How to Use Charger Plates

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. 
A decorative charger plate is an elegant and underused element of a place setting. With Holiday entertaining in the horizon, our simple yet stunningly crafted wooden chargers add a natural South Asian charm to your tablescapes.
How to use charger plates:
  • Spread your tablecloth over your table. Set place mats if using them. Set a charger at each chair, centered over the place mats or placed 1 inch from the edge of the table and between the silverware setting. Make sure to space the chargers 2 feet from one another, from center to center (the size doesn't matter). Adjust the edge of the chargers to be an inch away from the edge of the table.

 

  • Place a dinner plate over each charger, centering it evenly. If you will be offering soup or salad, place the bowl for this over the dinner plate and center it as well. Fold cloth napkins as desired or put them in a ring to make a decorative presentation. Set a prepared napkin on each plate or bowl to complete the look of the charger and service. Set out utensils, stemware and any serving dishes.

 wood charger plates

  • Serve the soup or salad. At the end of that round of service, remove the bowls to reveal the dinner plate. After you serve your main entrée and everyone has finished eating, take away the charger with the dinner plate still on it. This clears the table and leaves it ready for dessert serving. Charger plates are always removed before serving desserts.
 
Select chargers that complement your dining room décor. The general idea is to pick a solid color matching your curtains, plates and bowls, or chairs. If you're going a for warm rustic ambiance, our wooden charger plates from our Varanasi Collection make the perfect option. Shop the collection today. 

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