Dessert Plates
Dessert plates in Saudi Arabia — the sweetest part of the meal deserves its own plate. A luxury dessert plate turns a slice of cake, a square of kunafa or a bowl of fresh fruit into a small ceremony at the end of the table. At RIS you will find premium dessert and side plates in refined sets — deep teal designs, rich patterned Boavista-style sets and playful chess-check plates — made to close every meal with elegance. Pair them with full-sized pieces from our tableware collection for one coordinated table.
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The Right Size: 18–20 cm
A true dessert plate measures about 18–20 cm across — large enough for a portion of kunafa with its syrup, a slice of cake with cream, or a serving of fruit, yet small enough to feel delicate in the hand. Side plates share this size and work double duty: bread and cheese at the start of the meal, dessert at the end. Anything much larger reads as a salad plate; anything smaller suits only petit fours and dates.
Why Sets of Four Work So Well
- For family desserts, one set of four covers the everyday ending of a meal without filling a whole cabinet.
- For guests, two or three matching sets stack neatly and keep the table coordinated when the guest list grows.
- For styling, patterned sets of four make an elegant open-shelf display — the plates become décor between meals.
Serving Saudi Sweets with Style
Serve kunafa and basbousa warm on a patterned plate, with the shine of the plate framing the golden pastry. Present luqaimat in a small pile with a drizzle of syrup, and offer dates on a side plate beside the coffee rather than in a large bowl, so each guest takes a clean, elegant portion. Fresh fruit — figs, berries, sliced mango — looks bold and jewel-like on a deep teal or checked plate. Finish with glasses from our drinkware range and the course is complete.
Pattern, Colour and the Rest of the Table
Dessert is the one course where a bold plate never overwhelms: the portions are small and the mood is relaxed. A rich pattern under a pale cake, or a deep colour under cream and fruit, photographs beautifully and guests remember it. Keep dinner plates plain if your dessert plates are patterned, or reverse it — contrast between courses keeps the table refined from start to finish. Browse the wider dining collection to plan the whole progression.
Care for Dessert and Side Plates
Wash patterned and glazed plates by hand, or on a gentle dishwasher cycle, to protect the design. Syrup and berry juices stain light glazes if left overnight — rinse dessert plates the same evening. Stack with a soft cloth between plates and store them away from heavy dinner plates that can chip their rims.
Delivery Across Saudi Arabia
RIS delivers across Saudi Arabia, with free delivery in main cities on orders of 2,500 SAR or more. Every plate is wrapped individually so your sets arrive ready for the first serving — and you can see the colours in person at our Jeddah showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of a dessert plate?
The standard dessert plate is about 18–20 cm across. That size holds a proper portion of kunafa with its syrup, a slice of cake with cream or a serving of fruit, while still feeling light and elegant in the hand. Anything much larger reads as a salad plate; anything smaller suits only petit fours and dates.
What is the difference between a dessert plate and a side plate?
There is very little difference — dessert plates and side plates share the same 18–20 cm size. Side plates start the meal with bread, cheese or salad, while dessert plates close it with sweets. One set can happily do both jobs, which makes them among the hardest-working plates in a Saudi kitchen.
How many dessert plates do I need for guests?
You need enough dessert plates for your largest usual gathering. Sets of four make this easy to build: one set covers everyday family desserts, and two or three matching sets stack neatly for guest evenings. Matching sets also keep the table coordinated even when the guest list grows unexpectedly.
Can I serve kunafa on a dessert plate?
Yes — a dessert plate is the perfect size for a portion of kunafa with its syrup. Serve the kunafa warm, and a patterned or deep-coloured plate will frame the golden pastry beautifully. The 18–20 cm size gives the syrup room to shine without spilling over the rim.
Can dessert plates be used for breakfast or salads?
Yes — dessert plates work at breakfast for eggs and toast, at lunch for a small salad, and with cheese and fruit at any hour. Their 18–20 cm size is exactly why: big enough for a real portion, small enough to keep the table light. They are among the hardest-working plates in a Saudi kitchen.
Should dessert plates match my dinner plates?
Dessert plates should harmonise with your dinner plates, not necessarily match them. A patterned dessert plate with a plain dinner service is a classic, confident contrast — and dessert is the one course where a bold plate never overwhelms. Fully matching sets suit formal occasions best.
What colours work best for dessert plates?
Deep teal, rich patterns and chess-check designs work best, because they make pale cakes, creams and fresh fruit look vivid and jewel-like. Dessert portions are small, so a bold plate adds celebration without crowding the table. Neutral glazes are the better choice for a calm, minimal table.
Are dessert plates a good gift?
Yes — a set of four elegant dessert plates is a refined housewarming or hostess gift. Pair the set with fine dates or sweets and it arrives ready for the table. Our Jeddah showroom team can help you choose a pattern that suits the home you are gifting to.
How do I stop syrup and berries staining the plates?
Rinse or soak dessert plates the same evening you use them — syrup and berry juice stain light glazes if left overnight. A short soak in warm water lifts almost everything without scrubbing. Dry the plates fully before stacking them away, and the patterns stay clear for years.
Can patterned dessert plates go in the dishwasher?
Yes, most patterned dessert plates can go in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. For the longest life of bold patterns and fine glazes, however, hand washing with a soft sponge is the safer choice. Store the plates stacked with a soft cloth between them, away from heavy dinner plates that can chip their rims.
What do I serve on a side plate at a Saudi table?
On a side plate at a Saudi table, serve bread, cheese, olives and dates at the start of the meal, or a small salad beside the main plate. Dates on a side plate beside the coffee give each guest a clean, elegant portion. The side plate keeps the dinner plate uncluttered and the table orderly.
Do you deliver dessert plates outside Riyadh and Jeddah?
Yes, RIS delivers dessert plates to all regions of Saudi Arabia, and delivery is free in main cities on orders of 2,500 SAR or more. Every plate is wrapped individually so your sets arrive ready for the first serving. You can see the colours and patterns in person at our Jeddah showroom.
Which plate is best for serving dates with Arabic coffee?
A side plate of 18–20 cm is best for serving dates with Arabic coffee. Offer the dates on the plate beside the coffee — rather than in a large bowl — so each guest takes a clean, elegant portion. A patterned or deep-coloured plate makes the dates look rich against the small finjan cup, completing the classic Saudi welcome.
