28 Unique Dinnerware Finds

A gift guide handed to you on a platter

Gentle reminder that gift guides can be used to find yourself a little treat as well. And since I have a lot on my plate right now… at the very least, the plate should be absolutely gorgeous. Is this sound logic? All kidding aside, most of us don't need more stuff… I am working on being more intentional with my dollar and, when I am shopping, supporting artists and small businesses.

A collection of Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage-ware via Pinterest

I hope this helps you find something for a loved one or yourself. Perhaps this will inspire looking for the odd plate at a thrift store or on eBay (with a little bit of commitment, you can find really great collections of Bordallo Pinheiro aka my first “weird” plate love).

My sister lives in Belgium, which has resulted in me stumbling upon some European stores (denoted with an asterisk). Don’t be deterred, many of the artists have stockists worldwide listed on their websites.

1. You Silly Sausage | Laetitia Rouget | PORTA, $85: A cheeky surprise when get to the end of your meal.

2. On the Farm Ceramic Plates | Leif in Horse and Goat, $17: Delightful appetizer plates with a folky vibe.

3. Honor Dinner Plate | Sharland England | The Six Bells, $68: Playful yet elegant.

4. Eat Your Heart Out Dessert Plate | Caitlin Rounds Antiques, $64: For the newly engaged (or single!) friend. It was impossible to pick a favorite, don't miss the other styles suited for the bride-to-be.

5. Medium Orangea Plate | John Derian, $165: With endless designs, you’re guaranteed to find something for just about anyone.

6. Salad & Dinner Plate Sets | RHODE for West Elm, set of 4, starting at $60: While RHODE is no more, their plate sets live on. Not too precious and great for everyday use.

7. Oyster Platter de la Mer | &Klevering | Piecework, $62: For the seafood enthusiast.

8. Melamine Paper Plates | Fortessa | Food52, set of 6, starting at $48: A melamine plate that looks like a paper plate? Genius — no notes. Great for outdoor entertaining and kiddos.

1. Vicky Yellow | Rhea Kalo*, starting at €40: These can be personalized with hand-painted initials for an additional €5, which would make a special wedding gift.

2. Humpback Whale Platter | Minnie-Mae Studio*, starting at £125: Minnie-Mae Studio has captured my heart. Prepare yourself to see more on this list.

3. Negroni Plate | Harlie Brown Studio*, £60: For your friend with a loaded bar cart.

4. Piatto Piano Floreale | Bitossi Home*, $56: A modern take on traditional Italian dinnerware. Don't sleep on these pizza dishes either.

5. Coqueiro Plate Set | Valsa Home*, set of 4, $149: You really can’t go wrong with a hand-painted design.

6. Personalized Fil Rouge Plate | Musea Studio*, starting at $56: Incredible engagement, wedding or housewarming gift — choose your color, size, style and text.

7. Tomato Plate | Rosa Balimba*, set of 2, $47: Tomato girl summer forever!

8. Dodder Terracotta Plate | Paige Mitchell*, $112: Charming plate — I especially love the little mushrooms.

9. You Give Me Butterflies | Laetitia Rouget*, €40: Another favorite of mine from Laetitia Rouget that is currently sold out.

10. Mar - Langosta | Diegonine*, €35: For the seafood enthusiast.

More Than Just Plates

1. Poppies and Luster Oyster Plate | Rex Design, $300: Time to increase the yearly oyster budget.

2. Rabbit Mini Dish | Marumitsu | November 19 Shop, $29: I adore this dish that was gifted to me. I use it for drink garnishes, but would also work as a jewelry dish.

3. Colored Glass Cake Stand | Mosser | Food52 in Jadeite, starting at $47: I'm a huge fan of all Mosser glass, including the Bathing Beauty Dish. (As a Midwest gal, I also love that it is family owned and operated in Ohio.)

4. I Saw You Crying at the Discotheque Ashtray | Musae Studio, $67*: A lovely catchall for your favorite hot/sad girl.

5. Pegasus Striped Cake Platter | Anna + Nina, €79*: I bought this for my sister… and she gifted one to me (pretty good referral imo).

6. Butter Dish | Sophie Wilson | Salter House, $480: I didn't notice the price until I had to type it out… I'm happy for whoever has the budget for this! That being said, I think it’s time to upgrade my boring butter dish.

7. Radish Plate | Minnie-Mae Studio, €175*: This is begging to be hung up in your kitchen.

8. Radicchio Serving Platter | Minnie-Mae Studio | The Six Bells, $165: I am regretting not buying this for vegetarian friends who got married last year. Great for anyone who hosts a lot!

9. Fishbone Ceramic Coaster | Bari Moss | LEIF, $19: A fun take on fisherman aesthetic.

10. Indecisive Lazy Susan | MoMA Design Store, $45: MoMA Design Store is my go-to for bright and quirky goods.

*Links to European stores, some offer shipping to the U.S. Many of the artists listed have stockists worldwide.

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Some of my favorite plates... gifted and thrifted

Have you found a plate or plate-adjacent item you’re lusting after? Are you an artist who creates treasures like these for our homes? Please share in the comments!