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. The average size of a charger plate is 13 inches, while a typical dinner plate is about 10 to 10.5 inches.
How and When to Use a Charger 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. They also help create a firmer foundation for the tablescape.
Charger plates come in a variety of materials including glass, ceramic, wood, rattan, acrylic/plastics and are available in a variety of colours. Which material you decide upon is determined by the mood and theme of your event. For example, if you are hosting a boho-chic, vintage or an outdoor vineyard event, then wood, rattan and decorative plastic may be your choice. On the other hand, glass or ceramics might be preferred if you are aiming for a luxe look. Now, this is just a very loose guideline. It all depends on the entire décor theme – linens, chairs, florals, colour palette and what you like.
Now let’s take a look at this same picture, but with charger plates in place of the “functional” tableware. Notice how the charger plates anchor the table and brighten it up.
This is one of our newest additions this year, The Wave. We fell in love with the Pantone colour of the year, and thought that a great way to incorporate it is by anchoring it to the table using charger plates.
And let’s not forget the mini-me!
Below is another quick example using the classic sunflower chargers. On the left is the basic setting and on the right is the gold rim charger and its matching bread plate. Here the bread plate is almost an identical miniature of the charger. On the other hand, in the above – the bread plate takes on the colour of the charger rim giving it a unique look all its own.
Conclusion
Charger plates bring practicality and style to any formal dinner setting. They anchor the dining table and create an aesthetically pleasing ambience for guests. With a variety of colours, materials, and designs to choose from, there is no doubt that you’ll find the perfect charger plate (and mini-me) to match the mood and atmosphere of any event.
To add an extra touch of elegance to your next event, browse our selection of charger plates, including the newest arrivals featuring the Pantone 2020 colour of the year! Whatever your décor theme, we are sure you’ll find a charger plate in our collection to please.