The Reason I Always End Up Collecting Them
Open the cupboard and you'll find an ever-growing collection of small plates. Some were made by kilns, others I discovered on my travels. As I gaze at the stacked dishes, I recall the day I brought each one home.
Perhaps the root of my "small plate obsession" lies in memories of my childhood dinner table. When I was a child, my family's cupboard held numerous small plates, one for each family member. At dinnertime, my mother would take them out and carefully serve each dish. It was a delight for my childlike heart to watch the table's scenery change little by little with each plate my dish-loving mother chose.
Perhaps because those memories are so ingrained, I too have become quite fond of dishes, and small plates in particular always catch my eye.
I tend to be cautious about large plates, considering storage and use, but with small plates, whenever I find one I like, I casually bring it home.
When stacked, they don't take up much space and can be used for anything from side dishes to sweets.
I believe this freedom is why I always end up collecting them.
Rhythm for the Table, Small Plates for Hospitality
While there are days when I opt for a simple one-plate meal, a table set with several small plates creates a visual rhythm and enlivens the scene.
I often invite friends over, and it's a comfortable experience for me, the host, when everyone transfers food from a large platter to their own small plates and enjoys it at their own pace while chatting.
Plates around 5 inches in size are the most versatile for serving or side dishes, and you can never have too many.
As my collection of favorites gradually grows, planning what combinations to use for the next gathering has become a small, secret pleasure of mine.
Comfortable Snack Time
One plate I often reach for in my daily life is the "fog Plate 15cm WHITE".
Its soft, misty white has a subtle grayish tint. While simple, it adds a quiet calm to the dining table.
When I place a glossy blueberry tart on it, the white of the plate highlights the deep color of the fruit, naturally creating a well-arranged impression on the table.
It's also the perfect plate to use just for myself, along with freshly brewed coffee, during my alone time.
Enjoying Diverse Expressions with Porcelain
Porcelain small plates, with their smooth texture and refined form, make whatever is placed on them look elegant.
An afternoon spent enjoying Kashiwa-mochi with tea.
The cool white porcelain enhances the green of the oak leaves, and I feel a moment of quiet serenity flow into the busy everyday.
At night, they go straight to the dinner table.
Arranging small plates of different shapes, such as chrysanthemum-cut or four-ridged designs, is another pleasure. They seamlessly blend with both Japanese dishes like aemono (dressed salads) and sashimi, as well as Western ingredients, thanks to the inherent versatility of porcelain.
They are also reliable and easy to clean, so I find myself reaching for them almost every day without hesitation.
Versatile Tableware for Any Scene
A plate I often reach for naturally at the breakfast table is the marais small octagonal plate.
The "Octagonal Plate" with its angular form provides a nice accent, subtly adding variation to a simple table setting.
The "Oval Plate" with its gentle curves and calm blue color presents food neatly. Even simple meals like sandwiches or salads gain visual balance and flair just by being placed on it.
The basic colors of white and blue easily match both Japanese and Western styles, and their high practicality, being microwave, dishwasher, and even oven safe, makes them perfect as gifts.
Last year, I chose them for a friend's wedding gift, and they seem to love using them, which makes me feel good about my choice.
A Daily Essential, Always
For breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner.
Small plates that I naturally reach for at any time are indispensable "supporting actors" for me.
They highlight the main dish while filling in the empty spaces on the table and refining the overall scene.
Without over-determining their use, I enjoy combining them freely according to the menu and my mood at the moment. As I continue to discover my own way of interacting with them, I have a feeling that more small plates will be added to my home's cupboard.
