Like most appetizer plates, glass dinnerware is smaller than regular platters. This makes them easier to handle, so servers are less likely to drop and break them. The plates can have unique shapes, but do not have complex patterns. This means the food itself takes all of the customer’s attention. Glass dinnerware is also frequently used as a salad dish. Some restaurants even put the plates in a refrigerator or chiller beforehand, to help keep the salads fresh and crisp.