Purple Heavy Duty Plastic Plates Set (60 Pieces)

Dessert plates are usually 6 to 8 inches across. Ours come as 6-inch squares, which suit a slice of cake or a few bite-size sweets, and 7 to 7.5-inch rounds, which have room for cake with fruit or ice cream. For anything bigger, our 9-inch plates are halfway between a dessert plate and a dinner plate.

Usually, yes. Both are typically 7 to 8 inches, which is why one 7.5-inch plate can serve the salad at dinner and the cake afterward. Buy one plate per guest per course, so a dinner with salad and dessert needs two small plates per guest.

Plan on 110 to 120. That’s one plate per guest plus 10 to 20% for second slices and dropped plates. If dessert is a self-serve table that stays open all evening, go toward the higher number.

For passed bites and a cocktail hour, a 6 to 7-inch plate is easy to hold with a drink in the other hand. For an appetizer buffet where guests build a fuller plate, 7.5 to 9 inches works better. If appetizers are the whole meal, plan on two plates per guest.

Yes. They’re made from rigid plastic that holds a slice of cake, cheesecake or a few canapés without bending, even when guests eat standing up. For dense or saucy desserts, the heavy-duty sets are the sturdiest choice. Hand guests a plate with a fork already on it so they aren’t juggling both.