Serving Bowls, Platters & Boards
Serving bowls, platters and boards that bring a bit of quiet ceremony to the table. Each piece is solid, well-made, and made to last - whether it's British stoneware that handles heat and heft, or FSC-certified wooden boards that age gracefully with use. Useful, good-looking things that do their job without fuss, meal after meal.
FAQs about Serving Bowls, Platters & Boards
What are the different types of serving tableware used for entertaining?
The most common types of serving tableware include serving bowls, platters, trays, and cheese or chopping boards. Serving bowls are great for hearty sides or salad, while platters suit roasts or grilled veg. Wooden boards work beautifully for canapés or a grand cheese spread. Stick to sturdy materials like stoneware, ceramic, or hardwood for pieces that pull their weight over years of dinner parties. They're practical, pleasing, and built to last - even if your spreads occasionally get a bit... enthusiastic.
How should I clean and care for stoneware and wooden serving dishes?
To care for stoneware and wooden serving dishes properly, wash wooden ones by hand with warm, soapy water and dry them promptly. Conditioning with food-safe oil every few uses helps prevent cracking. Stoneware often handles the dishwasher, but hand-washing keeps glazes lovely for longer. Avoid sudden temperature swings too - stoneware and shocks don’t mix. For more detail, pop over to our full guide on how to care for a wooden chopping board.
Are wooden serving boards safe for both cheese and cooked food?
Yes, wooden serving boards are safe for both cheese and cooked food - as long as you clean them properly between uses. Wood naturally resists bacteria and is kind to your knives too. Choose hardwood boards with a sealed surface, especially when serving oily or juicy items. Wash with hot, soapy water, dry well, and rotate between a couple of boards if you often switch between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
Which serving bowls and platters are truly buy-it-for-life?
The best buy-it-for-life serving bowls and platters are made from ceramic, stoneware, or hardwood - materials known for long life and quiet charm. Trust pieces with chip-resistant glazes, thick walls, or heavyweight designs. Many of ours come with lifetime guarantees or nods to traditional craftsmanship. Johnstons, for instance, will re-darn their knits forever - now that’s staying power. Browse our durable crockery, cutlery and tableware or explore our Buy Me Once Research Process.
How do I store large serving bowls and boards to prevent damage?
To prevent damage, store large serving bowls and boards with a bit of care. Stack stoneware bowls using cloth or felt pads to stop scratches. Let wooden boards stand tall in a dry, airy spot - trapped moisture is no friend to wood. Racks or wall hooks work well for boards too, keeping them accessible and out of harm’s way. Skip overstuffed cupboards unless you enjoy playing crockery Tetris.
Are all the serving dishes on Buy Me Once made in the UK?
Not all the serving dishes on Buy Me Once are made in the UK, but we proudly feature British-made where we can. Each listing tells you where it’s made, what it’s made from, and how. Whether hand-thrown in Stoke or carved abroad by masters of the craft, our products must earn their place here with lasting quality and responsible sourcing.
What’s the difference between ceramic and stoneware in serveware?
Ceramic is an umbrella term for clay-based materials, and stoneware is a tougher version, fired at higher heat. That makes the best stoneware serveware tougher, less porous, and better at handling daily wear or hearty helpings. Ceramic bowls may have more delicate glazes - lovely for special occasions, but they prefer a gentler life. With proper care, both can stick around for decades.
