinner for two or a large count of friends.