Catering Supplies - People have always seemed to have some sense of civility when it comes to eating and handling food, and as such we've long been attached to eating off plates. Even ancient civilizations used pottery and wood slabs for handling their food. Over time, those plates have come to be a regular addition at the dinner table and have also served to help decorate for the occasion. They are as much a piece of art as they are functional, and many families over the centuries past have proudly displayed their dinner ware as a way to display elegance and style.
Catering Supplies - There's a vast difference in design as well, as each culture and the influence of the individual artisan appears within the design and decoration of each line of plates. Some are unique, with only one piece (like a portrait or painting) while others are more widely produced in color variations and material. Here are a few of the most popular types of plates used at the dinner table and catering events around the world.
Paper Plates - If you're hosting a formal catering event, you probably won't see a lot of paper plates being used. These are a convenience item and more for outdoor events, less-formal luncheons, etc. Still, some clients may request paper plates for some purpose during an event. Note that paper doesn't conduct heat well so food cools relatively quickly.
Plastic Plates - Plastic plates have found their way into many a catering event and are regularly used by even upscale hotels, cafeterias and more. The best part about plastic is that it's durable and can be sanitized easily. It's relatively easy to stock and replace and can even be made to look like its not plastic. Of course plastic doesn't retain heat like more expensive materials, and plastic can easily warp or melt if it gets too hot.
Stone Plates - Stone plates aren't as common as other materials, mainly because of the expense. Stone plates also pose a bit of a sanitary risk if they are not properly sealed and maintained. This is due to the fact that stone is extremely porous. It can easily soak up grease and other liquids that will stain the stone and increase the risk of bacterial growth. The upside though is that stone plates can hang on to their heat, and are sometimes used as a charger plate.
Ceramic Plates - Ceramic is one of the most popular plate choices for catering events. Not only is ceramic a sturdy plate choice but they're attractive, easily cleaned and ceramic retains heat for long periods. In many cases, caterers will pre-warm plates to ensure the food stays hot, and this tactic can often keep the plate and food warm for as long as thirty minutes.
Wood Plates - Wood plates are a popular choice for rustic themes, outdoor events and other types of themed events where the wood fits the decore. Wood cleans up relatively easily but it should be noted that wood plates which aren't treated and finished properly will quickly lose their finish and could stain easily with certain foods.
Laminate - Another popular plate choice are laminate plates. These use resin or laminated tempered glass to create the plate form. Many homeowners use laminate plates and they're an affordable and attract backup choice for a catering company to have on hand. Note that laminate and glass often can't be heated and may break easily if they endure temperature fluctuations.
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