Why Should I Use a Charger Plate
A charger plate is a large, decorative base setting for which other dinnerware is placed on top of during formal occasions such as catered events, weddings, upscale parties, banquets, or in fine dining restaurants. Also known as service plates, under plates, or chop plates, charger plates are merely decorative, and are not meant to come in direct contact with food. Charger plates provide an elegant way to serve multiple course meals, where each course is served in its own separate bowl or plate, and placed on top of the charger.
Charger plates are available in a variety of colors, materials, lengths/diameters, and shapes for you to choose from to match the décor, mood, and style of your particular event. Chargers are used in multiple course meals as an elegant way to serve salad plates, soup bowls, and main dinner entrees in order to create unique presentations for guests.
Charger plates have many practical purposes, besides the fact that they provide elegance and enhance the table setting’s décor. 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. Charger plates can catch pieces of food, and prevent spills and messes that would otherwise stain the tablecloth or flow onto the table. Chargers also help to retain the heat in dinnerware since they are placed directly underneath plates and bowls.
How to Use Charger Plates
1. Choose a charger plate that will help complement the décor of your dining table, and add visual interest to your event’s overall feel. Take into consideration the type of plates, bowls, beverage glasses, flatware, serving platters, and linens you plan to use, and then choose a charger that will balance those styles. Don’t forget about the tablecloth, fabric overlays, floral arrangements, and centerpieces that will be placed directly beside the charger plates.
2. Place a charger at each guest’s corresponding place setting. Set it on top of the tablecloth or placemat, in between the arranged flatware, and below the beverage glasses. Chargers should be two feet from one another to give guests enough elbow room.
3. Align menu cards, napkins with napkin rings, or name cards in the middle of the charger plate for use before the dinner service.
4. When guests are ready to be served, soup bowls, salad plates, and dinner entrees are then placed directly on top of the charger.
5. After each course, charger plates should be wiped clean, or replaced to maintain the purity of the table. Via webstaurantstore
