Why do you need charger plates?

Why do you need charger plates?

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.

Do you eat on charger plates?

Chargers serve a few purposes pending the table and meal. Chargers may come in all different materials, both formal or informal, and can be used to protect tables from heat and condensation of plates, or can simply be decorative. Food should never be placed directly on a charger, and instead only on plates.

Do you put placemats and Chargers?

In most cases, using a place mat under a charger is not necessary. Placing on top of a tablecloth is fine. Chargers are decorative elements that protect the tablecloth or table and add color and formality, essentially serving the same purpose as place mats.

Do you remove charger before eating?

A charger, also referred to as a service plate or an underplate, is larger than a dinner plate and is used for decorative purposes. In essence, if a charger is used throughout dinner, it will remain on the table and is only removed before the dessert is served.

Do you remove charger plates before eating?

The charger plates should be on the table when the guests are seated. The soup, fish or salad course are served on top of the charger. It is customary for the charger plate to be removed prior to the serving of the entree or dinner course.

Can you use a charger plate as a dinner plate?

Charger plates are not intended to be used as dinner plates and should not come into contact with food. Instead, they are placed under the plates used to serve each meal and remain on the table until all guests are finished eating their main entree, then removed before dessert is served.

Can you use charger plates with placemats?

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.