Etiquette for Miscellaneous Plate Use

Since fish was often the first of many main courses, it had its own plate, about 9 inches across and easy to recognize because it was decorated with pictures of fish. 

Miscellaneous Plates for Dining 

A number of other plates were made in the nineteenth century for foods that were eaten frequently then but are less common today. You can find these plates in antique shops, and they add a touch of whimsy to your table. You don't have to use them for their original purpose, however. 

Examples of unusual antique plates include oyster plates, fruit plates, escargot plates, and bone plates. Asparagus plates were common because asparagus was usually served as a separate course. Since fish was often the first of many main courses, it had its own plate, about 9 inches across and easy to recognize because it was decorated with pictures of fish. 

Another plate no longer frequently made is the luncheon plate, which is a size smaller than the dinner plate. Today, a salad plate or a dessert plate can be used for luncheon, but an antique luncheon plate is perfect for serving cookies (and for luncheon of course, if you have enough of them!). – From “Elements of the Table,” by Lynn Rosen, 2007

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