Leivänlautanen

Leivänlautanen, often translated as a bread plate or butter plate, is a small dish traditionally used to hold bread or rolls served with a meal. In formal dining settings, it is typically placed to the upper left of the main dinner plate. Its size is usually around six inches in diameter, making it distinct from the larger dinner plate. While its primary purpose is for bread, it can also be used for serving appetizers, desserts, or butter pats.

The design of leivänlautanen can vary widely, from simple, unadorned ceramic pieces to elaborately decorated porcelain or even silver. Historically, these plates served a functional role in keeping the table clean and preventing breadcrumbs from scattering onto the main dining surface. The tradition of using a separate bread plate is more common in European dining etiquette, though it has found its way into more formal dining practices elsewhere. In less formal settings, bread is often served in a basket or directly on the side of the main plate. The concept of a dedicated bread plate emphasizes attention to detail in meal presentation and dining etiquette.