Lavish High End Serving Platters for Special Events
High end serving platters elevate any occasion. From holidays to weddings, these ornate platters showcase culinary delicacies with refined elegance. Precious metals, handcrafted glass, and other luxe materials make high end serving platters worthy investments.
We'll explore what defines high end platters, from decadent styles to artful presentations. Discover why these platters impress guests and how special events pair beautifully with them.
Luxurious Materials
High end serving platters utilize upscale materials that look lavish while remaining durable and functional.
Precious Metals
Silver and gold serving platters emit timeless glamour. Their lustrous sheen neatly reflects light, contributing an air of luxury. Since these metals retain heat well, they keep foods piping hot at the table.
High end silver platters like those from Arttd'inox often have ornate hand-engraved detailing. Such custom metalwork requires masterful craftsmanship passed down through generations. These heirloom pieces easily become legacy additions for families.
Handcrafted Glass
Translucent glass serving platters have an elegant simplicity. Ranging from crystalline to smoked finishes, the glass radiates a refined glow. High end glass platters also bring versatility. Their sleek transparency suits casual gatherings while still fitting formal occasions.
Handcrafting glass artfully shapes each platter, ensuring durable designs that withstand daily use. Brands like Simon Pearce use time-honored techniques like glassblowing to shape their dishware. These traditional methods deliver distinctly modern glassware that lasts for years.
Polish Stoneware
For organic texture, high end stoneware platters bring graceful style to tables. Often handpainted with delicate patterns, the natural clay textures continue rustic warmth. Glazing creates a polished finish resistant to chipping and staining.
Stoneware platters not only complement foods visually but can safely serve and reheat them while retaining heat. Leading brands like Le Creuset craft resilient stoneware in a range of earthy neutral glazes. These platters mingle effortlessly with various dinnerware collections.
Ornate Styles and Designs
Beyond the materials used, high end serving platters feature creative motifs in their masterful designs.
Floral Motifs
Flowers like peonies, roses, and cherry blossoms frequently accent fancy serving platters. Delicate petals and graceful stems adorn platter rims or edges. Soft organic shapes pair suitably with lavish platters meant for decadent spreads.
Some high end brands like Vietnam manufacturer Arttd'inox hand-paint plumeria flowers along platter borders using traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques. The vibrant blossoms pop against the polished silver, invoking tropical warmth.
Animal Themes
Majestic horses and soaring birds symbolize high class lifestyles. Intricate illustrations of these creatures embellish many elite serving pieces.
Gold placers like those by Fortessa Tableware showcase equestrian profiles with finely etched detail. The powerful steeds encircling platters nod to historic European fox hunts associated with aristocracy. Songbirds taking graceful flight through branches convey carefree luxury.
Geometric Patterns
Sleek stripes, subtle etched dots, or triangular cuts infuse geometric artwork into serving platters. The mathematical designs seem almost retro yet still freshly modern.
Mid-century modern brands like Dansk use signature crisscrossed etching reminiscent of streamlined architectures. Contemporary minimalist platters feature bold variations like concentric circles or crisscrossing lines. Such patterns interplay beautifully with foods.
Functional Considerations
Beyond aesthetics, high end platters offer smart designs turfing seamless serving experiences.
Shape and Structure
Serving platters come in oval, round, or rectangular shapes. Structurally, platters may have steep or subtle side walls. Some brands like Arttd'inox allow clients to custom order unique shapes.
Rectangular platters suit foods needing to be sliced and plated like roasts, cakes, or pies. Oval and round platters better highlight whole main dishes. For better leverage, curved shapes with at least 1.5 inch depths and flared edges prevent messy foods from dripping.
Weight and Stability
Heavier precious metal or stoneware platters make transporting foods feel more secure. Dense materials lower centers of gravity, decreasing risks of spilled contents. Lighter glass or acrylic platters, however, enable effortless passing.
Thicker platters also minimize wobbling. Brands like Dansk use steel cores underlying the ceramic dishes to reinforce stability. Non-slip silicone rim pads are another option for accident-proofing high end platters.
Easy Grip Handles
For reliable maneuvering, handles securely anchor platters. Stainless steel handles like those on Arttd'inox models meld modern minimalism with utility. Elegant loop handles, sometimes lined with gold accents, elevate platters to luxury status.
Thoughtful handle placement ensures optimal balance when bearing hefty holiday roasts or towering desserts. Some oval platters feature handles extending along central sides rather than dead center to aid carrying.
Presentation Tips
Artful arrangement of delectable foods takes refined serving platters to the next level.
Food Placement Strategy
Strategic food positioning spotlights platters' decadence. Place lighter bites around heavier mains for support. Vary colors, textures, and heights to cultivate an appetizing appearance.
Reserve platter centers for dramatic cakes, roasts, or racks of lamb. Surround them with lighter sides or garnishes. Follow the platter's shape when mapping placements; triangular wedges suit round platters.
Garnishing Ideas
Fresh herbs, edible flowers, fruits lend ornate finishing touches. Rosemary, thyme and sage sprigs add aromatic vibrance. Dainty pansies, nasturtiums, or orchid blossoms create organic splendor.
Strategically placed orange slices, pomegranate arils, or lemon twists invoke fruit bounty. For dessert platters, dust cocoa powder, cinnamon sticks, even sugared flower petals delight guests.
Serving Etiquette
Master hosts set clear serving directions to minimize cluttering guests' views. Servers might establish back-to-front or outside-working-in paths. Guests should exercise restraint, allowing others their share.
For informal gatherings, communal service allows guests to freely help themselves. In these cases, the central placement highlights whatever lavish dish the high end platter presents.
Cleaning and Care
Preserving high end platters' pristine quality requires smart strategies for cleaning and storage. Follow manufacturer care instructions closely.
Handwash with Mild Cleaner
Gentle handwashing maintains serving platters best. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads which may scratch. Use soft cloths paired with mild, non-citrus soaps to prevent deterioration or etching.
Handwash gold or silver platters with polish made specially for those metals. Quality polish contains cleaning agents dissolving tarnish while restoring brilliance. Gentle, non-abrasive polish cloths like those from Goddard's work beautifully.
Prompt Drying
Quick drying maintains flawless platters by preventing mineral residue and water marks. Carefully dry undersides and engraved crevices which can trap moisture. For event use, keep multiple linen cloths nearby for fast wiping.
Proper Storage
Cushioning high end platters while storing them preserves their integrity. Line cabinets with microfiber cloths before carefully stacking. Separate stacked pieces with parchment paper to prevent scratching. For decorative displays, avoid direct sunlight fading colors.
Top Brands and Models
Exceptional brands design high end serving platters rivaling artwork. Many offer personalization for customized keepsakes.
Match Styles to Events
Coordinate platters with occasions, be they backyard barbecues or CEO dinner galas. Ethereal glass suits garden parties while embossed gold trims formal corporate meals. Unique scenic etchings personalize platters given as wedding or housewarming gifts. Monogramming adds distinctive flairs, especially when displayed open shelving.
Compare Prices and Materials
Assess different brands' price points relative to their materials and craftsmanship. Silver platters from luxury manufacturers like Arttd'inox fetch upwards of $200. More affordable brands like Crate & Barrel offer stoneware platters between $50-100. When investing in heirloom quality platters, the combination of exceptional materials and artistry merits splurging.
If opting for personalization, ensure brands use non-toxic, long-lasting techniques like laser-etching. Chemically etched designs fade over shorter timespans.
Consider Personalization Options
Monogramming, etched initials or custom artistic details upgrade platters into personalized showpieces. Register brands let couples select wedding motifs for plates circulated at receptions. Later, those meaningful platters commemorate anniversaries.
Brands like Mariposa engrave GPS coordinates marking meaningful travel destinations or family homes onto their platters. Custom shapes like states, birds or nautical symbols further personalize Mariposa pieces as treasured housewarming gifts.
Where to Buy
Numerous retailers offer exceptional high end serving platters suiting varied budgets and styles.
Department Stores
Brick-and-mortar shops like Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Crate & Barrel allow in-person evaluating of platters before purchasing. Knowledgeable sales staff can demonstrate a platter's utility anduggest coordinating pieces like linens.
Specialty Boutiques
Independent boutiques curate unique artisan collections often unavailable elsewhere. These small businesses build direct relationships with regional artists and manufacturers. Patrons appreciate knowing their purchases support small producers.
Boutiques also familiarize customers through first-hand accounts with brands' ethical production standards. Fair wage practices and environmental sustainability grow increasingly important to conscientious buyers.
Online Retailers
Virtual shops conveniently deliver high end platters directly worldwide. Global shipping simplifies purchasing handcrafted imports without intermediary markup. E-retailers may also grant access to niche brands absent from common stores.
Before buying online, verify utensil dimensions against site charts to confirm appropriate scaling. Contact customer service representatives to address uncertainties over personalization or customization options.
Cost Considerations
Serving platters spanning different materials and makers demonstrate the spectrum of pricing.
Silver Higher End ($200+)
Sterling silver and silver plate platters range above $200, especially for larger sizing or custom ornamentation. Lavish details like hand engraved edges or exotic inlays raise costs. High-relief embossing requires masterful hand tooling meriting higher pricing.
Luxury French brands like Christofle and American companies like Reed & Barton craft elite sterling pieces fetching up to $600. These companies guarantee flawless polish and expert engraving for generations through quality craftsmanship.
Glass More Affordable ($100 Range)
Alternatively, handblown glass platters cost less than luxury metals, with chic options available under $100. Glass often involves simpler shaping without detailed accents. Streamlined modern glass platters project effortless elegance on tables.
Esteemed American glassmakers like Simon Pearce offer handcrafted glass and lead-free crystal serving platters from $50 to $150. Contemporary Scandinavian brand Skagerak sells their organic rippled glass pieces between $95 to $130.
Factors Impacting Price
Brand reputation directly correlates to resale value for future heirlooms. Prestigious names like Baccarat or Christofle auction significantly higher than average market rate. Made-to-order custom details also appreciation value through provenance.
Labor-intensive handiwork factors into pricing, especially intricate engravings. Exceptional materials like pewter and silver alloys mark up costs. Responsible fair wage artisans and environmental production standards further merit investing in conscientious companies.
Event Pairings
Lavish soirees set the scene for high end serving platters to shine as focal points.
Formal Dinners
Extravagant multicourse formal dinners present opportunities for servers to ceremoniously convey decadent dishes atop ornate platters.USHolidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve call for high end platters when carving ceremonious hams and roasts.
Special Occasions
Momentous celebrations deserve equally remarkable serving presentation. Polished silver and glass platters elevate engagement parties, anniversaries, birthdays by honoring milestone delicacies. Elaborate cakes and towering confections ring with grandeur placed proud on stately platters.
Luxury Private Events
Luxury brands sometimes commission artisan platters for exclusive launch parties and celebrity events. Some companies like BMW have gifted one-of-a-kind engraved platters to spotlight inaugural models during esteemed galas. Even royal families have received bespoke glass and silver platters commemorating state dinners with dignitaries at their palaces.
Lifestyle Integration
Beyond events, high end serving platters gracefully integrate into elegant daily living.
Display in Formal Dining Rooms
Ornate platters left openly displayed on formal dining tables make refined statements between uses. As focal points, they anchor surrounding tablescapes while conveying cultured taste.
Creative vignettes exhibit platters as art when incorporated with botanical garlands, heirloom silver or dramatic candelabras. Designers often spotlight client platters in table setting photos to showcase their work.
Coordinate with Table Linens
Crisp tablecloths and opulent platters play off each other's splendor. Vibrant linens in deep tones like sapphire blue or wine red intensify metallic shine. Contrasting neutral backdrops let intricate accents on platters pop.
Layer linen textures for lavish distinction by topping smooth tablecloths with lacy overlays. Complementary linen hues interplay with serving pieces for heightened sophisticated style.
Showcase Heirloom Collections
Display prized platters handed down generations as the nucleus of curated place settings. Build themes around them by adding complementary glassware, chargers and serving utensils.
For buffet-style dinners, make treasured platters the anchors flanked by ancillary pieces in harmonizing patterns. The familial platters become centerpieces symbolizing enduring legacies.
High end serving platters transcend basic function through exquisite artistry. Luxurious metals, glass and stoneware form their masterfully designed foundations. Ornate patterns and custom details further elevate them into objets d'art.
These regal platters transform special event dining into singular experiences. Their splendor spotlights occasion menus from surrounding starters to iconic central dishes. High end platters also seamlessly infuse daily routines with cultivated flair through coordinated tablescapes.
For discriminating hosts seeking to impress guests with superlative hospitality, few serving pieces surpass the visual impact of high end platters. Their refined elegance communicates sophisticated taste that awes diners and makes meaningful memories.