What is the difference between a salad plate and a dessert plate?

Salad plates are usually a little larger, around 20 to 23 cm, while dessert plates tend to be closer to 18 to 21 cm.

Do salad plates need to match the dinner plates?

Not necessarily. Mixing in a complementary colour or pattern is a common way to add interest to a table.

Gift idea

Salad plates

These smaller plates are ideal for serving appetizers, salads, or lighter meals, adding a touch of elegance to any dining occasion.

A stylish salad plate set covers salads, appetizers, breakfasts and lighter meals with a smaller, easy-to-handle size. It suits anyone refreshing a dinnerware collection or hosting often, since a contrasting colour or pattern adds interest next to plain dinner plates.

Good for

Usually $25–$50Dinnerware

♡ Add to my wish list

Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing. · affiliate link

Why salad plates make a good gift

Salad plates see daily use for sandwiches, toast, snacks and side dishes.
A contrasting pattern refreshes an existing collection without replacing the main dinner plates.
Smaller plates are handy for holiday appetizers, buffets and extra guests at the table.

What to look for

Check the diameter, usually 20 to 23 cm, to see how it pairs with existing dinner plates.
Confirm the number of plates included and whether the colours are matched or assorted.
Read care instructions for dishwasher and microwave use, particularly with hand-painted or metallic designs.

Kinds worth searching

Each button opens a narrow Amazon search in your store. Compare a few listings before you choose.

Patterned salad plates
Stoneware salad plates
Glass salad plates
Assorted colour plates

Questions people ask

What is the difference between a salad plate and a dessert plate?: Salad plates are usually a little larger, around 20 to 23 cm, while dessert plates tend to be closer to 18 to 21 cm.
Do salad plates need to match the dinner plates?: Not necessarily. Mixing in a complementary colour or pattern is a common way to add interest to a table.

Keep browsing

More dinnerware

See all

Representative photo-style image of charming dessert and pastry plate set — generated, not a specific product

Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

Salad plates

Why salad plates make a good gift

What to look for

Kinds worth searching

Questions people ask

More dinnerware

Charming dessert and pastry plate set

Complete dinnerware place setting set

Cozy soup and cereal bowl set

Dinner plates