Blue Spongeware Oval Serving Platter, 46.5cm

The big platter for the Sunday roast, a whole side of salmon, or a pile of new potatoes glistening with butter and parsley. Sponge-painted by hand in Portugal in deep blue, it's the piece that goes in the middle of the table and stays there all afternoon. It makes a lovely wedding present, too: the kind of thing that gets used for the next forty years.

• Hand-painted spongeware ceramic, made in Portugal
• 46.5cm × 35cm
• Oven-proof and dishwasher safe
• Painted by hand, so no two are exactly alike