Plates and Trays for the Table

Characteristics and types

Flat and soup plates: sizes and formats

Flat plates with a diameter between 23 and 27 cm are ideal for main courses, pasta dishes and elaborate presentations. The Saturnia Piatto Piano Roma porcelain flat plate in white 23.5 cm is a solid choice for daily use or in restaurants: compact material, regular edges, easy to stack. Soup plates — such as the Saturnia Siviglia 22 cm or the ROSE & TULIPANI Concerto Avorio Soup 21 cm — accommodate soups, pasta in broth and risotto. Dessert and fruit plates, smaller in size, complete the table setting for cheeses, desserts or appetisers.

For themed tables, the pizza plates in melamine by Regalo Italiano (diameter 33 cm) are specially designed to enhance presentation: low rim, generous diameter, resistant to impact.

Serving trays: rectangular, round and oval

Rectangular trays are practical for appetisers, canapés and finger food; round ones are better suited to sweet buffets and mixed boards. The Regalo Italiano Lemon Melamine Rectangular Tray (48×28 cm) is a versatile choice for large gatherings. Melamine trays with marine motifs — such as the Starfish Tray 27×27 cm or the Fish Tray 11×22 cm — work well on summer tables, on a terrace or by the pool.

Bowls and complementary containers

Bowls complete the table for salads, snacks, sauces and cold soups. The Regalo Italiano Shell Bowls (diameter 12 cm, available in red and blue) are made of durable melamine, suitable for both outdoor and indoor daily use. The GUZZINI Blues Risotto Pot (32.5×23 cm, melamine) is instead designed to serve shared courses with a refined aesthetic.

How to choose plates and trays

Based on material

• Porcelain: resistant, translucent, dishwasher safe and microwave compatible. Saturnia and ROSE & TULIPANI offer both classic and decorated collections. Suitable for family lunch, formal dinners, gifts for special occasions.
• Ceramic: more porous, often glazed, with vibrant finishes. Ideal for rustic or Mediterranean tables. ROSE & TULIPANI offers floral and geometric patterns that can be coordinated.
• Melamine: lightweight, durable, unbreakable. Regalo Italiano and GUZZINI provide good coverage in this category. Perfect for outdoor summer use, picnics, families with children. Not suitable for oven or microwave.
• Tempered glass: transparent, modern, resistant to temperature changes. Ideal for minimalist presentations and contemporary tables.

Would you like to complete your table service? Pair the plates with glasses and table accessories for a coordinated table setting.

Based on the occasion

• Daily use: white Saturnia porcelain or monochromatic Regalo Italiano melamine. Practical, stackable, easy to wash.
• Sunday lunch or holidays: ROSE & TULIPANI Concerto Avorio in ceramic, with elegant and coordinating patterns.
• Outdoor and summer: GUZZINI melamine or Regalo Italiano marine-themed trays. Lightweight, colourful, impact resistant.
• Buffet and events: large rectangular or round melamine trays for generous servings. Pair with cutlery and table accessories for a complete table setting.
• Gift and present: ceramic or porcelain table sets from ROSE & TULIPANI, also available individually.

Based on your table style

Minimalist and monochromatic lines (white, black, grey) match any tablecloth. Botanical, floral or geometric patterns require a neutral tablecloth or place mat to avoid visual confusion. Mixing and matching different materials works well if you maintain colour consistency: for example white porcelain + coloured ceramic bowls + wooden or neutral melamine tray.

To complete your table from top to bottom, also explore kitchen and table knives and cups and mugs for home and table for breakfast and evening gatherings.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about plates and trays

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures: it is more compact, translucent and impermeable. Ceramic is generally more porous, often glazed, and offers a greater variety of vibrant colours and patterns. Both are suitable for food use and normally dishwasher safe. Saturnia works with porcelain, ROSE & TULIPANI offers ceramic collections.

Is melamine safe for food?

Yes: certified food-grade melamine — such as that used by GUZZINI and Regalo Italiano — is safe for contact with cold and lukewarm food. It is not suitable for oven or microwave. It is the most practical choice for outdoor use, picnics and tables with children, thanks to its impact resistance and lightweight nature.

How do you choose the right tray for a buffet?

It depends on the dish: rectangular trays (such as the Lemon 48×28 cm by Regalo Italiano) are suitable for appetisers and finger food in a row. Round trays are better suited to desserts and cheeses. For fish or roast dishes, the oval format is the most functional. Consider the material based on the context: melamine for practicality, porcelain for elegance.

Are tempered glass plates durable?

Tempered glass plates are designed to withstand impacts and temperature fluctuations, are dishwasher safe and microwave compatible. Compared to porcelain, they appear visually thinner, ideal for modern and minimalist presentations.

Can I mix different styles and materials on the same table?

Yes. Mixing and matching works well if you maintain a consistent colour scheme or style: white porcelain plates with coloured ceramic bowls, or neutral melamine with thematic decorated trays. The important thing is not to overload the table with too many textures or patterns in the same visual space.

How should plates and trays be stored?

Avoid stacking too many pieces without protection: use felt separators for ceramic and porcelain. Wash immediately after use to prevent persistent stains. Store in dry places, away from direct heat sources.

For a truly complete table, L'Arcolaio also offers the plates and table glassessection, where you'll find coordinated table sets and complements designed for every occasion, from breakfast to social dinners.