Bethany Stoneware Plates Set of 4 - Multi

Bethany is a set of four stoneware plates, each 13.5cm across and 2.5cm tall, painted by hand with large, irregular spots that run right out to the rim. At this size they are side plates rather than dinner plates, the right scale for a slice of cake, a pastry, a piece of toast or a few biscuits with tea. The multicoloured pattern is loose and painterly, with two spots overlapping at the centre of each plate, so the set reads as something made by hand rather than printed. Stoneware is a dense, hard-fired material that copes well with everyday use.

At breakfast they hold toast and jam beside a larger plate; at teatime they carry cake and scones; in the evening they take bread, olives or a small starter. Four is a practical number for a small household that eats together most days, or for a couple who like a spare plate on hand. Because the pattern is lively, the plates sit well alongside plain tableware, giving a simple table some interest without needing everything else to match. They also make a thoughtful housewarming gift.

Each plate has a shallow, gently raised rim and stands on a low foot, so crumbs and a little sauce stay on the plate. They can go in the dishwasher, the microwave and the oven, so a plate can warm a pastry, come to the table and then go straight into the dishwasher. Handpainting by its nature leaves small differences from one plate to the next, and that is part of the appeal. For styling, stack all four on an open shelf where the spots can be seen, or lay one at each place beside a plain dinner plate.

How big are these plates?

Each plate is 13.5cm across and 2.5cm tall, which makes it a side plate or cake plate rather than a dinner plate.

Can they go in the dishwasher?

Yes. The plates can go in the dishwasher, and they can also go in the microwave and the oven.

What material are the plates?

They are 100% stoneware, a dense, hard-fired material, and each one is finished with a handpainted pattern of large, irregular spots.

How many plates are included?

You receive four plates, all in the same handpainted spot design. The styling props shown are not included.

Will each plate look exactly the same?

Not exactly. The spots are painted by hand, so the pattern varies slightly from one plate to the next, which is part of their character.

What food suits a plate this size?

At 13.5cm across they suit cake, pastries, toast, biscuits, bread or a small starter, and they work well as side plates beside dinner plates.