Using a platter is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and seasonal charm to the table. With each season comes new trends, which is why there’s such a large variety of platter shapes and styles available on the market. From rustic wooden boards to ceramic and glass trays, there are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing the perfect addition to a dining table. Keep reading to find out which ones are the most popular in each season.
Table of Contents
Key features of food platters everyone looks for
Global market value of serveware
Best platter style for each season
Porcelain platter
Bamboo platter
Wood platter
Slate platter
Final thoughts
Key features of food platters everyone looks for
When choosing the best food platter, there are several key considerations to take into account to ensure they meet aesthetic and functional needs:
- Durability: The different materials have various levels of durability which is important to note. For example, a ceramic platter is best for formal indoor settings whereas wood can be used in rustic or outdoor settings without the worry of breakage.
- Size and shape: Round platters are more suitable for casual settings whereas rectangular platters are perfect for presentation and serving a variety of food. The size and shape should complement the amount of food being served.
- Ease of cleaning: People will look for low-maintenance materials such as metal or melamine. Materials like wood and ceramic will take more care to preserve their quality.
- Design: The look of the platter should match the theme of the event as well as the ambiance. Neutral tones offer versatility and bolder colors make a strong statement. With patterns, simple patterns can add a touch of elegance and intricate designs look great for festive occasions or casual parties.
Global market value of serveware
The serveware market has grown substantially in recent years as more consumers look for aesthetic ways to display food. Serveware refers to kitchen and dining accessories that are designed to serve food while enhancing its presentation. This includes products such as trays, platters, bowls, and serving boards that can be used at home as well as in a restaurant, a cafe, and hotels.
In 2024, the global market value of serveware exceeded USD 14.25 billion. This number is projected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% between 2025 and 2032. This will bring the total market value up to approximately USD 18.97 billion by the end of this period. With manufacturers experimenting with new designs and materials, there’s a constant stream of trending serveware emerging.
Best platter style for each season
Choosing the best platter style for each season can have a big impact on functionality and presentation. While some materials will be perfect for certain times of the year, that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for every season. For many buyers and businesses, it’s very important that their platter choice is both stylish and seasonal appropriate.
According to Google Ads, “platter” had an average monthly search volume of 165,000 in 2024. The most searches appeared in the summer and fall months, when platters are popular with outdoor dining events and cozy evenings inside the house. Searches never fell below 135,000 per month though, which shows just how popular platters are throughout the year.
Keep reading to find out more about each style of platter that’s the most popular for every season.
Porcelain platter
One of the best platter styles to use in the spring is the porcelain platter. It offers a light and elegant touch that perfectly complements seasonal fruits and other food items. The smooth, glossy finish of the platter helps to enhance the colors of the food, and porcelain retains a good amount of warmth to keep food at an ideal serving temperature. Another bonus is the non-porous nature of the platter which makes it easy to clean since it’s resistant to stains.
Porcelain platters are usually found in either white or soft pastel hues that beautifully suit spring vibes. For an added touch of spring charm for outdoor gatherings or afternoon tea, having floral designs is a nice touch too.
Bamboo platter
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with outdoor serveware, and nothing quite beats the look of a good bamboo platter. This platter combines natural aesthetics with durability, and it’s known for being lightweight. The sturdiness of the bamboo platter makes it ideal for serving everything from fish to fresh fruits and grilled meats.
The non-porous nature of the bamboo platter also means that it’s resistant to odors and moisture. This means that this simple earthenware can be used for a long time to come, and can even hold a main dish for special occasions without breaking.
Buyers looking for a way to enhance casual or tropical table settings love the earthy tones that the bamboo platter provides. It’s also a great sustainable choice for eco-friendly consumers who like to entertain in the summertime using large functional large platters.
Wood platter
For autumn dining, there’s nothing that brings warmth and rustic charm to the table more than a wood platter. The natural texture of this platter makes it the perfect option for serving roasted vegetables, cheeses, and other hearty appetizers. Wood is often a preferred choice during any season, not just autumn, due to its durability. This means that it can handle heavier foods for longer periods of time.
Using a wood platter for autumn table settings is a good way to complement earthy color palettes during special occasions. Whether the platter is used for casual gatherings or harvest dinners, buyers love the organic touch that these types of seasonal serving platters bring to the room. New collections are always emerging as well thanks to the high demand for wood platters and sets worldwide.
Slate platter
The natural stone surface of slate retains both cold and warmth, which is why it’s such a popular choice for winter dining. The slate platter offers a sleek and elegant touch to any holiday gathering, and it displays festive treats in a very bold way. The dark tones of slate creates a striking contrast against the colors of winter food, and the durability of the material ensures that it can handle heavier items too.
The surface of slate easily resists odors and stains, which is another bonus for many people, especially during dinner parties. Regardless of where the slate platter is used, it makes a bold and stylish statement at any event or table setting. Large platter designs also look phenomenal on slate platters.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best platter style for each season comes with a lot of considerations. Buyers will look at the functionality of the platter as well as the durability and overall aesthetics to ensure that it blends in with their everyday decor or dinner table setting. Selecting the right platter ensures that the table is both practical and stylish, which is important for home dining experiences and restaurants or cafes.
By making sure that the shapes, sizes, and materials of the platters suit the season, buyers will be able to create visually appealing serving arrangements.
