7 Best Serving Platters Prove That Presentation Is Everything (2026)

Glass pedestals and chrome trays designed to be shown offPhoto: Fujio Emura, Styling: Jordan MixonDrink trays and serving dishes may not get the same attention as the main dish, but the best serving platters are just as critical for making even the most humble of tablescapes look more professional. Whether you’re looking to level up the display on the buffet line at your next big family gathering or prefer to serve your guests family style, these pieces go beyond your trusty (but lackluster) multipurpose mixing bowl.From large platters just begging to be filled with hors d’oeuvres to trays made for serving batch cocktails, our picks for the best platters are well-crafted and meant for regular (if not daily) use. Plus, they all look good enough to leave out on the countertop, for those whose kitchen storage is filled to the brim.Our Top PicksA Celeb-Approved PickCarmel Ridge Platter by Gaby DalkinRead moreBest Serving PlatterPorta Natalia PlatterRead moreBest Serving TraySophie Lou Jacobsen Squiggle TrayRead moreA Celeb-Approved PickCarmel Ridge Platter by Gaby DalkinWe spotted the Carmel platter in Mandy Moore and Gaby Dalkin’s Table Mates, loaded with an abundant charcuterie spread. Designed by Dalkin for Crate and Barrel, the earthenware piece features an etched border for added detail without distracting from your culinary creation.Best Serving PlatterPorta Natalia PlatterWith a reflective glaze and hand-painted striped design, Porta’s large terra-cotta platter is a durable plate that can be used every day and washed by hand when the meal is done. Choose a matching serving bowl or water jug for a coordinating tablescape.Best Serving TraySophie Lou Jacobsen Squiggle TrayDesigner Sophie Lou Jacobson knows how to make even the most humble tableware pieces that much cooler. This sophisticated serving tray gets a whimsical twist with the addition of squiggly handles. Crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel, the reflective surface was made to display a pair of crisp martinis or a selection of decadent desserts.A Coastal PickQuince Handwoven Decorative TrayQuince’s handwoven tray is ideal for those looking for a multi-functional serving piece that can double as decor. Place it on your coffee table with a candle and your remotes, and then tote it around with a round of martinis come pre-dinner happy hour. Handwoven from water hyacinth, the tray has a burlap-lined interior that creates an even surface and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.For a Smattering of SnacksThe Favorites Cluster Serving BowlsWhen the snack plate is worthy of an entire meal, look to this piece for a one-and-done approach. Nine bowls, welded together in a sculptural form, create an instant centerpiece. Give every snack its own dedicated place—without worrying about olive brine soaking your crackers.For Hand-Painted DetailCasa Latina Helecho Serving Platters (Set of 2)Versatile and timeless, this duo of hand-painted, ceramic platters can easily flit between casual family breakfasts and evenings hosting at home with a pile of hors d'oeuvres. Slightly raised sides help contain any drips, while the leafy motif gives the set its European farmhouse aesthetic.A Sculptural PickFerm Living Damo CenterpieceGive your dish the grandeur it deserves with a glass pedestal. This Ferm Living piece works as both a dramatic fruit bowl and a serving vessel. Whether elevating dessert above the tablescape or showcasing breakfast pastries in all their glory, the mouth-blown form is sure to shine.Kate McGregor is the Shopping Market Editor at Architectural Digest, doing what she loves best, curating the new and noteworthy across all categories. Previously, a design editor and market assistant for the likes of Domino and ELLE Decor, Kate has nearly seven years of shelter magazine experience. When not obsessing ... Read More