A plate is a type of dishware, being a broad, concave but mainly flat vessel on which food is served. Plates are commonly made from porcelain, stoneware, plastic, or glass; occasionally, wood or carved stone is used. Some porcelain plates are decorative in nature and are meant to be displayed rather than to be eaten from. The nonporous nature of plates made of glass makes it easier to achieve ritual separation of meat and dairy according to the laws of kashrut. Plates for serving food come in a variety of sizes, from small saucers, to bread and butter plates, to dinner plates, to large platters from which food for several people may be distributed at table.