What is a charger in a place setting?
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.
Why are place settings called chargers?
North America. Food is not actually served on chargers; they are often called underplates or chop plates. The word “charger” originated around 1275–1325 from the Middle English “chargeour”. Formerly, a charger signified either a large platter or a large, shallow dish for liquids.
Do chargers take the place of placemats?
Chargers are decorative elements that protect the tablecloth or table and add color and formality, essentially serving the same purpose as place mats. If you are concerned about your tablecloth getting dirty or your table being damaged, it is acceptable to leave the chargers on the table throughout the meal.
What is the correct placement of charger plate?
The service plate, or charger, is laid down at the beginning of the meal and typically stays for some or all of the courses before the main entree. Once the entree is served, the charger is taken off the table and replaced with the main dining plate. Dessert should never be served on a charger.
Do I need a charger plate?
Charger plates are an essential element of fine dining, but should not be used to serve food. At formal dining events, charger plates play a supporting role – catching spills and helping hot dishes, such as soup, retain heat.
How do you set a formal table with chargers?
When designing your table, the charger plate is placed on the table in front of the guest’s seat—between the flatware, below the drinking glass and one inch from the edge of the table. Set menu cards and napkins with napkin rings on the charger plate before guests arrive. Your guests will definitely be impressed!
How do you set a table with charger plates?
Do you use charger plates for buffet?
Etiquette – Traditionally, chargers are used for a served meal, and not for a buffet meal.
What is charger plate for?
A charger plate is larger than a dinner plate but smaller than a serving platter. Chargers are components of place settings at upscale restaurants and events. They are primarily used as decorous bases for plates and bowls.
What is a charger plate for a table setting?
Formal and informal table settings aren’t fussy or archaic. Quite the opposite — they are practical rules that take the guesswork out of setting a table. The charger plate is the keystone of each table setting by providing the center around which the setting functions and your dinner flourishes.
How far apart should Chargers be at a dinner table?
Each place setting should have a charger, and the chargers should be at least 2 feet from each other to allow adequate elbow room for guests. The charger may be used as a place to rest name cards, napkins or menu cards prior to the dinner. It is poor etiquette to not have the charger plates ready when guests arrive at the table.
What is an Charger in a restaurant?
Chargers are used as part of informal and formal table settings. When used during informal meals, the charger can be used as an accessory throughout the entire meal. The formal rules are more stringent: Each place setting should have a charger, and the chargers should be at least 2 feet from each other to allow adequate elbow room for guests.
What is the proper charger plate etiquette?
Charger plate etiquette and use vary. Some professional catering companies remove the decorative charger plate as soon as the guests are seated. In other instances, when the design of charger plates complements the design of dining plates, charger plates are left on the table throughout the course of the meal.