Which Thanksgiving serving platters are best?

Thanksgiving is almost here, and with it comes the labor of love that is cooking the Thanksgiving dinner. After you’ve spent hours putting together all the sides and main dishes, it makes sense that you’d want to serve that delicious meal on lovely serving platters. Even if you do nothing else presentation-wise than place your food or Thanksgiving desserts on a serving platter, you’re still making a bigger impression than if you use a regular old plate.

In this article: Mud Pie Watercolor Turkey Platter, Spode Woodland Turkey Platter 19″ and Harvest Morning Pumpkin Platter

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How to select a Thanksgiving serving platter

There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding which serving platters will best serve you this Thanksgiving. You will need to consider what types of side dishes you are serving, as well as how many people you are making food for. If you want a platter that serves an entire turkey, then size will definitely be a deciding factor. We have rounded up some tips for you to help figure out your serving plan this holiday season.

Size

Serving platters are, at minimum, 12 to 14 inches in diameter, which is slightly larger than the average dinner plate. They can reach or exceed 21 inches in diameter. For a whole Thanksgiving turkey, aim for a platter with a minimum diameter of 16 inches.

Shape

Serving platter shapes fall into three categories:

• Round: This category consists of perfect circles and ovals. Because turkeys are usually oval-shaped, platters in this category are perfect for complementing them.
• Square: This category consists of squares and rectangles. These are nontraditional for serving a turkey, but that aspect, plus the clashing edges of round and straight, can be more exciting.
• Other: This category covers everything else, though it mainly consists of platters in the shapes of other objects. Christmas trees, for example, or animals. You could even find a turkey-shaped platter to serve your turkey on.

Quantity included

Some serving platters come in sets, though there are usually no more than two or three. These serving sets commonly include platters of varying sizes so you have more options for your money. Serving dish sets that are all the same size are typically meant for disposal after your meal.

Material

Serving platters can be made of many materials and each has its pros and cons:

• Metal is the classic material, especially if those metals are precious such as gold and silver. It’s strong, usually light and often beautiful. However, some metals require careful upkeep and can be expensive.
• Plastic is the most budget-conscious material. It’s also light and easy to clean. It usually makes the least impactful presentation, though, barring a fun shape. If, however, you only use it once or twice a year then it’s hard to beat.
• Glass and ceramic, depending on the design, can be among the most beautiful platters. Most are light and reasonably priced, too.
• Wood and stone have the most “all-natural” appeal. Wood is light but can be hard to maintain while stone is heavy but easy to maintain.

Other features

Serving platters have other, smaller features that aren’t deal-breakers but might swing your decision:

• Well: This feature essentially means the bottom is higher than the top. This lets the serving platter collect liquids without risk of spills. This is a boon when serving a whole turkey, but is unnecessary if serving already sliced turkey.
• Compartments: Some serving platters divide their space into smaller compartments. These are usually best for charcuterie nights. Come Turkey Day, they can hold all the sides instead.
• Temperature-proof: This feature can mean a platter is freezer- and/or oven-safe, not to mention microwave- and dishwasher-safe. If you want to cook your turkey on the serving platter to save on dishes or want to move your leftovers directly into the refrigerator, double-check that your chosen platter can accommodate you.
• Stackability: If you buy multiple platters or a platter set, make sure they’re all stackable so you can store them while using the least amount of space.

Cost

Basic serving platters typically cost $10 to $30, with better serving platters costing up to $100. The best platters can cost hundreds of dollars.

Best serving platters

Mud Pie Watercolor Turkey Platter

This adorable Thanksgiving-themed turkey serving platter features original artwork. The ceramic serving platter measures 20.5 inches in diameter.

Renawe Serving Platters

This serving platter set includes two octagonal wooden platters, one each that are 12 and 10 inches in diameter. The stains on the wood are a lovely dark color that closely resembles a perfectly cooked turkey. 

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Spode Woodland Turkey Platter 19″

This gorgeous platter is microwave-safe, making it as functional as it is beautiful. Serve the turkey and then heat up the leftovers all on one stunning dish. It’s part of the Spode Woodland collection, so you can use this pattern for other serveware too.

Threshold 11.75″ Stoneware Turkey Serving Platter 

This brightly colored platter from Target’s Threshold line features a turkey, but its design works for the entire fall season, not just Thanksgiving. It’s made of stoneware and dishwasher-safe, while its size makes it perfect for serving the turkey at a smaller dinner or plating up some appetizers before the big meal.

Bico Blessing Season Ceramic 19-inch Oval Platter

This oval platter features a turkey and pumpkins in muted autumn colors, so it will look beautiful on your table no matter what you serve on it. It’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe and its large size means you can use it for bigger gatherings. 

Harvest Morning Pumpkin Platter

This is another platter that can work for hosting anytime in the fall season. It will easily coordinate with other serveware for the season and can be displayed, as well as used to serve appetizers.

The Holiday Aisle Porcelain Platter

Bring a harvest theme to your Thanksgiving table with this lovely platter that features a border of vivid fruits and vegetables with a turkey taking up the middle space. It would make a perfect turkey-serving platter, but is also beautiful enough to just be part of the centerpiece.

Sweese Rectangle Serving Platters

This set includes three rectangular porcelain platters, which are 15.5 inches by 7.5 inches, 13.8 inches by 5.7 inches and 11.7 inches by 4.7 inches. They have large lips to hold liquids, such as turkey juices or cranberry sauce. They are also perfect for setting out appetizers.

 

Tuscan 3-Piece Platter Set

This stunning trio of platters in three different sizes gives you options with serving. Each piece is unique due to its glazing process and the set is dishwasher-, oven- and microwave-safe. 

Yhosseun Serving Platters

This set includes three rectangular porcelain platters which are all 12.5 inches by 9.5 inches. Also included is a tiered stand to hold all three for an elevated presentation. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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