Tableware Accessories

Tableware Accessories for Daily Service

Tableware accessories – the tiny items that often fly under the radar. Think sugar bowls, butter dishes, small pots, pinch bowls and all those quirky shapes that end up on boards or trays.

They’re the supporting actors, not the stars, of the tableware show. Ideally, they should be simple, robust and easy to clean.

Most of these little guys are made of porcelain or stoneware, with some glass mixed in for good measure.

Some come in handy stackable sets, others don’t, but they’re all designed to take up as little space as possible.

What you choose ultimately comes down to the type of dishes you serve and the amount of storage you have available in your kitchen.

What You’ll Find

So, what kind of accessories can you expect to find? Well, there are small pots for dips, bowls for sugar or garnishes, and little dishes for sides or condiments.

The good news is that the glazes on these items are tough as old boots and can withstand regular washing. The rims also stay intact over time, which is a relief.

The volume of these little containers is generally small, but it’s worth checking the capacity if you’re a stickler for portion sizes.

Some places just stick to a few shapes and use them across the whole menu – works for them.

Others match items to specific dishes, which is also a good approach, as long as you can easily get your hands on replacements when they inevitably go missing.

A few operators actually buy spares of these small items because, let’s face it, they tend to vanish faster than plates or big bowls.

The thing is, accessories matter more than most people give them credit for.

A well-placed dish can make service feel slick and efficient, and it also saves the staff a lot of time and hassle trying to keep the presentation looking tidy.

A Little Tip

“We noticed that using identical sugar bowls made clearing tables a whole lot easier. No more mismatched pieces to worry about, no second-guessing. Little things can make a big difference, as it turns out.”

Related Crockery Categories

• Ramekins →
  Perfect for sauces and sides when you need some oven-safe options.
• Boards →
  These are great for displaying shared dishes or putting your accessories on for a counter display.
• Cups and Mugs →
  If you serve hot drinks, you’ll probably find these are paired with sugar bowls and small pots more often than not.
• Plates →
  For dishes where an accessory carries the garnish or sauce – like a little dish of mayo on the side.
• Bowls →
  When you need more depth than an accessory dish provides, but still want to keep things neat and tidy.

Articles That Might Help You Out

• Restaurant Tableware Guide →
  A useful resource if you’re setting up a new venue and need to map out a tableware layout.
• Avoiding Tableware Mistakes →
  Helps with storage habits and those minor service issues that can add up.
• Matching Tableware to Your Venue →
  Gives some tips on choosing finishes and colours that will make these pieces blend right in.

If You Need to Add More Pieces

To check out the rest of the crockery range – plates, bowls, mugs, ramekins – head on over to the catering crockery collection. For the full visit our tableware selection, including cutlery and serveware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these items dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, most of them are designed for commercial dishwashers.

Q: Do these pieces chip easily?
A: The glazes and rims are built to withstand daily use. Some shapes are more robust than others, but they should all be fine.

Q: Can I order single replacements?
A: Yes, most items are sold individually – so you can just order one.

Q: Do these match specific ranges?
A: Some of them do, others are more neutral pieces that will work with any tableware style.

Published by Ascot Wholesale, your one-stop supplier to the UK hospitality trade since 1995.