I used to use a flat plate when I had some chips and dips or cheese or nuts and everything would slide around and get mixed together. But this board holds everything in a neat order. It presents a few cool features that I like. First, it is made by bamboo which is being eco-friendly and using the type of bamboo that helps preserve the sharpness of a knife in a long term. It is also easy to wash. Second, it is spacious. I was able to place 2 different types of crackers, 2 small containers of dip, cheese squares and some nuts, fruits on the top area. Third, it has two functions. It has a flat surface to cut anything that I want with the high quality cutlery that comes with. Then I can serve the cheese with crackers right on it. I use this board as a cutting board and a party plate too. Overall great buy and I highly recommend.