Serveware

A wooden salad bowl set usually has one large bowl, several smaller bowls for each person and sometimes matching servers. It suits someone who cooks for a family or has friends over often, and it makes a warm, lasting gift for a couple or a new homeowner. Before you buy, check what kind of wood it is and how it's finished. Look at how many small bowls come with it, and make sure the large bowl holds enough for the group they usually feed. Wood needs washing by hand and an occasional oiling, so it's best for someone who won't mind that.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Wooden salad bowl set

  A thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys serving fresh salads or fruit at family meals or special occasions.

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A single large wooden bowl gives the cook plenty of room to toss greens without spilling, and it looks good on the table too. It's a good choice for someone who already has individual bowls and just needs a proper centrepiece. Check the diameter and depth: a wide, shallow bowl is easier to toss in, while a deeper one holds more. A solid, one-piece bowl will usually last longer than one glued together from strips. Also think about cupboard space, because a really big bowl can be hard to store in a small kitchen.

A wood serving platter is a long, flat board or shallow tray for cheese, charcuterie, bread or appetizers. It suits someone who likes putting out snacks for guests, and it works just as well for holiday gatherings as for a casual Friday night. Look for a surface that's big enough for a full spread, and handles if they'll carry it from kitchen to table. A raised edge keeps crackers from sliding off. Hardwoods generally hold up better to knives than softer woods. Like other wood pieces, these need washing by hand, so they suit someone who takes care of their kitchen things.

Tiered serveware stacks two or three plates or trays on a central post, so you can set out cookies, tarts, sandwiches or fruit without taking up much table space. It suits bakers, anyone who hosts showers or afternoon teas, and hosts who put out a holiday dessert table. Check whether the tiers come apart for washing and storage, and how steady the stand feels once it's loaded. Look at the spacing between levels too, because taller treats need more clearance. A plain white or metal finish goes with more settings than a heavily themed design.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Multi-tiered serving stand

  An excellent choice for entertainers who like to display an array of desserts, appetizers, or fruits creatively.

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A set of serving bowls and platters gives a host matching pieces for mains, sides and sauces all at once. Sets like chip-and-dip servers, condiment caddies and a gravy boat with its saucer fill the small gaps that come up at big holiday meals. They suit newlyweds, first-time homeowners and anyone whose serving dishes are a jumble of leftovers. Before buying, check how many pieces are included and whether the sizes actually fit how they eat. Find out if the pieces can go in the dishwasher and whether they stack for storage. A neutral colour will match more of the dinnerware they already have.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Stylish chip and dip set

  Great for casual gatherings, movie nights, or anyone who enjoys serving snacks with accompanying dips.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Tabletop condiment caddy set

  Useful for outdoor dining enthusiasts or anyone who likes to keep sauces and seasonings organized on the table.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Classic gravy boat with saucer

  Perfect for those who appreciate traditional dining and serving sauces or gravies neatly at the table.

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A large serving dish is the one piece that can hold a whole roast, a mountain of potatoes or a full basket of rolls for the table. It suits whoever hosts the holiday dinner and keeps running out of room on their current platters. A lined bread basket belongs here too, since it keeps rolls tidy and warm at a crowded table. Check the dimensions against their table and cupboards, and consider how heavy the dish will be once it's full. If they cook and serve in the same piece, confirm it can go in the oven.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Woven bread basket with liner

  A lovely addition for those who enjoy serving warm bread, rolls, or pastries at meals or brunches.

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A large ceramic platter is the classic choice for carving a turkey or setting out a holiday ham. It's a good fit for a mom or grandma who hosts the big dinners, or for a couple starting their own traditions. Check the length first, because a platter that looks big online may not fit a whole bird. A slight rim or well helps hold in juices. Look for a glaze that stands up to carving knives and regular dishwasher use. Plain white or a soft solid colour will go with almost any dinnerware.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Large ceramic serving platter

  Ideal for hosts who love presenting appetizers or main dishes with elegance at any gathering.

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Serveware with lids covers anything from butter dishes to covered bowls and casseroles. It keeps food covered on the counter or table between servings. It suits practical hosts, people who bring dishes to potlucks, and anyone who likes leaving butter out to soften. Check that the lid fits snugly without being hard to lift, and that the handle or knob is easy to grip. For a butter dish, make sure the base fits the shape of butter sold where they live, since sticks and blocks come in different sizes.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Elegant butter dish with lid

  A practical and charming gift for anyone who prefers soft, spreadable butter at the table.

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