What Is The Purpose Of A Charger Plate

At one time considered an essential for any well dressed table setting the charger plate fell out of favor in the latter part of the 20th century but it still has a place as an important component of formal dining.

Charger plates provide a specified space for everyone attending a meal and add an elegant formality to the table setting. Generally a charger plate is on the table with the plate or bowl from the first course. Chargers are simply underplates that are used at each place setting of a formal table. It should remain there until it can be exchanged with the entree plate if you are serving courses.

Charger plates have been in use since the 19th century. Charger plates are ordinary plates which are handily placed under a soup bowl a salad plate or a plate consisting of starters. Charger plates or service plates are large plates used at full course dinners or to dress up special events like parties and weddings. They are larger in size than regular dinner or salad plates.

While i do love the look and space reserving organization of a charger plate during a formal or not so formal meal i also understand that not everyone is in to the intended purpose of charger plates. The average size of a charger plate is 13 inches while a typical dinner plate is about 10 to 10 5 inches. Not only do they anchor the dining table create ambiance and are aesthetically pleasing to guests chargers also protect the table and tablecloth from becoming dirty during service. A charger plate is a large decorative plate that is used in formal settings such as weddings catered events banquets or fine dining restaurants to elevate the ambience and dining experience of the guests.