Decorating with Platters

I don’t know about you but I have a hard time storing my platters because let’s face it, not all of us have huge cabinets or pantries for storage.  So, if you are like me, you store them at the bottom of your largest cabinet with a ton of serving bowls and other kitchen cookware on top, so when you need one, getting one out is well let’s just say unpleasant!  Well, last Thanksgiving I was gearing up for the holiday while watching some cooking shows and saw in the background of one of the kitchens a wall of platters.  I thought it was so pretty and so functional.  When it comes to adding charm and personality to your living space, wall decor plays a crucial role. While traditional options like paintings and framed photographs are popular choices, have you ever considered using platters as wall decorations? I had not, but turns out, platters are not only functional for serving food but can also be transformed into stunning pieces of art. In this blog post, we’ll explore the beauty of decorating with platters on the wall and share tips to help you create a visually captivating and unique display.

Here’s how it’s done!

1. Curating Your Platter Collection: The first step in decorating with platters is building a collection that reflects your style and preferences. Dig through your collection. Don’t have one, but want to display some platters for décor, then explore flea markets, antique stores, and online marketplaces to find platters with intricate designs, vibrant colors, or vintage appeal. Consider a mix of sizes, shapes, and patterns to add visual interest to your display.  For me this was easy, I had a stack of platters that I use. I knew I wanted to hang the ones I use most often and were the most cumbersome to store. Particularly the silver platter which was my husband’s grandmothers.  It is such a beautiful piece and it will not fit in my hutch due to its size so I wanted to find a way to display it for sure.  Please no hate mail on it being tarnished, I love that look and will only polish it if I’m using it.
   
2. Choosing the Right Wall: Before you start hanging your platters, decide on the ideal wall for your display. It could be a blank wall in your dining area, living room, or even the hallway. Ensure that the wall provides enough space to accommodate the platters without overwhelming the surrounding decor. I had a narrow wall in my kitchen that I had left blank intentionally and at first I was worried about placing it there and it being too much, but it is perfect and I love it!
3. Planning the Layout: Before hanging the platters, plan the arrangement on the floor or a large table. Experiment with different layouts, mixing and matching platters of varying sizes and shapes. This process will help you determine the most visually pleasing composition for your wall.
4. Hanging Techniques: There are several ways to hang platters on the wall, depending on their size and weight.I decided on picture ledge shelving for mine.  This was perfect for my platters since they were so large in size.  This shelving comes in all sizes and colors and would look great even if I decided to stack some smaller platters in front or use one of the shelves to line up smaller pieces side by side.  I knew this method would be best for me.  Here are a few other options I saw while doing my research. Plate Hangers: These wire hangers are designed specifically for plates and platters. They come in various sizes and are easily attached to the back of the platter. The wire hook can then be hung on a nail or picture hook. This could easily be used for lightweight type platters. Adhesive Discs: Another option for a lightweight platter is using adhesive discs designed for hanging plates. These discs attach to the back of the platter and can be secured to the wall using adhesive hooks.  Decorative Hooks and Stands: For platters with unique shapes or delicate edges, decorative hooks or stands can be an elegant solution. These hooks or stands can be mounted on the wall, providing a secure and stylish display option.
5. Creating a Focal Point: To create a striking focal point, consider placing a large or uniquely designed platter in the center of your arrangement. Surround it with smaller platters, creating a visually balanced display. This central piece will draw attention and anchor the entire composition.
6. Balancing Colors and Patterns: When selecting platters for your display, keep in mind the existing color palette and patterns in the room. Consider complementary or contrasting colors to make the platters pop against the wall. Experiment with different patterns and textures to add depth and visual intrigue.
7. Grouping and Layering: To add dimension to your platter display, experiment with grouping and layering techniques. Place platters of similar styles or colors together to create cohesive clusters. You can also layer smaller platters on top of larger ones, adding depth and visual interest to your arrangement.  This has become a popular trend with cutting boards behind the stove.
8. Incorporating Other Elements: Enhance your platter display by incorporating other decorative elements. For example, you can hang artwork or photographs among the platters to create a harmonious composition. Adding decorative wall sconces or plants can further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. This would look great if you have a large wall to decorate.
9. Regular Maintenance: To keep your platter display looking its best, periodically check the hanging mechanisms for any signs of wear or loosening. Additionally, dust the platters gently to maintain their shine and prevent any buildup.