What Size Platter Do You Need for Serving Turkey?

When hosting Thanksgiving dinner, having the right sized platter to present the star of the show – the turkey – is key You want a platter large enough to comfortably accommodate the turkey along with any garnishes or sides But how do you determine what size platter you need? Here’s a helpful guide to picking the perfect turkey platter for your holiday table.

General Platter Size Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb your platter should be at least 2 inches larger on all sides than the turkey itself. This provides enough of a border to allow for decoratively arranged sides or garnishes without crowding the platter.

For a 12-14 pound turkey, a 16-18 inch platter is usually sufficient. An 18-20 pound turkey would need a 20-22 inch platter. And a sizable 20+ pound turkey calls for a platter in the 22 inches and up range.

Oval or rectangular platters provide the most surface area. But round platters can work too if they are wide enough. The key is ensuring adequate room around the turkey with some platter border to spare.

Other Factors to Consider

Beyond just the turkey’s weight, here are some other aspects to factor in when sizering your ideal turkey platter:

• Turkey shape: A rounder, plumper turkey variety may need a relatively bigger platter than a longer, narrower breed.

• Stuffing: A stuffed turkey will be bigger and need more space than an unstuffed one.

• Presentation style: If you want to surround the turkey with side dishes on the platter, go larger.

• Carving at table: Carving the turkey on the platter means needing extra room for carving implements.

• Platter material: Heavier materials like stoneware or porcelain may require more size to be sturdy enough.

• Platter depth: A deeper platter can accommodate stuffing and gravy.

• Serving style: A buffet layout needs a larger platter than individual plated servings.

So weigh your turkey, measure its dimensions, and factor in your serving style and platter material to land on the ideal size. An extra inch or two larger is better than too small.

Choosing a Complementary Platter

Once you’ve determined the appropriate size platter, choosing a style that complements your tablescape is key. Here are some platter options to consider:

• White porcelain or stoneware – A clean white platter provides an elegant, classic look.

• Wood or bamboo – Natural wooden platters offer rustic charm.

• Colored or patterned ceramic – From turkey themes to autumn leaves, decorated platters enhance the seasonal table.

• Pewter or silver – Metallic platters in silver or pewter make a refined, upscale statement.

• Glass – Clear glass platters show off the turkey underneath.

• Rimmed vs. rimless – Rimmed platters hold gravy and sauces, rimless have cleaner lines.

Pick a shape, size, color and material that complements your table linens, dishware and decor. Use accent colors from the platter to tie everything together visually.

Setting the Scene on the Platter

Once your turkey is rested and carved, artfully arranging it on the platter is key. Stuffing, gravy and veggie sides can all accompany the sliced turkey.

Surround the turkey with color by adding side dishes like:

• Cranberry sauce
• Roasted fall veggies like squash, sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts
• Green bean or corn casseroles
• Stuffing arranged in a mound
• Dinner rolls
• Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme

Nestle carved pieces of white and dark turkey meat together for an appealing arrangement. Pour gravy into a gravy boat placed alongside the platter. Keep the look bountiful but not overcrowded.

Large Display Platters

For impressively large turkeys or grand holiday buffets, extra wide platters can provide a stunning presentation. Here are some oversized platter options:

• The Plymouth Extra Large Platter from Williams Sonoma offers an expansive 18 x 21.5 inch size. It’s crafted from glazed porcelain that’s dishwasher safe.

• Sur La Table’s white porcelain Turkey Platter with Handles provides 21.5 x 16 inches of space in an oval shape with convenient handles.

• Crate and Barrel’s simple yet elegant Coupe Oval Platter comes in at a spacious 21.5 inches long. Its clean white porcelain makes a refined statement.

• World Market’s Farmhouse Wood Serving Platter is generously sized at 21 x 15 inches. Made from beautiful acacia wood, it lends rustic warmth.

• For next-level elegance, the silver-plated Quartermaine Oval Tray from Bergdorf Goodman provides 22 inches of gleaming serving space.

Alternative Turkey Platter Options

While traditional platters are most common, here are some creative alternatives for serving up your turkey with flair:

• Wooden carving boards – Offer rustic, natural style while giving ample working room for carving.

• Stone slabs – Marble, granite or slate slabs provide cool, sleek presentation.

• Metal baking sheets – Sheet pans, roasting pans or cookie sheets can provide a makeshift platter.

• Large trays – Metal, plastic or vinyl serving trays from warming trays to bus tubs can work.

• Cutting boards – For smaller turkeys, a nice wooden cutting board can serve as an impromptu platter.

So if you don’t have a designated turkey platter, think outside the box for memorable presentation!

Key Takeaways

The right turkey platter provides an elegant, bountiful presentation for your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Follow these tips for picking the perfect platter for your holiday bird:

• Allow 2+ inches of border space all around the turkey

• Factor in turkey size, shape, carving needs and serving style

• Choose a style that matches your tableware and decor

• Arrange turkey, sides and garnishes attractively on the platter

• Consider extra large platters for grand displays

With the ideal turkey platter you can artfully display your magnificent bird this Thanksgiving!