Which disposable plate size is right for you?

When it comes to party planning, the menu plays a key role in the party's success. Food is always a focal point at an event and it's something guests will talk about afterward -- good or bad. Just as important as food, but rarely given a second thought, are the plates that the food is served on. The style, size, and color of the plate can make or break a dish, so it's essential to choose the right one. To make plate purchasing easier for party and event planners, restauranteurs, and retailers, we created this handy guide to break down our selection of disposable plates.

What foods are you serving?

The first step in deciding what plates you need is to choose a menu. The types of food, number of courses, and serving sizes all play a part in choosing a plate. For example, for a cocktail hour, you probably need appetizer plates for small bites. For a sit-down formal meal, you may need a salad plate, dinner plate, and a dessert plate. For a buffet, consider platters or banquet plates so guests have enough room for everything on one plate.

Plate Breakdown:

	Platter: Oval platters feature generous sizing and a stylish shape. Measuring 10 inches x 12 inches, oval platters offer a large dining surface for multi-course meals or dinner service. Our paper platters feature a raised rim designed to keep food from spilling off the edges. Platters can be used for an elegant sit-down meal service or a casual outdoor gathering, like a family reunion, where guests may need to eat off their laps because tables are not available. Platters can also be used as serving dishes on buffet displays. Stack platters with fresh breads or other light fare for an attractive way to display food.
	Banquet: Banquet plates are available in a variety of shapes including round, square, and octagonal, which offer options for many styles of events. Available in different materials, banquet plates measure approximately 10.25 inches and are perfect when serving large entrees or an assortment of smaller entrees. Our bulk-priced banquet plates are sturdy and leak proof, ideal for banquets, receptions, galas, and other catered affairs. Banquet plates can also be used as chargers under smaller plates for a layered tabletop design.
	Dinner: When serving a meal, dinner plates range in size from approximately 8.75 inches to 9.75 inches and are sized for entrees or assorted food selections. Set banquet tables with dinner plates, which are available in a variety of colors for a festive look. Ideal for use in restaurants, dining halls, schools, or care facilities, disposable dinner plates, either round or square in shape, offer an affordable way to provide quick clean-up. Sturdy plates feature a raised edge to help prevent spills. Dinner plates can also be used for pasta salads or warm or cold sandwiches.
	Dessert: For cake and cookies or when serving salads or appetizers, dessert plates measuring approximately 7 inches and are just the right size to give patrons an easy-to-hold plate while mingling. Colorful cake plates can be used for salads, breads, desserts, or an assortment of hors d’oeuvres at both formal and casual dining events. With wholesale pricing, square or round dinner plates are economical and can be ordered in bulk quantities to use for appetizers, sides, cake, or all three.
	Appetizer: Appetizer plates are a smaller plate specifically designed for use with hors d’oeuvres or a chef's amuse-bouche. Measuring 5 inches, our sturdy appetizer plates are square in shape and show patrons that every detail of the event has been attended to. Stylish and modern, plastic appetizer plates can be used when guests select from an assortment of appetizer options. Plates can also be pre-loaded with a variety of mini-snacks selected by the event planner and set on buffet tables for easy distribution.

Disposable plates are convenient and offer portability with simple storage. Leak-proof and durable, assorted colors of paper and plastic plates in bulk packaging are affordable and provide and easy set-up and clean-up for caterers, event planners, and dining halls.