Washer: what is it and what is it used for?
The menager is an amazing invention. This item allows you not only to save space on the table, but also to make the serving spectacular. You can learn about what such dishes are used for, as well as how to choose the appropriate variety, from the article.
What it is?
Washer is a collection of several containers united by one base. The main purpose of this item is the ability to place several products in one place without mixing them with each other. These can be different salads, appetizers, sauces, or something else. As a result, the table looks beautiful and neat, while the dishes retain their individual taste and impeccable appearance.
It can be a solid plate, consisting of several shaped sections, or a collapsible design that combines small bowls. The design and shapes of the display racks are varied. There are round, oval, rectangular options on sale. There are models in the shape of hearts, leaves. The dish can even look like a flower with graceful petals (mini salad bowls) or a bird with beautiful wings.
The number of cells also varies. They can be the same shape and size, or different. The latter option allows you to dose snacks depending on their popularity on the table. Typically, menageries have 2 to 10 slots. However, there are models with a large number of them.
Shapes and sizes
Modern manufacturers offer porcelain and ceramic section dishes, wooden structures, glass and crystal items. There are also expensive elite models for festive feasts, and budgetary plastic options for summer cottages. Some manufacturers produce entire sets with similar elements.But more often than not, such dishes are sold separately. Let's consider the variety of assortments in more detail.
Salad bowls
Salad dishes are usually large and quite deep. These are constructions consisting of several small containers. All of them are made of the same material and are combined into one dish with a common bottom. Models often have a handle, which makes it more convenient to carry snacks on the table. Unlike sectional bowls, salad bowls often have curly edges. This is not just a baffled dish.
Such models create the visual effect of several bowls, each of which is an independent element with a beautiful design. Models with containers of different sizes look original. This allows you to combine basic and gourmet, specific salads.
On a stand
Composite models are convenient for their versatility. Each container (salad bowl or outlet) is an independent element. They can be combined by placing them on the stand. This design is able to decorate the center of the table. The elements can also be used individually. If there is no room left on the table for one large container, it is recommended to place the bowls evenly over the entire area. Another option for using such dishes is for portioned dishes.
In this case, everyone can take a socket with a snack and put it in front of them. Moreover, all the constituent elements complement each other perfectly. This makes serving the table more stylish. Composite units are varied. The segments can be combined into a large ceramic or crystal composition. They can also be placed on a beautiful metal or glass tray. Wooden and wicker stands are interesting.
Rotating
Rotating models should be highlighted separately. This can be a high-footed rolling dish with partitions, or a set of portioned bowls. The design can be anything you want. Such designs are very convenient. Everyone at the table can turn the dishes to choose the desired snack. In this case, you do not have to pick up an object, distract the hostess or other guests by asking to move one or another bowl.
With lid
The lid can protect food from chapping, drying, cooling (if the snack is hot), and foreign odors. If you are relaxing in the country, then protection from insects will not be superfluous. There are two options to choose from: one common lid covering the entire sectional tray, or several small lids for each container. Ceramic and porcelain models are more often used for serving hot dishes.
Personalized portions with individual lids in split racks will delight your guests. This is a great alternative to pots and regular plates. The portioned dishes are placed on the table covered.
You can serve salads in such a bowl. In this case, the lids can be removed before starting the meal. Sometimes only individual cells are closed with lids, for example, containers with sauce.
Tiered
Models with several tiers are very convenient. These are kind of whatnots, each step of which consists of several sections. Even a bunk platter can hold much more snacks than a regular plate. Moreover, it will take exactly the same amount of space. Today on sale there are pyramids of 3, 4, and even 5 tiers. They are ideal for festive feasts. As a rule, multi-tiered models are built according to the herringbone principle.
The lower floor is the largest. Above it is a tier with a slightly smaller diameter, and so on. The upper part is the smallest. Such a slide can be useful not only during the holiday. In a small kitchen, it will also find application in everyday life.
Portioned
These are models that are ordinary cymbals, but divided into several sections. Partitions of small height are used for separation. The number of sections usually varies from 2 to 4. Such dishes are rarely used for a common table. Although it is quite possible to beautifully decompose slices of vegetables, fruits, sausages or cheese in it. The plate can be of any shape (round, oval, rectangular).
Often food for one person is served in such dishes. This can be, for example, a main course, salad and dessert. Also, in a similar plate, you can serve, for example, pancakes and sour cream, a dish with a separate sauce or something else.
Manufacturing materials
Dishes are made from the same materials as other serving utensils. The assortment is very wide today. Ceramic sectional plates are a practical choice. They are durable, withstand high temperatures, and are easy to clean with conventional products. In addition, ceramic ware is affordable. Any food can be served in such containers - from hot dishes to sauces and desserts.
Ceramic washing dishes are presented by manufacturers in a huge variety. The white monochromatic model is the classic version. Such a serving item will fit into almost any composition. You can choose an option with a pattern. The styles of performance are also varied. This is both modern minimalism and sophisticated retro. Porcelain models are a little more expensive, but they are especially elegant. Such items are often included in services. Glass countertops fit perfectly into any style of table decoration.
Regardless of size, transparent containers do not look bulky. On the contrary, they create the effect of visual lightness and airiness. Such dishes are suitable for decorating various cuts, canapes, berries.
Glass looks great next to dishes of any color. The main thing is to observe the style combination. In stores, you can find both minimalist modern pieces and imitation crystal in a sophisticated retro design.
Sectional wood crockery will appeal to those who adhere to the principles of naturalness. Such dishes are especially relevant in the country, but if you wish, you can correctly fit a wooden container into the setting of a dining table in the city. Such models are perfect for nuts, crackers, bread and other flour products. Fruits, vegetables, herbs look harmoniously in such bowls.
Stainless steel products are not very popular. These are specific models that not everyone will like. However, some of the options are quite elegant. Serving items made in oriental style are especially beautiful. Plastic is the most affordable and practical option. Color and design can be any. This is an imitation of wood or stone, monochromatic and colored models of all kinds of shades. There are also transparent plastic dishes on sale.
Of course, on a festive table, such dishes will look cheap and somewhat inappropriate, but you can take them with you to nature. Multi-segment containers with lids are ideal travel options. In such containers, you can carry food to work or take it to a picnic. It is also convenient to use them for storing leftover food in the refrigerator. The material is lightweight, does not break, although it is easy to scratch.
Terms of use
Menazhnitsa is undoubtedly needed by those who often receive guests. It will also come in handy for housewives who want to put things in order in a small kitchen. Product usability depends on material, design and depth of compartments. Deep metal and ceramic models are suitable for hot dishes and salads. Medium depth is relevant for sauces. It is convenient to place slices of meat and cheeses, vegetables, fruits, bread in shallow bowls. Light snacks are usually placed in glass containers.
If a company of cheerful friends has come to you, a plastic dish with chips, nuts, dried fruits will be very useful. It can even be placed on a small rolling table to combine a snack with watching TV. If the feast is more serious, sectional dishes filled with salads, fresh and pickled vegetables will help you out.Even ordinary homemade products in such a container will look like an expensive restaurant dish. Plus, you can save desk space.
Even if you have a regular tea party or a children's party, an original plate from several compartments will be very useful. You can put candies, cookies, small cakes and other sweets on it. If you often have a feast with a large number of guests, take a closer look at the prefabricated models on stands. Depending on the occasion and mood, you can change the serving, using the set of mini-bowls as a single structure, standing in the center of the table, or as a portion of any dish or snacks for each guest.
If you prefer to eat in the room, you can use the large serving plate as a serving tray. So you will immediately take away from the kitchen several types of snacks and you can choose according to your mood what to eat first. A multi-tiered shelf can be useful when decorating a kitchen space. For example, you can put it on the table and lay out the fruits beautifully on it. At the same time, you will not overload the space, but, on the contrary, decorate it with an exquisite decor item.
How to choose?
When choosing a menagerie, you should consider a couple of main points:
- what this item will be used for (the choice of size, depth and material of the product depends on this);
- what is the style of the dishes you already have (a counter made in a retro style or painted in Gzhel is unlikely to fit into a modern minimalistic table setting, and a wooden product will look strange among crystal).
If the product is intended for large feasts, and all the rest of the dishes are replete with drawings, opt for a plain or transparent model. If, on the contrary, you have a laconic, strict service, you can choose something more interesting, with a print or curly edging.
If you plan to serve hot dishes in the menagerie, you must have individual lids. For light meals, take a look at the models with rotating stands. They are very functional. Consider in advance if you need a handle for carrying utensils.
If the table is large and there are a lot of guests, an excellent solution would be to buy several identical tables. This way, you can provide all those present with the proposed snacks, eliminating the need to pass the plates around the table. The designs will take up little space, and such a serving will look very impressive. And the convenience of this solution will be appreciated by everyone present, without exception.
If you plan to use the serving plate for heating in the microwave, consider the compatibility of the material with this type of heat exposure. Plastic, glass, glass ceramics are suitable for microwave ovens.
In this case, there should be no metal parts on the dishes. When buying a product for a child, look only at the options made of unbreakable materials. The design, of course, is worth choosing a fun and interesting one. A plate in the form of a bright flower or butterfly will turn your baby's meal into a fun experience. You can take the usual shape, but with a noticeable pattern.
Menazhnitsa can be a great gift for both a loved one and a colleague or even a boss. Here it is worth focusing on the tastes of the person being gifted. A friend can buy a laconic wood model. A young girl may like modern sectional tableware in the form of a group of hearts or halves of apples. A middle-aged woman with sophisticated taste can be presented with an exquisite product in the form of a swan or a peacock. For a lover of folk crafts, painted dishes will suit.
Products with bright prints, antique stylized, and made in an oriental style should be purchased with caution. However, if you are sure that the person for whom you are buying a gift will like it, you can really make them happy. If in doubt, you can opt for a neutral option.White with golden edging is almost always appropriate. A stylish and modern gift - the "Snail" counter, twisted in the form of a spiral.
An excellent choice would be a collapsible set of bowls on a platter or tray. As already mentioned, this option assumes multifunctional use. This means that your gift will not gather dust on the shelf, but will bring benefit and pleasure to the one who receives it.
For information on how to make a tray for all sorts of things, see the next video.