Distinguishing characteristics of the so-called serving platters (6)
I believe the answer is:
traits
'distinguishing characteristics' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for traits that I've seen before include "Features or qualities that distinguish someone's character" , "Characteristics of artist" , "Identifying characteristics" , "Characteristics, distinguishing qualities" , "Identifying features or qualities" .)