What is a "Charger Plate"? Why do people use them?!
What is a "Charger Plate"? Why do people use them?
Answers:
It is a 'placeholder'.
They are not used for anything but to make the table look nice, and are properly removed as the person is seated.
I have no idea where this tradition originated, but it seems to make for a bit of extra washing up.
Best wishes!
It is a decorative plate that is left under the real plate or placed at the table before you put the regular plate down.
A charger plate is a larger than normal plate used for decoration only. They are usually logo-ed or very colorful. Nothing should ever be set on a charger. I mean the charger plate is removed prior to setting another plate down. Typically only used at a formal dinner.
A charger plate is used to distribute heat from the dinner plate and helps protect your table.
A charger is smaller than a platter but bigger than a dinner plate. It normally is used on a formal table, but I've seen them used informally too. They are set at each place setting and each first course goes on top of them and removed before the main entree comes. I've also seen charger used under plates with steak being the main course. Hope this helps!!
A decorative charger plate is an elegant and underused element of a place setting. Also known as a chop plate, service plate or underplate, a charger plate gets its ‘decorative’ label because it never directly touches any food; instead it functions as an aesthetic resting place onto which food-bearing dishes and bowls are placed. A charger plate is usually larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a food-serving platter. As it need not hold food, it can be made out of a wider range of materials than regular dishes. In addition to standard china, metal, wood, mother of pearl and even leather varieties can be found.
Charger plate etiquette varies slightly depending on the preferences of the host or hostess, but some general rules apply. The plate should be set when guests arrive, placed one inch from the edge of the table and between the silverware setting. Some hosts remove it before any food is served, but more commonly, soup and first courses are placed on the charger which is cleared before the entrée is served. Other hosts enjoy the appearance of the plate in combination with the dinner dishes and leave it on the table throughout the course of the meal. Most agree however, that the charger should be removed before the dessert course.
A charger plate is a terrific way to add color and texture to your dinner table. Though the plates are often associated with very formal dinners, they can be used for all occasions to spice up your hosting repertoire. A fine china underplate, sometimes part of a place setting package in bridal registries, is the classic choice for traditional, formal dinner parties. The pattern on these plates often complements the design on the other china, adding a second visual rhythm to the table. A colorful charger can revitalize your day-to-day dinner plates for a party. One with a harmonizing hue or made from a showy metallic material can add a less stuffy touch of class to an informal gathering.
Charger plates are an easy and inexpensive way to add seasonal variety to your selection of dishes. Holiday-themed chargers are commonly available. Alternatively, a mix of springy pastels and jewel-like winter tones will help you match the mood of any season.
:o)
I love charger plates!!! I must have at least 6-7 different kinds. Wicker ones, silver, gold metal ones, copper glass ones, and a pretty red color. Most times I use them just for decoration, but I keep them on the table under the dinner plate because they look so elegant, and why go thru all that trouble just to take them off a few minutes later. When you sit at a table in a nice restaurant the chargers will be on the table so the table looks nicely set, then they will remove them when your dinner plate comes. Some of them I do use to eat on. Depends how many courses I have, and of course what material they are made of, LOL and what mood I am in. Charger plates make a beautiful table setting!!!!
Sharon
A charger plate is a big plate that goes under your place settings. I honestly don't know what "people" use them for, meaning I don't know all of the fancy rules of dining. I bought some golden colored ones at Walmart and keep them at my table with my holiday napkin rings and napkins. My table looks set all the time, like a decoration. I leave them on throughout the meal, placing my other plates on top of them. They sort of serve as a placemat, but round. I also have some cool square ones that are made of wicker that I got at Pier One. Have fun with them, they are inexpensive and make your table look festive.
They make your table look wonderful .I have gold ones and they do indeed complement my dishes!! Why bother to remove them at all . They are not that intrusive. You can buy them in any store and they are not that expensive. A set of 6 can run you around $12.00. I entertained the other night and left them on and my guests loved the way they made my table elegant.