Six of the Best: Decorative plates you'll want to display

After years consigned as kitsch, the decorative plate is back, reflecting the huge rise in popularity of contemporary ceramic design. Whether you use it for practical or prettifying purposes, these mini works of art look just as good on or off the table.

Nature Enchantee dinner plate Dh49, Genevieve Lethu, Dubai Mall

1 Create a flutter

Maxim, the lead singer of the British band The Prodigy, is also an internationally recognised painter and has produced a range of limited-edition pieces for the acclaimed ceramic design company, The New English, including this stunning platter with hand-burnished 22-carat gold butterflies. Each piece of the Lepidoptera collection is made using the finest English bone china with hand-applied, complex lithographs. Lepidoptera Maximus, Dh1,036 (plus shipping), www.lifestylebazaar.com

Rise of the Kitchen

Doubling as the home's new meeting space, kitchens get an upgrade

As modern families add socialising to the cooking area's ever-expanding to-do list, designers are making sure form follows functions for the home's new grand central terminal.

Irresistible kitchen accessories from Emerald and Ella Started by a food stylist who searched around the world for photo props, this site offers everything you need for a pretty tablesetting. Read article

Designers give the utilitarian room a makeover A regional competition offers an exciting glimpse at how our kitchens could evolve to be more efficient and convenient. Read Article

2 Serve up the message

Rob Ryan is one of Britain's best-loved artists, and his delicate cut-out designs can be seen on everything from T-shirts to tea towels and watering cans. This four-plate collection features some of his best-known creations, each bearing one of his unique signature messages. Dh149 (plus shipping), www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

3 Growth area

Part of the new collection by French tableware specialists Genevieve Lethu, this tree design uses shades of teal, grey and mustard popular in the mid-20th century to create a cool contemporary design with a touch of retro chic. Nature Enchantee dinner plate Dh49, Genevieve Lethu, Dubai Mall

4 All roads lead to Paisley

Paisley is everywhere this summer, and this understated adaptation, with intricately patterned swirls, works beautifully with this shade of teal blue. Also available in mustard green and navy, these starter/dessert plates will bring an elegant injection of colour to your table. Delilah plate, Dh24, Crate and Barrel, Mall of the Emirates

5 Hearty appetite

Serve up your food with love and this pretty, folksy plate with a heart-shaped design. The red and white colour combination given this design an authentic 1950s look. Dh25, Athezza Home, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall

6 Get in the swim

Surprise your guests by serving pudding with a fish. These quirky, pretty porcelain dessert plates come in a range of colours and species. Dh65, Zara Home, Dubai Mall and Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi