Among our favorite things are plates. They come in all shapes, sizes and designs. We often come across unusual saucers in flea markets, or even at home, from incomplete sets.

Some are souvenirs of places, which makes them even harder to part with. Here are some uses (or excuses!) we’ve found to keep them anyway.

A vintage saucer from a 1950s Japanese set now sitsin tandem with a coffee mug.

A horoscope dessert plate sits in the sun, catching a plant’s excess moisture while protecting the tabletop.

This hand-painted Portuguese oval tapas plate holds dried flowers in front of an altar.

An antique Chinese blue- and -white saucer gives this water carafe quiet dignity beside its more elegant peers.

A square Japanese plate keeps dog treats and pet toys organized.