The wide rim salad and dessert plate is the classic choice for restaurants. It is easy to pick up and easier for servers to use. It can be used to serve hot appetizers as well as cold sweets and salads, since the wide rim prevents the server as well as the diner from burning their hands. However, when serving cold dishes the wide rim is not necessary, and it takes up more space on the table and in the dishwasher as well.

Square and uniquely shaped plates are becoming more popular and offer a modern presentation. They can be used to display more decorative and uniquely plated desserts and hors d’oeuvres. Formal plates with gold or silver borders can be used for fine dining. But in the end, the classic round plate will never go out of style.