Just one addition to complete your table. The choice of a versatile '7-sun semi-porcelain deep plate'

I'm Misa, and I love Japanese tableware, Western tableware, and casual everyday pieces alike. In this note, I share the joy of arranging everyday meals with tableware, encounters with new pieces, and the dishes that have captured my heart.

Do you ever worry that your everyday side dishes don't look as delicious as they should when you put effort into plating them?

When you're busy with work and housework, it's disheartening when a meal you've carefully prepared ends up looking dull.

There are days when the dining table always feels the same, and it's hard to find the motivation to cook, isn't there?

Even if you want to buy lovely tableware, many people give up because they don't know what will suit their cooking.

In this article, I will share how to choose versatile tableware that will completely transform your usual dining table with just one addition.

By learning about specific types and sizes that make your cooking stand out, making daily meals should become even more enjoyable than it is now.

I have written practical tips clearly and carefully to help you avoid mistakes in choosing tableware and to help you comfortably arrange your dining table starting today.

I used to struggle with choosing tableware just like you

Actually, I used to lack confidence in my plating sense and how to combine tableware for a long time.

I've had many experiences where I bought plates at variety stores or on trips thinking they were lovely, only to find they didn't suit my cooking once I got them home.

I bought stylish imported tableware, but when I served grilled fish or nikujaga (meat and potato stew) on them, they looked out of place.

I overthought the combinations of shapes and colors, and ended up choosing only safe, plain plates.

The stronger the desire not to fail at choosing tableware, the harder it becomes to take the step of buying new pieces.

It was precisely because I was lost in choosing plates that I was able to realize the criteria for the 'one single plate' that can truly be used for everything.

Are your 'favorites' just sleeping in the cupboard?

Are you keeping your favorite artisan-made pieces, bought for special occasions, tucked away in the back of your cupboard?

Keeping them stored away because you think it would be a waste if you broke them during everyday use is actually the biggest waste of all.

Especially for busy daily meals or when you are feeling tired, you need a favorite item that lifts your spirits.

Rather than keeping high-end brand tableware on display, the dishes themselves will be happier if you let them play an active role as your daily companions.

Why not graduate from that small sense of guilt you feel every time you see dishes tucked away, thinking, 'I really should use those'?

I will now introduce in detail the criteria for an ideal piece of tableware that is both easy to handle and beautiful, which will significantly lower the hurdle for daily use.

The choice of a versatile '7-sun semi-porcelain deep plate'

For that reason, I recommend a type of tableware called 'semi-porcelain,' which exquisitely combines the warmth of pottery with the durability of porcelain.

This is made by mixing pottery clay and porcelain clay, and while it retains the rustic texture of the earth, it is made to be surprisingly sturdy.

Since oil stains are less likely to soak in and many are microwave and dishwasher safe, they are very useful for the hectic cleanup of daily life.

The ideal size is a deep plate of '7 sun (approximately 21cm in diameter),' which is said to be the most versatile size for modern Japanese dining tables.

This 7-sun size is very easy to handle, roughly the size of an adult's palm spread wide.

By choosing a deep plate with a slightly raised rim, it will beautifully accommodate all kinds of Japanese home-cooked meals that have liquid.

For example, when you serve nikujaga (meat and potato stew), the moderate depth and the white space of the dish enhance the warmth and deliciousness of the food.

Also, if you serve standard curry or pasta, it will quickly transform into a stylish atmosphere like a cafe lunch menu.

There is also a practical benefit: your spoon is less likely to hit the rim of the dish, making it easy to scoop up every last bite.

With just this one piece, you will be able to set your table stylishly without hesitation, regardless of whether the menu is Japanese, Western, or Chinese.

The reason why a single dish can pull a meal together and even settle your mind

Having one easy-to-use plate that goes well with any dish will significantly lighten the burden of daily meal preparation.

Just by eliminating the time spent wondering, 'Which plate should I use for today's side dish?', you will gain a little more peace of mind during the busy evening hours.

Whether it's Japanese or Western cuisine, simply having that plate on the table makes the overall balance look surprisingly well-put-together.

Just by reducing the stress of worrying about how to plate your food, you can spend a little more time relaxing during what used to be a hectic mealtime.

It should transform your mealtime from a hurried affair just to fill your stomach into a time you can enjoy with a good mood.

Using easy-to-handle plates that see frequent use is a great way to refresh your daily life.

Start by reviewing your cupboard and choosing your favorite plate.

Before you go looking for new tableware, first take a look in your home cupboard to see if there are any easy-to-use deep plates tucked away.

If you find a plate of just the right size in the back of a drawer, I hope you will actively start using it from tonight's dinner.

If you feel like you don't have the perfect plate or want to buy something new, please consider choosing this 21cm semi-porcelain one.

Just by adding a versatile plate to your table, your usual mealtime should feel a little fresher and more comfortable.

Why not start today with a small step, enjoying the pleasure of choosing tableware and the comfort of a neatly arranged table?

Thank you for reading until the end.