What Is A Charger Plate Purpose

Chargers large decorative plates are placed on the table before the meal begins.

What is a charger plate purpose.

Chargers vary in size from 11 to 14 inches in diameter. A charger plate was once considered an essential piece for any formal table setting. I have them in many colors and textures. Service plates act as a base for soup bowls salad plates and for the main course.

Place charger plates one inch away from the bottom edge of the table to create perfect alignment. Other uses for charger plates. Thus charger plates never come into contact with food. Charger plates are also called under plates chop plates or service plates.

The elegance of a charger plate does not need to be restricted to just holding a dinner plate. Also known as under plates or service plates they re generally decorative and not meant to come in contact with food. 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. In service à la russe charger plates are called service plates and are kept on the table during the entire meal until dessert is served.

Charger plates provide a specified space for everyone attending a meal and add an elegant formality to the table setting. The basic purpose these plates solve is of holding plates or bowls. The main purpose of charger plates is to add a decorative feel to the table and act as a base for other dishes like dinner plates salad plates and soup bowls. They are like a good piece of jewelry but on your table.

The charger plate rests under another food safe dish whether it s a soup bowl or salad plate. A charger plate is a large decorative piece that is placed under dinnerware during formal occasions such as weddings upscale dinner parties or holiday dinners. The soup and salad courses are served on top of the charger which is usually removed before the main course although that is not required. Charger plates are always removed before serving desserts.

Charger plates also make sure that the tablecloth is kept comparatively clean. This way the dinner plate is less apt to slide around. I like to place a lace doily estate and garage sales in between the plate and the charger. Whether the charger plate is called the chop plate the under plate or service plate it always has the same purpose.

In reality they make great strides in keeping your tablecloth clean. It s easier for everyone to serve directly in a plate already placed on the table than arranging plates and then going ahead with the serving. Never serve food directly on top of a charger plate unless it is coated in a food safe material.