The Best Serving Dishes and Pieces That Match Any Style

Best Wine Decanter

Le Chateau Wine Decanter

4.8

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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)

Best Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 13.25-Quart Round Dutch Oven

4.8

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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

Best Butter Dish

Butter Bell The Original Butter Bell Crock

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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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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

4.8

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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

Best Platter

West Elm Kaloh Stoneware Serveware

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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

Best Serving Bowl

Pottery Barn Larkin Reactive Glaze Stoneware Serving Bowl

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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