Etiquette For Table Setting Using Charger Plates

By  Kris Gleba

Formal and informal table settings aren't fussy or archaic. Quite the opposite — they are practical rules that take the guesswork out of setting a table. The charger plate is the keystone of each table setting by providing the center around which the setting functions and your dinner flourishes.

About Charger Plates

About
Charger Plates

Whether the charger plate is called the "chop plate," the "under plate" or "service plate," it always has the same purpose. The charger plate rests under another food-safe dish, whether it's a soup bowl or salad plate.

  • Chargers
    vary in size from 11 to 14 inches in diameter.
  • They
    are made out of many different materials, such as porcelain, metal,
    rattan and plastic.
  • They
    can be used with place mats, tablecloths or both.
  • Charger
    plates help catch any spills or stains that
    would otherwise stain the place mat or tablecloth.

Tip

Since chargers are placed underneath dinnerware, they help retain the dinnerware's heat.

Proper Etiquette

Proper
Etiquette

Chargers are used as part of informal and formal table settings. When used during informal meals, the charger can be used as an accessory throughout the entire meal. The formal rules are more stringent:

  • Each
    place setting should have a charger, and the chargers should be at
    least 2 feet from each other to allow adequate elbow room for guests.
  • The
    charger may be used as a place to rest name cards, napkins or menu
    cards prior to the dinner.

Warning

It is poor etiquette to not have the charger plates ready when guests arrive at the table.

  • Salad
    dishes, soup bowls and dinner plates may all be placed on the
    chargers, but the chargers must be either replaced or wiped clean
    between each course.
  • Chargers
    are to be removed from the table after the main course and before the
    dessert. Chargers are never to be used during the dessert.

Tip

Wait until dessert is ready to be served before removing the charger plate. The charger must stay on the table until it is replaced by another plate.

Other Uses for Charger Plates

Other
Uses for Charger Plates

When not in use for formal or informal dinners, use your chargers as part of your decor.

  • Display
    pillar candles on a charger plate.
  • Rest
    a vase of flowers, real or artificial, on the charger.
  • Incorporate
    both flowers and candles as the centerpiece and center a small vase
    of flowers in the center of the plate and surround it with tea light
    candles.
  • Display
    special cakes on the charger, but lay down a doily first.

References

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