Tip of the Day #21

This Party Planning and Easy Entertaining Tip will start your buffet in style.

Should you use paper, plastic or china for your party plates? If it's a fairly formal event, then go for it and use real plates (china, stoneware or glass). Otherwise, it's perfectly acceptable to use disposable plates for many types of functions.

You may need to experiment and find the type and brand that you prefer. I will tell you my preferences, but you should test them for yourself.

Unless I need a colored plate to work into my theme, I opt for a sturdy paper plate (usually Chinet). These are durable enough to pile on the food, knives won't cut through them (like they will on foam), and they are heavy enough that they don't catch the wind during outdoor functions.

If I am insisting on a color other than white, I will select a solid, plastic plate (usually found at my local party store).