DD1 always loved using her 'special' bowls with her name on them or pictures, often received as gifts (Xmas is around the corner!). Those are generally smaller than adult sized. We keep all the kid safe bowls, plates, etc, where they're easily reached and the breakable adult stuff up high. Would that work?

I think it's great she wants to do it herself and it sounds like you're trying to work with her independence without ending up with the food bill of a teenager.