Serving platters and bowls
Platters and bowls you can use again for every party. Pick a few large pieces in one color so the table looks planned. Check the size against your table before you buy a set.
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Serving platters
- Best for rectangular platters for finger foodSweese white porcelain platters
White porcelain rectangular platters that go with any table.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for roasts and sliced meatDOWAN oval platters set of 3
Three oven safe white oval platters at 16 and 14 and 12 inches.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a cream color instead of bright whiteFamiware serving platters set of 3
Three rectangular platters in graded sizes.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for outdoor parties and kidsAmazon Basics melamine oval platters
Dishwasher safe melamine that holds up better than glass outdoors.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a large main course platterDELLING porcelain platter set of 3
Three porcelain trays at 16 and 14 and 12 inches.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for oven to table servingAmazon Basics porcelain platters set of 3
Three oven safe porcelain platters for appetizers and mains.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a softer oval shapeKassel ceramic oval platters set of 3
Three ceramic oval trays in graded sizes for a full spread.
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Serving bowls
- Best for big salads and pastaDOWAN 86 ounce serving bowls set of 2
Two large ceramic bowls that hold a family size salad each.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for the largest sidesMALACASA 114 ounce serving bowls set of 2
Two 10 inch ceramic bowls for potato salad or pasta for a crowd.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for medium sidesMfacoy 60 ounce salad bowls set of 2
Two deep white ceramic bowls in a size that fits most tables.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for make ahead saladsFreshmage glass bowls with lids set of 5
Glass bowls with lids so you can prep in the fridge and serve in the same bowl.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for small cupboardsKooK ceramic nesting bowls set of 4
Four oven safe bowls that stack inside each other for storage.
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Charcuterie boards
- Best for a long grazing boardBIRDROCK HOME 36 inch charcuterie board
An extra long wooden board with handles for a big cheese and meat spread.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a natural wood lookHome Beets 36 inch acacia serving board
A long acacia board with handles for cheese and bread and fruit.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for carrying a full board to the tableTIDITA 36 inch acacia charcuterie board
A long acacia board with metal handles.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for crackers and knives kept closeMaxboro bamboo charcuterie board with drawers
A large bamboo board with pull out trays underneath.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for taking a board to a friend's houseRenmxj portable snack board with lid
A divided tray with a lid for cheese and veggies and snacks on the go.
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Chip and dip sets
- Best for one tray for chips and two dipsLAUCHUH porcelain chip and dip tray
A 12 inch divided porcelain tray.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for saving table spaceYHOSSEUN tiered chip and dip set
Bowls on a tiered rack so chips and dip stack upward.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for ceramic bowls on a standMALACASA 2 tier chip and dip set
Two tiers of ceramic bowls on a metal stand.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for outdoor and pool partiesRoe and Moe acrylic chip and dip bowl
A shatter resistant acrylic bowl with small dip cups.
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Tiered stands and cake stands
- Best for desserts and finger sandwichesLAUCHUH 3 tier porcelain serving stand
Three porcelain tiers that give a small table more serving space.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for easy storageMasirs collapsible 3 tier party tray
A tiered tray that folds flat after the party.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for cakes that must wait on the counterLibbey Selene glass cake stand with dome
A footed glass stand with a dome lid that keeps cake covered.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a matching white setMALACASA 3 tier porcelain serving trays
Three 12 inch white porcelain tiers.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for cupcakes and macaronsSumerflos 3 tier porcelain cupcake stand
Square embossed white tiers for small bakes.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for kids partiesDAFURIET 3 tier plastic cupcake tower
A light plastic cupcake tower that is less likely to break than glass.
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Serving utensils
- Best for a complete matching setMikasa Gourmet Basics 8 piece serving set
Stainless spoons and forks and a server for most buffet dishes.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for heavier 18/10 steelKINGSTONE 8 piece hostess serving set
A large stainless serving set with spoons and tongs and a ladle.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a smaller buffetXEVOM 6 piece serving utensil set
Six stainless serving pieces for a few dishes.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for one utensil for each dishPlastic disposable serving utensil set
Disposable tongs and spoons for a big buffet with many dishes.
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Guides that cover this gear
- Best Serving Platters for Parties
The serving platters worth owning if you host. Plain white porcelain sets and stoneware and unbreakable melamine. Plus a big wood board and a tiered stand.
Photo: skenmy, CC BY 2.0 
Holiday Party Food Ideas for Large Groups That Hold UpHoliday party food for a big crowd. Dishes that hold well on a buffet plus the 2 hour rule and the 140°F standard that keep everyone safe.
Photo: “Two of Big Cheese and Three of Small Cheese on buffet table” by Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0
How Many Appetizers Per Person With or Without DinnerPlan 3 to 4 bites per guest before a meal and 10 to 12 or more when appetizers replace dinner. Here are the per hour numbers and how many kinds to make.
Photo: “rustic table setting for The Bachelor viewing party with red roses white candles in gold candlesticks cocktails in glasses bread cracker meat and cheese platter and other appetizers” by ProFlowers.com, CC BY 2.0
How Much Turkey Per Person for ThanksgivingHow many pounds of turkey to buy per guest for Thanksgiving. Real figures for whole birds and breasts plus thaw times and leftover rules.
Photo: “2009 Thanksgiving meal at the South of the Alps Dining Facility, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy - United States Army Africa (SETAF) - 091125” by US Army Africa, CC BY 2.0
A Vegetarian Party Menu That Everyone EatsHow to build a vegetarian party menu that fills up meat eaters too. Hearty mains and easy sides. A sample menu for 20 and tips for vegan and allergy needs.
Photo: Andrea Goh, CC BY 2.0
Finger Food for 50 Guests: A Planning GuideHow to plan and prepare and serve finger food for about 50 people. How many pieces to make. A sample menu. How to serve it all without living in the kitchen.
Photo: mikecogh, CC BY-SA 2.0