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Writer's pictureKelly Medeiros-Raposa

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy: Wine Plates as the Centerpiece


Handcrafted wine tray wrapped as a gift with a yellow ribbon, showcasing a unique and elegant present idea.

The holidays are here—a season for gathering with family, sharing good food, and raising a glass (or two!) with friends. If you're planning to host, you’re probably looking for ways to make your gathering easy and enjoyable for everyone, including yourself. This is where wine plates come in as your go-to helper. They’re not just plates; they make balancing a drink and appetizers a breeze, and they add an extra touch of style to your setup. Plus, they make it easy for guests to mingle and enjoy your party without having to fuss over plates and glasses.

Holiday party food spread on a counter with a take wine plates for party guests.

Why Wine Plates are Perfect for the Holidays

Sakonnet River Company offers a range of handcrafted wine plates that are made to fit different styles and party vibes. Take the Bistro Wine Plate—it’s perfect for a sit-down dinner where your guests can easily hold their drink and snack without worrying about spills. Or there’s the Gala Wine Plate, which is just a little fancier with its unique, lightweight design inspired by an artist’s palette. It’s stylish and practical, making it a great option for cocktail parties. If your gathering is more casual, the Club Wine Plate is easy to carry and gives your guests the freedom to roam and chat. And for smaller gatherings or events where guests move between spaces, the Pocket Wine Plate is small, light, and designed for those semi-formal occasions where guests enjoy a mix of drinks and snacks.

Different size plates with food and wine being held.
Showcases Various sizes of Wine plates on a white background.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Holiday Look

Each wine plate is handcrafted with a selection of high-quality woods that can match just about any holiday decor. Cherry wood is warm and cozy with its reddish tint, which goes beautifully with red wines and hearty appetizers. Mahogany has a rich, dark finish that’s perfect for creating a classic, elegant look—ideal for Christmas or formal holiday dinners. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed, casual setting, Maple wood brings a light and creamy look that works well with sparkling wines or lighter bites. Walnut, on the other hand, is dark and stylish, adding a touch of sophistication to a more modern or minimalistic setup.

Four types of handcrafted wine trays made from Cherry, Walnut, Mahogany, and Maple wood, showcasing unique grain patterns and color options.

Add a Personal Touch with Custom Engraving

Want to make your wine plates even more special? Sakonnet River Company offers custom engraving, so you can add text or an image to each plate. It’s a great way to personalize your holiday gathering or to create unique gifts for friends and family. If you’re planning to engrave, Cherry and Maple woods are the best picks since the design shows up more clearly on these lighter woods. With a custom design, your wine plates can become both practical tools and memorable keepsakes from the event.


Two rows of custom engravings on various wine plates.

Sustainable and Unique: The Club Carbon Fiber Wine Plate

A Club Carbon Fiber wine plate on white background.

For those looking for something a bit different, the Club Carbon Fiber Wine Plate is a cool, modern option. Made from upcycled carbon fiber from local yacht builders, this plate is super strong and lightweight. It’s also easy to stack, making it great for parties where you need to put out multiple plates. This wine plate is a unique and eco-friendly choice, showing that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.



Making Wine Plates the Star of Your Holiday Setup

A  wine tray that holds four glasses.

To make wine plates the centerpiece of your holiday entertaining, consider placing them in the middle of your serving tables. This creates a natural spot for guests to gather, making it easy for them to grab a drink and snack. For an extra-special touch, try Sakonnet’s Wine Flight Tray to create a mini wine tasting experience. Each tray holds four glasses, so you can let guests sample a variety of wines in one beautiful setup. Place these trays near your Christmas tree or holiday decorations to add a festive touch to your party space.


For more inspiration on creating a memorable holiday setup, check out Martha Stewart’s Guide to Holiday Entertaining, which offers tips on everything from decor to menu ideas to make hosting effortless and elegant.

These wine plates are designed for indoor and outdoor use, so whether you’re gathering around a fireplace or hosting outside under string lights, they’ll work well in any setting. Maintenance is easy too—just wash them with soap and water, and dry with a cloth. Avoid the dishwasher to keep the finish looking new, and they’ll be ready to use for many more holidays to come.


Wine plate holding food and drink at a Christmas party, adding style and convenience to holiday gatherings.

A Memorable Addition for Any Holiday Gathering

A wine plate from Sakonnet River Company isn’t just another serving piece—it’s a standout addition to your holiday table that guests will remember. These plates combine function and style, making them perfect for hosts who want their gathering to be both beautiful and easy to manage. Whether it’s a family dinner, a friends’ holiday party, or a cozy gathering by the fire, these handcrafted plates will bring elegance, convenience, and a little extra holiday cheer to any celebration.

Wine tray with a slice of cake and champagne glasses in a celebratory toast, ideal for festive occasions.



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