Here's a good thing to know: the easiest way to warm plates (if you don't have to do many) is to microwave them for 1.5 - 2 minutes. It gets the plates nice and hot with virtually no effort. Why does one care if their plate is hot (yes, I hear you asking)? Because it keeps your food warm - a major issue in our drafty house during the fall and winter. Eating cold food when you are still hungry is disappointing at best and no one wants to get up once they've finally sat down at the table to re-warm their food. So, a lot of people eat food that isn't hot. Microwave your plate - it's a luxury you have time for :)