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Entertaining & Dining

Dessert Plate

The dessert plate occupies a special place in the dining sequence, arriving after the table has been cleared of dinner courses and signaling the sweet conclusion to the meal. Typically measuring 7 to 8 inches in diameter, dessert plates are often the most decorative pieces in a dinnerware collection, featuring ornate borders, hand-painted designs, or distinctive shapes that celebrate the indulgent nature of the final course. In formal table settings, the dessert plate is pre-set above the dinner plate with the dessert fork and spoon flanking it, ready to be moved into position when the time comes. In more casual or modern settings, dessert plates are brought to the table fresh with the dessert already plated. The dessert course offers a final opportunity to impress guests, and a beautiful dessert plate provides the perfect stage for that final act of culinary and visual artistry.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓7 to 8 inch diameter
  • ✓Often more decorative than dinner plates
  • ✓Pre-set above dinner plate in formal settings
  • ✓Accompanied by dessert fork and spoon
  • ✓Suitable for cakes, pastries, and fruits
  • ✓Opportunity for pattern or color accent

Types & Variations

Round dessert plate
Square dessert plate
Scalloped edge plate
Glass dessert plate
Pedestal dessert dish

Common Materials

Fine chinaPorcelainGlassHand-painted ceramicGold or silver rimmedCrystal for special occasions

Works Well With These Styles

RomanticArt DecoVictorianModernEclectic

Placement & Usage Tips

In a formal setting, place the dessert plate centered above the dinner plate with the dessert spoon above it pointing left and the dessert fork below it pointing right. For casual service, simply bring plated desserts to the table after clearing the main course.

💡 Pro Tip

Collect vintage dessert plates from thrift stores and antique shops to build an eclectic set. Mismatched dessert plates in a shared color family create a charming, collected aesthetic that guests find delightful and that serves as a natural conversation starter.

Related Terms

Salad Plate

A smaller plate, usually 7 to 9 inches in diameter, used for serving salads, appetizers, or desserts as part of a multi-course meal.

Cake Stand

A raised pedestal platform used to display cakes, pastries, and desserts at an elevated height, serving both functional and decorative purposes.

Dinner Plate

The primary plate used for serving the main course, typically measuring 10 to 12 inches in diameter and forming the centerpiece of a place setting.

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