10 Best Serving Platters and Dishes to Dress up Any Table
Expert-approved picks for every need, budget and style.
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Although many would agree the hardest part about cooking something is making sure the end result is both delicious and pleasing to the eye, a mouthwatering meal is only as good as the serving platter or dish it's served on (or in!).
Pick the wrong platter to serve up a savory steak and you'll find all the juices go spilling over the side instead of staying to let the meat marinate a bit more, or pick the wrong serving bowl and the Thanksgiving side dishes are overflowing over the side of the bowl creating more of a mess than a meal.
With a lot of research and the help of Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we compiled this list of the best serving platters, dishes and bowls to help you serve up any meal in style — especially when it comes to entertaining.
Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Handled Platters (Set of 3)
Pros
- Sleek design with easy-to-use handles
- Easy-to-clean
- Microwavable and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ovenproof
Available as a set of three or individually in small, medium and large sizes, these sleek yet pricey dishes are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Made of glazed earthenware, they’re designed for long-term durability, with loop handles for easy carrying. The platters also nest neatly for convenient storage.
“These are some of my favorite serving dishes because they're sleek, versatile, easy to use and easy to wash,” says Papantoniou. However, they aren’t oven-safe, so avoid using them as a base dish for cooking.
Pros
- Affordable
- Nesting design makes for easy storage
- Elevated rim prevents spilling
Cons
- Some reviews say the interior glazing could be smoother
A favorite among online reviewers who love entertaining, this budget-friendly set includes three porcelain serving platters in small, medium and large sizes. Perfect for appetizers, desserts, side dishes, fruit and more, their nesting design allows for easy stacking and storage, while the angled, elevated rim helps prevent spills.
While some reviewers note the glazed interior could be smoother, they praise the platters for their lightweight yet sturdy feel and timeless design that complements any existing serving ware. "These are classic, and go with all my entertaining needs," one online reviewer wrote. "They nest neatly, so only take up a small footprint in my cabinets."
Made By Design Plastic Nesting Serving Bowls (Set of 3)
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
- Nesting design allows for easy storage
Cons
- Plastic material isn't the most stylish
While glass dishware looks great indoors, plastic is a safer choice for outdoor use — no risk of broken glass causing injuries during spills. Though not the most stylish, these microwave- and dishwasher-safe plastic bowls are perfect for serving everything from snacks to stews. They’re durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions and energetic kids without worry.
When not in use, the nesting design allows the smaller bowls to fit neatly into the larger ones for compact storage. The best part? This set of three is only $20!
Society Social Beaded Pearl Serving Tray
Pros
- Stylish and affordable
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not recommended for microwave use
Stylish, affordable and generously sized, this beaded pearl serving tray is a versatile option for all your favorite dishes. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, its elegant curved pearl edge adds a touch of style while serving as a sturdy rim to prevent drips or spills. While the tray is dishwasher-safe, it’s not recommended for microwave use.
Pros
- Serving platter/serving bowl hybrid
- Made of durable porcelain
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Thin design can make them a bit fragile
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Amazon delivers with this set of three porcelain serving dishes. Measuring 12 inches long, these pieces are a cross between a platter and a bowl, offering versatility for various dishes. Made of durable porcelain, they resist marks and scratches from flatware, all at an impressively affordable price.
With almost 600 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, Amazon shoppers say they love these dishes for their quality, elegant design and ease of cleaning, though some note the thin construction makes them a bit fragile — handle with care!
Our Place Gather Platters (Set of 2)
Pros
- Available in five different colors
- Chic enough to double as a centerpiece
- Stackable for easy storage
Cons
- Not great for large portions of food due to shallow interior
These versatile gather platters are fridge-, freezer-, microwave- and oven-friendly — plus, they're chic enough to double as centerpieces when not in use. Available in five colors, the ceramic stoneware set features a scratch-resistant glossy interior and a satin-finish exterior. Plus, they stack neatly for easy storage.
Perfect for smaller bites like chips and dip, their shallow design works best for lighter fare — opt for a deeper serving dish for larger portions.
Crate and Barrel Oven-to-Table Ceramic Sheet Pan with Wood Stand
Pros
- Good value
- Transitions straight from the oven to the table for easy serving
Cons
- Some reviews say the quality could be better
This budget-friendly white ceramic sheet pan transitions seamlessly from oven to table with its convenient wood stand. Microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe, it reduces cleanup by serving as both a baking sheet and a serving dish. While some online reviewers wish it were higher quality, many appreciate its ease of use and excellent value for the price.
Pros
- Trendy, handmade, earthy look
- Great assortment
- Dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Ceramic material can be prone to scratching
This luxurious set is on our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab director’s wish list! The eight-piece collection includes an oval serving platter, three nested serving bowls and four smaller bowls, all featuring a "handmade, earthy" design that Papantoniou describes as "very on trend right now."
Dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe, the set is both stylish and functional. While the semi-matte material can show light marks or scratches from flatware, these are easily removed with a scouring powder and the brand’s special brush (sold separately).
Pros
- Experts say they clean easily
- Baking dishes that double as serving dishes
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Expensive
A versatile kitchen dish is a game-changer, and this set proves it. "These are baking pans I bought to double as serving dishes," Papantoniou says. "I love them a lot." Though on the pricier side, this scratch-resistant glass-porcelain set of three features an enamel finish that lets you take dishes straight from the fridge or freezer to the oven and then to the table.
The sturdy handles make transportation easy, and the smaller dishes neatly stack inside the large one for compact storage. Available in three colors, their sleek design complements any kitchen decor. Plus, our kitchen experts found them very easy to clean.
Mason Modern Outdoor Melamine Handled Serving Platters (Set of 2)
Pros
- Handles make for easy carrying
- Has a modern, trendy design
- Large space allows you to hold a lot on it
Cons
- Not recommended for microwave use
Need a serving platter that can hold it all instead of relying on smaller ones? This platter, available individually in medium or large sizes or as a set, is made of ultra-durable melamine with a sleek matte finish and convenient handles for easy carrying. "I love how modern these are, plus the large surface area and handles," Papantoniou says. While dishwasher-safe, these platters are not microwave-friendly.
What to consider when shopping for serving platters
When shopping for the perfect serving platters or dishes, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Papantoniou highlights the most important considerations:
✔️ Material: "There’s a wide variety of materials that can be used," says Papantoniou. You should consider where you'll be using it (indoor vs. outdoor) before picking a material, since you may want to pick something more durable if you're planning on using it outdoors on a patio or deck.
- Stoneware is sturdy but can chip; it’s typically easy to clean and can often be used in the oven as well.
- Glass is perceived to be pretty and high quality, but it may be prone to shattering.
- Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, but prone to staining and is easy to scratch.
- Wood is gorgeous and lighter weight than some other materials aside from plastic and easy to clean, but it's not dishwasher safe.
✔️ Size: "I love having an assortment of sizes," says Papantoniou. "Large, flat dishes are great for meat and smaller ones are great for veggies." Opt for some bowls in different sizes for salads, sides, grains or anything that needs to be scooped.
✔️ Design features: Consider if you want handles for easier carrying, and if it's a dealbreaker for you if your serving dishes have them. Rims are also a consideration: "Rimmed serving platters help keep drippings in the dish and prevent from spilling," says Papantoniou, but they may make storage a bit more clumsy. Think about if you'd prefer your serving ware to nest or stack when you put them away and make sure your preferred set can accomplish that.
✔️ Versatility: What will you be serving? Do you want something just for serving or something that you can cook a dish in and then move from the oven to the table for easy serving? If the latter, make sure that the dish can fit easily in your oven and looks nice enough to work as a centerpiece.
✔️ Price: Our experts and research indicate you can expect to pay up to $130 or as low as $20 for serving plates and dishes. That said, you can always find options both more expensive or less expensive than this range, depending on what you're looking for. Consider your budget first and foremost.
✔️ Color: Ask yourself if you have a classic style or a more eccentric one. White and black help food pop, but "also consider how you want each piece to match each other and your go-to everyday dishes," Papantoniou says. "[It] might be fun to stick to neutrals, or pops of colors, textures, patterns, etc."
✔️ Care: If you don't want to hand wash bulky serving ware, consider dishwasher safe options. And if you plan to use them in the oven or microwave, make sure they can handle those cooking methods!
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, Annie O'Sullivan has written comprehensive product reviews about everything from the best shoes for nurses to the best evaporative coolers, relying on her own in-depth research as well as insights from experts and consumers.
For this story, she consulted Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, who shared her favorites based on versatility, weight, durability and how easy they were to clean. Annie also conducted extensive research and scoured customer reviews online to round out our recommendations.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
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