Small plates & side plates

Beautiful small plates for all occasions

Small plates and side plates are often used in connection with breakfast and can also form part of a more formal table setting. Their practical size makes them perfect for a number of uses from salads and starters to snacks and desserts.

Which side plates are most popular?

Here at Nordic Nest, you will find a large selection of side plates in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes from some of the most popular brands.

Top 3 brands for side plates

• Arabia
• Marimekko
• Royal Doulton

Choosing the best side plates to match your tableware

Before you decide which breakfast plates you would like to choose, it is good to think about your existing tableware. Consider the style and material of your glasses, bowls and dinner plates as well as your dining table accessories.

What to consider when buying new plates

When deciding about which plates you should buy, there are several questions which you should ask yourself:

• Do I want a side plate set, or should I combine different small plates with one another?
• Which colours and patterns match my current tableware collection?
• What materials do I want for my small plates?

Small plates in high-quality materials

It is important to think about the material for your side plates as this affects both the look and feel of the plate as well as how it should be cleaned.

Porcelain side plates

The most common material for small plates is porcelain. Porcelain is robust, can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher and dries quickly.

Bone china side plates

Bone china porcelain is one of the finest forms of porcelain which is particularly precious and valuable due to its elaborate production.

Melamine side plates

Melamine is light and durable which makes it a practical option as a material for picnic side plates or small side plates for children. We recommend the brand RICE for a collection of colourful side plates that will enliven any table setting both indoors and outside.

Stoneware small plates

Stoneware gives a robust and rough look and is the perfect choice is you prefer a more rustic style. In Olsson & Jensen’s assortment, you can find premier stoneware side plates in a variety of earthy tones so you can choose your favourite.

Glass side plates

Glass side plates can be an excellent option if you already have glass pieces in the rest of your tableware collection. In addition, colourful glass plates create a beautiful glow on the table. A popular collection which includes small plates is Kastehelmi by Iittala. ‘Kastehelmi’ which means ‘dew drop’ in Finnish, has been named after the glass beads that characterise the collection.

Small plates sets or own combinations

Side plates are often sold in practical sets which makes it easy to create a harmonious table setting, but you can of course also combine side plates in different ways to create a unique and personal table setting.

Small plates from the same series often come in different colours which can be combined, but you can also mix patterns and colours to create the style you like for your table setting.

Uses for small plates

Small plates are often used for breakfast, but they are also perfect for lunches, side salads, appetizers and bread. For afternoon tea, you can use a small cake plate to serve something sweet.

Side plates with seasonal designs can also help to create the right atmosphere for your table setting for special occasions. For example, Christmas side plates can be a lovely way to add a festive touch to your Christmas dinner setting.

Popular collections for side plates

In our assortment, you will be able to find some of the most popular collections from well-known brands.

The Swedish Grace collection from Rörstrand is a timeless collection that includes small plates. The beautiful pattern was inspired by wheat fields swaying in the gentle summer wind. Choose from a range of soft pastel colours including pink, blue and white.

Teema by Iitala is another popular collection, which includes a large range of tableware items from small plates to coffee cups, breakfast bowls and serving platters. The collection includes both round and small square plates so you can create interesting geometric combinations on the table.