A pedestal plate is a specific type of serving platter that is raised up by a pedestal, and held by a base called a foot. Pedestal plates are usually used for displaying dessert foods. They are raised to display the dessert in a more visually attractive and showy manner, and are usually decorative themselves. It is common to use pedestal plates during special occasions and holidays, just as fine china and silver utensils are often brought out for special occasions. It is also common to see pedestal plates in cafés or bakeries where desserts are displayed to customers in the most visually attractive way possible.
Common materials used to make pedestal plates include ceramic, porcelain, crystal, glass, plastic, silver, or stainless steel. Some pedestal plates, particularly those used for displaying a dessert in a café, may come with a cover. A cover is helpful in keeping the dessert fresh and free of flies throughout the day, as portions of the dessert are sold. These covers are usually made of glass or another clear material so that the dessert can be seen.
Pedestal plates come in a variety of designs, sizes, and shapes. The pedestal itself may be high or low, but a common height among pedestal plates is around 5 inches (12.7 cm). Some variations among pedestal plates include the pedestal bowl, which can be used for fruits or bite sized dessert balls. When a pedestal plate is to be used to serve cake, it can be helpful if the plate piece itself is completely flat. This way it is easier to sever a slice and pull it away smoothly from the rest of the cake. A small lip around the edge of the plate, on the other hand, helps prevent crumbs from falling onto the table or counter below.
Some pedestal plates are multi-tiered. A tiered pedestal plate, often called a tiered dessert tray, is used for displaying small individual desserts, of which party guests serve themselves. Another variation of the pedestal plate is the footed plate, which is essentially a pedestal plate without the rising stand. On a footed plate, the foot attaches directly to the plate, making it a shorter piece of flatware.
Other names for pedestal plates include dessert platter, pedestal cake plate, pedestal riser plate, dessert stand, cake stand, and so on.