Size:
The size of the serving bowl with lid you'll need will vary on what you plan to use it for. If you're looking for an all-purpose bowl, recommended looking for a bowl that measures between 10-15 inches wide. This will fit larger full meals and be especially useful for when you're serving appetizers or bread with a starter when guests are round. If you want something small for nibbles, you should look for a bowl that is between 5-8 inches. This size won't take up too much room and is the perfect size to fit on a small side table or to perch on a cabinet. The height of serving bowls with lids will also vary depending on the type of lid the bowl has -- for example, a domed lid will appear taller than a flat one.
Suited For:
Different serving bowls with lids are suited to varying functions. A pretty ceramic bowl decorated with flowers or butterflies will always look lovely, whereas a metal or plastic serving bowl may be functional but won't necessarily appear the most attractive. Because of this, you'll need to consider what you'll mainly be using your serving bowl for. If you plan to place your bowl in the center of the table at a dinner party, you should opt for one that will always look visually appealing. Stephanie Goto states that, while kitchen items like serving bowls are often overlooked, they can actually add the finishing touch to a table look just like a vase of flowers would.
Style:
Serving bowls with lids come in a multitude of styles, from modern to antique, so you're sure to find your perfect style match. Although you may not think style matters when it comes to crockery, matching smaller objects like jars and bowls can create a cohesive look in your kitchen. If you're a fan of vintage furniture, a gold scrollwork bowl or classic ceramic dish would pair with the vintage style well. You can even add a pop of color to any space with a bright serving bowl -- go for blue or red if you love retro style. Whichever color and style you choose, think about the future and how your style may change. You don't want to have to give away a perfectly good dish just because it doesn't match your updated style.
Material and Maintenance:
The majority of serving bowls with lids are crafted from ceramic. Ceramic is a good material for serving bowls as it has good heat resistance, meaning it will keep food warm as you serve the rest of the meal. Plus, ceramic is durable and won't show marks or scratches as easily as other materials, making it a good choice for something you will use often like a serving bowl. However, ceramic will break easily if dropped. Similar to ceramic is bone china. Bone china also breaks quite easily, but, if taken care of, it is strong, wears well, and is also relatively chip resistant. If china and ceramic aren't your thing, a metal serving bowl is easy to clean and maintain, though metal will show tarnishes and dents.