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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Shopping for serving dishes and pieces should focus on two questions: Does the item function well for its intended purpose? Does it suit my style? (In other words, as Marie Kondo might ask, does it spark joy?) Your favorite pieces will be the ones that balance these two priorities. When you’re on the hunt for these important items, patience can be a virtue, according to Cara Livermore, a food photographer, stylist, and creative director of Chickpea magazine. “Don’t buy everything you want all at once,” she says.
Taking your time lets you gain experience with brands and styles that can inform future choices. And when you do splurge on something you really love, don’t lock it away or use it only on holidays. Even if it’s just for you, use your best things on an everyday basis. Eat spaghetti off your nicest plates or slurp ramen with your fanciest spoon. “Good serving pieces just make any meal more special,” says Livermore.
With so much to choose from, selecting the perfect product can get overwhelming. We researched and tested some of the best serving dishes and pieces available to help you decide which to use for Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and beyond.
Best Wine Decanter
Le Chateau Wine Decanter
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Courtesy of Amazon
Efficiently decants any 750-milliliter bottle of wine
Slanted spout makes for easy pouring
Attractive design
Easy to clean
Pricey
Add drama to your dinner parties with this architectural wine decanter. Its splashy shape is more about function than form, though. Wine aficionados insist that giving wine some air before serving enhances the flavor. Merlots, cabernets, pinot noirs, and other varietals can benefit from being decanted into this vessel prior to drinking. When you pour the wine into the decanter, it pools into the widest part, allowing maximum exposure to the air. The well-designed slanted spout allows for easy, drip-free pouring. This decanter is made for the standard 750-milliliter bottle of wine. It’s technically dishwasher safe, but the manufacturer recommends washing this by hand.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 10 inches | Material: Non-leaded crystal | Capacity: 1,800 milliliters (7.6 cups)
"The Le Chateau Wine Decanter should be a bar cart staple for any wine drinker, whether their collection boasts a stocked, curated cellar, or merely the occasional bottle stored on top of the fridge." — Caroline Goldstein, Product Tester
Best Dutch Oven
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 13.25-Quart Round Dutch Oven
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Easy to use and care for
Retains and distributes heat well
Versatile
Attractive
Pricey
There is one Dutch oven to rule them all, and it's this classic stunner from Le Creuset. It’s an investment, but Le Creuset delivers on quality that can last for generations. An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is a must for any well-equipped kitchen. It’s the go-to pot for soups, stews, chili, and braises. You can also use it to bake crusty bread and roast a whole chicken. Don’t be tempted to save a few dollars on the 5-quart version. The 7-quart option takes up almost the same amount of storage space, but you can make much bigger batches of everything in it.
Price at time of publish: $625
Dimensions: 10.5 x 14 x 6.5 inches | Material: Enameled cast iron | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
"If you’ve fallen hard for Le Creuset, but still have lingering qualms over the price, follow your heart, not your head. The brand’s iconic Dutch oven isn’t only beautiful, but also highly functional and long-lasting, after all." — Tierney McAfee, Product Tester
Best Butter Dish
Butter Bell The Original Butter Bell Crock
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Courtesy of Amazon
Available in multiple colors
Attractive vintage look
Yields spreadable butter
Easy to clean
Butter sometimes falls into crock water
When you store your butter in the refrigerator, it's cold and hard when you want to enjoy it. If you want creamy, soft, spreadable butter on demand, you probably keep your butter dish on the counter, which is fine, as long as you can eat a stick of butter in 14 days (after that, it goes rancid on you). You can have your softened butter and a long shelf life, too, if you store your butter not in the typical dish, but in the ingenious butter bell.
This contraption allows you to keep butter fresh at room temperature for a full month. You fill the top piece (the bell) with butter and set it in the water-filled bottom piece. The air-tight seal of the water slows spoilage. Just remember to change that water every couple of days for the best results.
Price at time of publish: $29 for stone
Material: New bone china | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Dimensions: 5.8 x 4 x 4.25 inches
Best Pie Server
OXO Stainless Steel Pie Server
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Courtesy of Amazon
Teeth easily cut any pie or quiche
Good for right- and left-handed
Easy to clean
Serrations are sharp for serving
Making a pie is no small task. Why would you risk destroying it by trying to remove pieces from the pan with anything other than a purpose-built pie-serving utensil? Even if you go for store-bought, no one wants mangled pieces instead of neat, beautiful wedges. Oxo’s model is especially great for the job. It’s made of flexible stainless steel—easier for maneuvering that tight first piece out—and serrated on both sides for cleanly slicing through the crust. This server works not only with your dessert pies but also for the pizza variety. Try it for quiches and tarts, too. Like other Oxo tools, this server feels great in your hand thanks to the well-designed handle. When you’re done, just toss it into the dishwasher for no-fuss cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $13
Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Dimensions: 2 x 2.7 x 13.1 inches
Best Flatware
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
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Amazon
Attractive design
Ample quantity
Versatile for casual or formal dining
May show corrosion
Crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, this flatware set from Lenox comes with five-piece settings for 12 people and five pieces of serveware. The nickel content will help keep the stainless steel shiny even after many rounds in the dishwasher.
The angular modern shape is ergonomically designed for comfortable grip, and the beaded band on the ends lend a simple sophistication to the set. Our product reviewer appreciated the flatware's high-quality feel and minimalist, but beautiful detailing. She also awarded the set points for being dishwasher safe and tarnish resistant, but noted the importance of keeping the utensils dry to prevent rust.
Price at time of publish: $150
What's Included: (12) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) pierced serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
"If properly cared for, the set could certainly be passed down as an heirloom." — Elizabeth Rago, Product Tester
Best Platter
West Elm Kaloh Stoneware Serveware
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West Elm
Microwave safe
Sold individually
Attractive
Versatile
Large to store
If you’re looking for a serving platter with understated elegance that can accommodate a 22-pound turkey or four-rib standing roast, look no further than the Kaloh Serving Platter. The slightly textured matte finish on the exterior pairs with a creamy glaze on the interior for a simple, versatile style sure to match any dinnerware. The minimalist lines, combined with the neutral palette add elegance, and utility to any table setting. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe, it's perfect for both everyday and special occasions.
Price at time of publish: $36 for low serve bowl
Dimensions: 18 x 13.9 x 1.4 inches | Material: Glazed stoneware | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Style is personal, but Livermore suggests pieces made from natural materials like wood, metal, and ceramic. “You can get nice things without breaking the bank. Places like West Elm and IKEA have some good quality things,” she says.
Best Serving Bowl
Pottery Barn Larkin Reactive Glaze Stoneware Serving Bowl
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Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Oven safe up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit
Microwave safe
Available in two sizes and colors
May become hot when microwaved
With a simple coupe design and rustic reactive glaze, this Pottery Barn serving bowl is a dynamic take on traditional ceramic. It's crafted from stoneware and finished with a rich matte glaze (all phthalate, BPA, lead, and latex free) that gives the entire piece a distinct layer of hues and patterns. The bowls are available in an elegant Shell White color or a slightly-ombre Sand.
There are two sizes to choose from, but you can also opt to purchase a set of two for larger parties and prep work. The large size has an 11.5-inch diameter and holds 112 ounces, while the extra large boasts a 14-inch diameter with a 160.75-ounce capacity. We love how these bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe—though be sure to handle them carefully as they may become hot after coming out. Even better, they're safe to use in the oven up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's easy to keep your finished dishes warm before serving.
Price at time of publish: $49.50
Capacity: 3.5 quarts | Material: Stoneware | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Serving Utensils
Lipper Acacia Oblong Salad Servers
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Courtesy of Amazon
Elegant design
Versatile
Lightweight but sturdy
Occasional mineral oil rub needed
This wooden fork-and-spoon serving set has a cozy retro vibe. Made from acacia wood, it brings a warm stylish feel to otherwise modern and sleepy kitchens. The fork and spoon were designed with salads in mind, and indeed, these are the ideal tools for serving up portions of greens. However, they can also function as all-purpose serving utensils in your kitchen. Use them to dish up tacos, spoon sauces, and serve roasted vegetables.
The wood material means you’ll need to give these utensils a bit of TLC. They can’t go in the dishwasher, so handwashing with gentle dish soap is a must. It’s also a good idea to oil them periodically with mineral oil. It will maintain their appearance, enhance the grain of the wood, and extend their life.
Price at time of publish: $8
Dishwasher Safe: No | Material: Acacia wood | Size: 12 inches
Best Coffee Carafe
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Carafe
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Courtesy of Amazon
Wide mouth
One-touch pouring
Good heat retention
Versatile
Must be hand washed
This good-looking thermal carafe will keep your coffee or tea perfectly hot for hours. If you’re entertaining, this allows you to make coffee ahead and have it ready to pour on your time. If you’re sipping at home by yourself or with the family, enjoy fresh and hot refills all morning. Unlike some other carafes, this model disassembles fully for easy cleaning. Its spout offers an even, steady stream of coffee that cuts off on-demand, so you’ll never spill or overflow a mug. It boasts extra insulation to keep the goods hot (or cold, if you prefer), and its stainless steel construction is unbreakable. The burnished copper-colored exterior looks more than good enough for your dining room table.
Price at time of publish: $30
Capacity: 1,000 milliliters (4.23 cups) | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.12 x 7.87 inches
Best Cake Stand
Winco CKSR-12 Cake Stand
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Courtesy of Amazon
Smooth movement for cake decorating
Heavy-duty construction
Attractive
Versatile
No lock to keep it from moving
Once you’ve watched a certain amount of "The Great British Baking Show," your standards for your cake decorating tend to level up a notch. And there’s no better way to improve your cake frosting skills than using a revolving cake stand. The fluid rotation lets you sweep and swirl your frosting over the cake’s surface with precision. Not every cake stand is just as well-suited to the table as it is to the kitchen, but this one is attractive enough to serve as a stage for dessert in front of your company. Pro tip: Keep everything neat and professional by snuggling strips of parchment underneath your cake’s edges. That way, when your decorating job is complete, you can pull them out to reveal a drip and smudge-free cake stand.
Price at time of publish: $57
Material: Cast iron base, aluminum alloy top | Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 6 inches | Shape: Round
Best Cheese Board
Royal Craft Wood Cheese Board
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Courtesy of Royal Craft
Versatile
Hidden cutlery tray
Scar-resistant surface
Built-in serving compartments
Slide-out trays sometimes stick
When you want to go all out on your cheese and charcuterie spread, you need plenty of space for all the varieties and garnishes you want to serve. At 17 x 12 inches, this big board can fit a lot of snacks. In addition to its generous size, some other features that make it a must-have include a hideaway drawer that contains three specialty cheese knives and a cheese fork. The center of the board is flanked with two long, shallow oval indentations that serve as built-in bowls for your crackers and nuts. The board is eco-friendly, crafted from sustainably harvested bamboo. Bamboo is not only attractive, but it’s also easy on your knives. In addition to hors d'oeuvres for the family, you’ll be pulling it out on evenings when you decide to fix yourself a cheese plate instead of dinner.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 1.2 inches | Material: Bamboo | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Wine Glasses
Schott Zwiesel Taste Wine Glasses
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Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Sturdy
Attractive
Available alone or in a set, stem or stemless
Pricey
With a history of glassmaking dating back to the 19th century, Schott Zwiesel crafted these glasses with almost indestructible, proprietary Titan crystal. The heavy-duty glass is resistant to chipping and breakage, and the glasses are sold individually or in sets of six. For those stemless fans, the option is available.
Beyond durability, these glasses possess an understated elegance and comfortable grip. Optimal aeration was at the forefront of design with each glass sized and shaped to deliver the full tasting experience. The best part is you can slide them in the dishwasher for no-fuss cleanup.
Price at time of publish: $72 for set of 6
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: Tritan crystal
Best Salt and Pepper Set
Oxo Good Grips Salt and Pepper Grinder Set, Stainless Steel
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Courtesy of OXO
Attractive
Easy to fill
Odor-resistant
Easy to operate
Difficult to adjust coarseness of grind
A reliable salt and pepper grinder set is an essential kitchen tool, and this model from Oxo fits the bill with style. The stainless steel accents and minimalist lines make this an attractive choice to leave out on the kitchen counter or dining table. The non-corrosive ceramic grinders keep odors away, too.
One of the biggest challenges with salt and pepper grinders is filling them. This model from Oxo is intuitively designed with wide mouths for filling and rest flat to alleviate any accidental mess. A built-in tab rotates to adjust the coarseness of grind, and both shakers come already filled with the first round of sea salt and black peppercorns. If you have other spices, like whole cumin or cloves, these grinders are sufficient for breaking those down, too.
Price at time of publish: $55
Material: Stainless steel, glass, silicone | Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.5 inches | Operation Mode: Manual
Best for Chips and Dip
Ekobo Recycled Bamboo Chip & Dip
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Courtesy of Food52
Attractive
Lightweight
Sustainably designed
Versatile
Pricey
Chips and dip might be a tailgate staple, but the Ekobo Recycled Bamboo server is versatile far beyond that function. The capacious design with removable bowl makes for easy refills of crowd favorites, like fruit and chocolate sauce, veggies and hummus, or even chicken yakitori and peanut sauce. Let the snacking possibilities commence.
This set is crafted from renewable bamboo fiber, making it environmentally friendly as well as functional. It’s lightweight enough to transition from kitchen to picnic table with ease, too. It comes in two versatile shades, attractive enough for indoor dinner parties or outdoor barbecues. This minimalist serveware is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and can handle both cold and hot foods.
Price at time of publish: $44 for chip & dip
Dimensions: 13.75 x 2.5 inches (outer bowl), 5 x 1.8 inches (inner bowl) | Material: Recycled bamboo | Dishwasher safe: Yes, top shelf only
Best Pitcher
Novica Large Blue Hand Blown Glass Pitcher
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Courtesy of Amazon
Attractive hand-blown glass
Made by Mexican artisans with traditional techniques
Comes with Novica origin story card
Handcrafted with recycled glass
Fragile
This pitcher is made from earth-friendly recycled glass in an arresting shade of translucent blue. It holds 82 ounces, a good size for pouring homemade lemonade or margaritas for your crowd. It’s part of the Novica project, a collaboration with National Geographic that brings objects from artisans around the world to America, and it comes with a story card detailing its quality and authenticity. It’s handmade blown glass, so you might notice tiny irregularities in its color or tiny bubbles inside the glass. These aren’t flaws; they're what make handcrafted pieces one of a kind. The artists are Javier and Efren, who work together to imprint each piece with the style of their home country, Mexico.
Price at time of publish: $35
Capacity: 82 ounces | Dimensions: 8.75 inches x 7.75 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Top rack only, hand wash recommended
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with everyday items you’ll use the most, like the Le Creuset Dutch Oven and The Original Butter Bell Crock. Over time, add cool stuff like the Le Chateau Wine Decanter and the Trudeau Salt and Pepper Mills.
What to Look for in Serving Pieces
Durability
For serving pieces that will take a lot of use over the years, you want items that will stand the test of time. You don't want to grow attached to a piece and then have it break in the middle of your special event.
Price
Price may be a factor but perhaps not in the way you might think. You might splurge a little bit for pieces and equipment that are going to serve you well during holidays and when you are entertaining—sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more to have a piece that fits your style, cleans up easily, and functions well. Some of these items are priced affordably and are such good basics that you can stock up on a few of them (bowls and platters, for example) without breaking the bank.
Care
You might be surprised by how many items can go into the dishwasher these days—wine glasses included. Yet, there are still items which the recommended best care is handwashing. Read the fine print, so you don't spend hours after your party cleaning up items that can be hand-washed only when you could have perhaps sought pieces that are dishwasher safe.
FAQs
What type of dinnerware is best for everyday use?
Look for porcelain, bone china, or stoneware for everyday use. Typically, these items are sturdy, easy to care for (read: can go into the dishwasher), and affordable.
What is the best material for a cheeseboard?
Look for boards made from hardwood, bamboo, and marble. Hardwood and bamboo are easier to store, transport, and clean, as they are not heavy. Marble looks beautiful, can be easily cleaned, but is heavy and can chip easily, if that's a concern. All of these materials tend to be easy to clean and can withstand repeated cuts on the surface.
Does a wine decanter make wine taste better?
The short answer is yes, it does. Almost every wine can benefit from decanting, as it adds more oxygen to the wine. Decanting releases the aromas and also can soften the tannins in wine, making the wines taste smoother and fruitier. Decanting sparkling wines is of no benefit to them.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Joy Manning is a food writer and recipe developer. Her work has appeared in many publications including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Washington Post. She’s the author of "Almost Meatless" and "Stuff Every Cook Should Know."
Carrie Honaker is a food writer who possesses an embarrassingly large cadre of serveware. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she knows the importance of an attractive, reliable vessel or tool. She personally owns five items from this list and uses them regularly. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.