These stoneware plates are a nice size for a sandwich or snacks with dip (like chicken nuggets or fish sticks or apple slices with caramel dip or veggies with dill dip). The little bowls are perfect for dipping sauces. The plates are on the heavy, thick side, which has its pros and cons, but I love them and use them almost every day for lunches or snacks. The cost went up when I bought the second set, but still very reasonable. The perfect plate, considering weight, value, stain resistance, breakability, and replacement cost has not been invented. But stoneware may be the best compromise for everyday use and for entertaining. I bought the second set so we'd have enough for group gatherings where hors d'oeuvres are on the menu. The wheatgrass plates and bowls that the kids have free access to have the advantage of being lightweight and unbreakable. But the stoneware doesn't stain when exposed to tomato-based sauces and the microwave will never damage them. Stonewear always comes out sparkling clean from the dishwasher and resists chipping better than ceramic or China. My mother's fine china is far more beautiful, but delicate and irreplaceable, so it rarely leaves the China closet. Even my daily-use Cherish Corningware set is expensive to replace. I am just so happy with these plates. They are not dinner plates for big meals, mind you, but most of the eating that goes on in our house can be served on these 6"x8" plates.