Many many years ago, I was fortunate enough to be taken to a fancy restaurant and used a cast iron plate for the first time. I loved it. Having the last bite of meal as warm and tasty as the first is a blessing. The plate holders were not a priority with this company though. They are not bad, but are obviously a second consideration. It's OK though. It's nothing a little sandpaper, minwax and a little time won't fix. Now, I eat almost exclusively on these. I'm so pleased with them, I'm going to buy a whole set. With just a little TLC, these place settings will impress.