The Power of a Handmade Platter
Platters are the largest pieces most home potters make, and that scale is part of their impact. A fourteen-inch oval platter holding a roasted chicken commands attention in a way that no store-bought serving dish can match. The weight of the clay, the sweep of the glaze, the subtle marks of the maker's hands — these qualities transform a meal into an event.
Stephen Jepson considered platters among the most satisfying forms in pottery. They test every skill — centering large amounts of clay, pulling wide and even, trimming a broad flat base, and glazing a surface large enough for dramatic color work.
Platter Styles
Round Serving Platter
Twelve to sixteen inches in diameter, with a low rim — about an inch tall. Throw it like a wide, shallow bowl using three to five pounds of clay. The rim contains sauces and juices. The flat center provides display space for food. A round platter is the most versatile form.
Oval Platter
Throw a round form and then gently reshape it into an oval while still soft on the wheel, or alter it at leather-hard stage by pressing two opposite sides inward. An oval platter is traditional for meat, fish, and elongated foods. The asymmetry adds visual interest and looks more elegant than a circle on a rectangular table.
Slab-Built Rectangular Platter
Roll a large slab, cut a rectangle, and add short walls by scoring and attaching slab strips along the edges. Rectangular platters are excellent for sushi, cheese boards, and charcuterie. The flat slab surface is easy to decorate with stamps, carved designs, or painted underglazes.
Divided Platter
A platter with built-in sections for different foods — dips and chips, vegetables and dip, cheese and crackers. Create divisions by attaching short clay walls across the platter surface. This is a practical design for entertaining that always gets compliments.
Making Large Platters
Centering Large Clay Amounts
Platters require a lot of clay — three to seven pounds depending on size. Centering this much clay demands technique and body positioning. Lock your elbows against your body. Use the heel of your palm, not your fingers. Lean your weight into the clay rather than pushing with arm strength alone. Work at a medium wheel speed.
Keeping Platters Flat
The biggest challenge with platters is warping. A large, flat form wants to warp at every stage — drying, bisque firing, and glaze firing. Prevention starts at the wheel: even wall thickness, even floor thickness, and no thin spots. Dry slowly between plaster bats, flipping daily. Fire on a perfectly flat kiln shelf.
Decorating the Surface
A platter provides the largest canvas in pottery. Use this space for dramatic glaze work — pour multiple glazes across the surface, trail colored slip in patterns, or paint detailed scenes with underglazes. The flat surface shows color and design at their best.
Glazing for Food Safety
Glaze the entire interior with food-safe glaze. The rim and any surface that contacts food must be fully covered. Platters used for serving do not need to be microwave or oven safe since food is typically plated on them at room temperature. But dishwasher safety is important for easy cleanup.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's video lessons include large-form throwing, slab construction, surface decoration, and glaze application for platters and serving pieces. His decades of experience with large forms help you avoid the pitfalls that derail first attempts. One-time purchase, lifetime access to all lessons.