The Lowdown on Traditional Plates
Everyone knows that washing dishes after a meal can be time-consuming, but there are still some advantages to using traditional dinnerware.
| Pros | Cons |
| They are reusable and can be more environmentally friendly in the long-term than disposable plates. | They can be expensive depending on the type of material (glass, fine china, etc.) |
| Washing the dishes can be relaxing, especially if you have a dishwasher. | They can take a very long time to wash by hand. |
| You can find a plate in almost any style and material, making it a versatile option for themed events. | They require a significant amount of storage space. |
| They are likely to shatter if dropped, which can be dangerous at large events. | |
| They can be heavy and challenging to transport, especially to outdoor events. |
Washing plates are an excellent option if you want an eco-friendly alternative that won't cost you much money in the long run. All you need is a few basic dishwashing tools and supplies—baking soda, vinegar, sponges, etc.—and off you go! Furthermore, cleaning your plate can actually be a great way to de-stress after a long day at work. But there is one major downside to this approach: it can take up a lot of your time if you have to clean up after a big family or need to do the dishes after every meal. Traditional plates also require more space for storage since you'll need somewhere safe to store all that glass and fine china between meals!
For a Hassle-Free Option, Go With Disposable Plates
If you're looking for a convenient and hassle-free option, disposable plates are the way to go. At Select Settings, we offer two types of disposable plates—plastic plates and compostable plates—to help you save time while taking care of the environment.
| Pros | Cons |
| They are lightweight and easy to transport outside or in vehicles. | They don't have the same heavy, solid feel as traditional plates. |
| They are slightly flexible, making them shatter-proof while simultaneously remaining durable enough to hold heavy foods. | Plastic plates are not always microwave-safe (but our compostable plates are!). |
| Select Settings' disposable plates come in a wide range of elegant and colorful styles to match any table setting. | Disposable plates do not typically come in a wide range of materials (i.e. glass, ceramic) like traditional plates. |
| They are much less expensive than traditional plates with a similar appearance. | |
| They are easy to clean up - just toss them in the trash or compost them if they are compostable! | |
| Our compostable plates are biodegradable and come from a renewable resource (sugarcane), making them a perfect option for environmentally conscious consumers. |
In summary, there are several advantages that disposable plates have over traditional plates:
1. They're Lightweight
One of the main advantages of disposable plates is that they're much lighter than other types of plates, such as ceramic or glass. This makes them much easier to carry, especially if you're planning on using them for an outdoor event or picnic.
2. They're Flexible and Durable
Unlike glass or porcelain plates, disposable plates are slightly flexible and are unlikely to break if dropped. And this doesn’t just apply to plastic plates - even compostable plates can be just as durable as ceramic plates! It’s a common misconception that compostable plates are weaker because they are made from biodegradable material. However, at Select Settings, our compostable plates are made from bagasse, a sugarcane byproduct that is microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and just as sturdy as conventional plates while remaining eco-friendly.
3. They Come in a Wide Variety of Colors and Styles
As the saying goes, you eat with your eyes first! Just like traditional plates, Select Settings’ disposable plates come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can easily find an option that matches your event's theme or decor. We offer everything from classic gold and silver rim plates to colorful pink and black square plates! To ensure that your table setting has a cohesive theme, check out one of our dinnerware sets, where the cups, napkins, plates, and utensils are guaranteed to match.
4. They're Less Expensive
Fine china can be quite pricey, especially considering that you can get similar designs for a lower price with disposable dinnerware. Both plastic and compostable dinnerware are great options if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to set your table.
5. They're Hygienic
Even if a traditional plate looks clean, it can still harbor microscopic bacteria and viruses that are invisible to the human eye. When guests use disposable dinnerware, they can be confident that no one besides them has ever eaten off their plate.
6. Compostable Plates are Eco-Friendly
When disposed of properly, compostable plates will break down into harmless organic matter, reducing greenhouse gases and taking up less space in landfills. As an added bonus, compostable plates can add nutrients to the soil when broken down, which is a great way to reduce your reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improve the health of your garden.
It's important to consider both the pros and cons of both disposable plates and washing plates before making a decision about which one is best for your family. Ultimately, it depends on factors such as how often you entertain guests or how much time you're willing/able to spend on dishwashing duties. Regardless of what type of plate your family chooses in the end, it's important that everyone pitches in when it comes time to clean up! With teamwork and a little bit of planning ahead of time, mealtime will be smooth sailing no matter which route your family takes.