These Juliska flared dessert/salad plates are super versatile. You can use them to serve salads, desserts, or small appetizers. They're oven - safe, so you can even bake a little individual dessert in them. When using them in the microwave, always check for any metal accents (there aren't any in this case, but it's a good habit). For the dishwasher, just place them on the top rack to avoid any potential chipping. As for maintenance, they're quite durable, but avoid sudden temperature changes, like taking them straight from the freezer to the oven. Also, use a soft sponge when hand - washing to keep the whitewash finish looking great.