I am often asked by customers in the shop "what do you use it for" as they are admiring our collection of small plates. Indeed in a land where large plates are the norm at every meal it could be quite baffling. They aren't big enough for any kind of meal. In fact most of the small plates in our shop couldn't even hold a sandwich. But let me assure you, they hold all the right things and today I am going to share my favorite uses for small plates.
Before delving into the practical part of the equation that involves reasoning and small plates let me first state the obvious: the main reason to love them is that they are so darn adorable. Even a plainly colored simply designed small plate just pulls a little on your heart strings. But add a bird, a mushroom, a flower, or a tiny tree and the cuteness factor really goes off the charts. Not to mention what happens when you see a small plate that is shaped like a piece of citrus or a corn cob. But like most things in the shop we value the combination of an item embodying both beauty and practicality. So here I go with the practical reasons.
When I first started using small plates at home the first two most common things I would do is cover a tea cup (and then subsequently place the tea bag on the plate once it was time to drink) and put a bit of chocolate chips on them to bring with me to nibble on while soaking in the bath. They continue to be a great way to portion out a small nibble of a treat, maybe a couple of cookies or some chocolate pieces.
As I started to learn more about Japanese tableware while I was adding more to the shop I noticed that something that is shaped like a tiny bowl is often referred to as a small plate. With the rise of an appreciation for the charcuterie board I have become very fond of using the bowl shaped small plates to hold mustards, jams, or some other spreadable yumminess and very much love how the right little plate can elevate the overall look of the charcuterie board.
Having travelled to Japan a few times now I can say that I understand so much more about how the Japanese table uses so many tiny plates and bowls. Although our style of eating at home mostly follows a typical American home, with using one large dish to hold all parts of the meal, I do find myself using small plates more and more as a way to compliment the plated foods. Sometimes this is by using it for some fresh cut herbs or a condiment. The presence of a small plate can really add a beautiful compliment to a meal that definitely works to elevate ones mood.
We recently started to carry Date Better nut butter stuffed chocolate covered dates (which are delicious by the way) and this is my new favorite thing to use a small plate for. The package has two dates in it and I admit I like to really savor each one as I eat it so I take one out of the package and set it on one of my favorite small plates. Then I hold the cute little plate up to my mouth and let it catch any bits of chocolate that crumble off the date when I bite into it each time. I don't want a single crumb of chocolate and I also want the experience to last as long as possible by savoring every one of those crumbs.
Many folks have a few pills they need to take in the morning and if you are like me sometimes the morning can get going and before you know it you have forgotten to take your pills. Imagine before you go to bed at night taking your daily vitamins, prescription medicines, and/or supplements and setting them all in your favorite little dish. When you wake up in the morning they are sitting there greeting you on that cute plate. What a nice way to start the day by encountering something beautiful holding all the things that keep you healthy every day!
What is your favorite thing to do with a small plate? Share in the comments so we can all discover new fun things to enjoy our small plates!