Shelf for fruits and cakes: types and features

A beautifully decorated dessert is not just a treat, but also decor for a festive table. Fruits, cakes and sweets look very attractive on a special shelf. This original serving item helps save space and effectively present delicacies to guests. To choose a suitable fruit bowl for your home, get acquainted with the features of this unusual accessory.

What is a whatnot

This tableware was first mentioned in English wedding catalogs of the late 19th century. The design of small trays mounted on an axis was called a berry vase, a fruit stand, a fruit bowl, and even a bride's basket.

The dinner party of that time consisted of nine courses, served in three courses. And only a device with many names invariably remained in the center of the table, so that guests could enjoy fresh berries and fruits at any time.

Modern fruit bowls perform many more functions. They are used for serving cakes, sweets, and a variety of small snacks - canapés, tartlets, fresh vegetables. The bookcase replaces several serving trays at once and decorates the table. The rod is equipped with a ring or decorative element on top for carrying the product.

Types of fruit dishes

The stores offer hundreds of models of whatnots - metal and wood , with round and square dishes , fancy and minimalist. In order not to get confused in the variety of fruit bowls, determine the type of product according to the following criteria:

• type of construction - solid or collapsible;
• number of tiers;
• shape of trays - flat, deep, curly;
• rod location - central, lateral;
• material;
• size.

Also pay attention to the purpose of the shelf - tabletop or floor. The second option is usually used in restaurants and hotels.

Materials

A fruit bowl is a utensil and a decoration at the same time, which means it should be durable, easy to care for and beautiful. To make the accessory, materials that meet these requirements are used - non-ferrous metals, stainless steel , natural wood and plastic . The most sophisticated models are made from porcelain , crystal and glass .

Porcelain

Fine ceramics serve as the basis only for whatnot trays . The axial rod and fastenings are made of metal. Porcelain containers for fruit bowls are usually decorated with painting and gilding. This product looks elegant and does not require complicated care, since porcelain can be easily washed with mild detergents. But due to the fragility of the material, the accessory must be stored with extreme care - disassembled immediately after use and placed in a box, rearranging the tiers with microfiber napkins.

Glass and crystal

Shelves made of transparent materials look especially elegant and give the table a beautiful shine. Trays for such products are made in the form of flat dishes or shallow vases. You can place not only desserts on them, but also spectacular snacks such as tartlets with caviar.

Glass and crystal require careful handling. Dishes can only be washed by hand, without abrasives. Crystal should be rinsed with water and lemon juice from time to time to maintain the shine of the glassware.

Faience

A fruit bowl with earthenware shelves will last a long time if you protect it from bumps and falls. In addition to durability, faience attracts with its beautiful appearance and ease of care. It can be washed with ordinary detergents, without abrasive particles. Externally, a faience shelf looks no less elegant than a porcelain one, but costs much less.

Tree

A table shelf made of natural wood is the choice of those who love discreet, noble decor. This accessory is characterized by durability, excellent stability, and spaciousness. Trays are usually made in a laconic geometric shape - ovals, circles, rectangles. The disadvantage of a wooden fruit bowl is its significant weight. Contact with moisture can cause the product to deteriorate, so it is used for serving hard fruits or bread.

Metal

For the manufacture of fruit shelves, bronze, copper,talog/etajerki/stal-nerzhaveyuschaya/">stainless steel. The latter option is more common because it is more affordable. A stainless steel product is durable and resistant to moisture, does not absorb odors, and is not stained by food products. The shelves have the appearance of flat dishes or openwork baskets. You can serve any food on them, including hot sandwiches, slices of watermelon and melon, pieces of cake. The only drawback of the material is its significant weight, which makes it difficult to carry.

Plastic

A tiered vase made of durable plastic is a good option for a summer house or an inexpensive catering establishment. Such dishes are convenient for serving delicacies for children's parties. This device is easy to disassemble and clean, is not afraid of moisture, and has a beautiful glossy surface. It is important to consider that the rod in the product is also made of plastic and cannot withstand heavy loads.

Shape and design

The classic fruit rack resembles a Christmas tree, with branches arranged in tiers around the trunk. There is one tray on each level, their diameter increases from top to bottom. Such serving items are made in different styles - from minimalist, with rectangular shelves, to baroque with openwork dishes decorated with carvings and gilding. The most common shape is round, but there are also angular, rectangular and asymmetrical models.

Size and number of levels

The average height of a tabletop fruit bowl is 25-50 cm. The higher the structure, the more tiers it contains. A three-story accessory is considered the best option for the home. Food is served on the lower and middle trays; the upper one is decorated with flowers or sweets.

A two-tier product is suitable for everyday use. You can place fruits, cookies, gingerbreads on it.
Serving items with 4-5 tiers are used in restaurants to decorate banquet tables or outdoor events.

Mounting structures

The shelf can be solid or collapsible, with removable shelves. The second option is considered more practical as it requires less storage space. In the classic version, the fastening axis is located in the center. Modern designers create fruit stands of various designs - screw, with two axes, and a lateral rod arrangement. The lower tier can be divided into compartments for different products and is equipped with a stand with legs.

How to use a table rack

Fruits are arranged in tiers depending on size. Apples, bananas, slices of watermelon, and bunches of grapes are placed on the lower shelf. The second plate is a place for peaches, apricots, and large strawberries. The space between the fruits can be decorated with mint leaves. The third tier is usually decorated with flowers or themed decor, for example, tinsel for the New Year. The bookcase is placed in the center of the table. Several multi-tiered fruit bowls are placed on the banquet table at intervals of 1.5 m.

What to look for when choosing

First of all, determine for what purpose you need this unusual utensil. If you are going to use it during the holidays, choose an expensive porcelain or crystal model. In everyday use, a two-tier vase made of stainless steel or plastic will be more convenient.

Consider three more points:

size and shape - a shelf with a height of 25-45 cm is suitable for home use; models with 3-4 tiers can be purchased for a restaurant. Fancy products made of stainless steel or wood look harmonious in modern, laconic interiors. For a classic interior, choose a round model;

design - the most practical are collapsible fruit bowls that do not take up much space in the house. Check to see if there is a carrying ring on the top. Avoid models with legs, as they are less stable;

design - make sure that the color and decor of the product matches your dishes. Avoid fussy elements that will cause the accessory to take up too much space on the table.

The cost of a fruit bowl starts from 1000 rubles. A model made of porcelain, crystal or natural wood will cost 3-5 times more.