Setting a table with mixed plates and bowls

A Ø26 cm plate is a comfortable everyday dinner plate, while Ø20 to Ø22 cm plates suit side dishes, kuih or breakfast. Bowls of Ø11.5 to Ø15 cm are the usual size for rice or soup, and the Ø20 to Ø25.5 cm bowls can sit in the centre of the table for sharing.

Mixing colours is easier when one element stays constant: keep the plates in one colour, such as blue, and vary the bowls, or set the table in brown and natural tones and let a gold and green bowl stand out. A 33 x 48 cm place mat leaves room for a plate, cutlery and a cup.

Ceramic, stoneware and porcelain can chip if knocked together, so stack plates of the same size and avoid forcing bowls into one another. Wooden and bamboo pieces last longer if washed by hand and dried straight away, as soaking and humid air can swell or crack them.