The holiday season is a time for giving—but that doesn't mean you need to brave the crowds while shopping! In fact, the concept of "giving" can mean so many different things to different people. And one thoughtful idea is to take part in the tradition of a giving plate. What is a giving plate, you might be wondering? Well, it's simply a way to share something meaningful and homemade with the ones you love.
More specifically, a giving plate is a physical plate or platter that you can make yourself or buy and fill to the brim with your favorite treats. The concept is simple: Present a friend, neighbor, or family member with the plate and from there, it can then be gifted again from friend to friend. It gets passed around as the gift that keeps on giving!
Many people will create giving plates as a Christmas ritual just like how Ree Drummond delivers cinnamon rolls each year. "Growing up, my mom always made them for her good friends at Christmastime, and you could literally hear the primal groans of pure joy rising from the rooftops," she says about the tradition that she's happily carried on. But you can also make giving plates as a Thanksgiving tradition, a sweet housewarming gift, or simply a way to show your neighbors that you care. Read on to find out more, including how you can make your own giving plate.
How to Make a Giving Plate
Making a giving plate is easy. You can get creative with a plain white ceramic plate and food-safe markers or paint pens. Then again, you can also just buy a giving plate on Walmart, Amazon, or even Etsy. There are so many cute designs and affordable options to choose from, so pile on the treats and goodies! Then, use saran wrap, bows, and other decorative accents to turn the plate into a DIY food gift. Adding a note to the giving plate is also a good idea—this is where you can let people know about the giving plate tradition and encourage them to keep it going.
What Should Go on a Giving Plate?
A giving plate can be filled with anything: Pick a recipe for classic sugar cookies, Nutella thumbprints, snickerdoodle bars, or decorative pinwheels. You can even make an assortment of treats just like you would a Christmas cookie box. Though, you don't need to stop at cookies, either. Why not fill the plate with candy, muffins, brownies, or even Ree's favorite cinnamon rolls for a change. Another fun idea is to include a printout or handwritten recipe for whichever treat you choose. Now that's a gift worth giving!
Pick Out a Giving Plate
Stoneware Giving Plate
The Neighborhood Giving Plate
Acacia Wood Giving Plate
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
