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.
What is the purpose of a charger under a plate?
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.
When did charger plates become popular?
Charger plates are larger decorative plates used to dress up dinner tables at parties, weddings, and other special events. Even though they have been around for centuries, their popularity has grown tremendously since
the late 1990s
.
Do you need placemats with 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.
Is a charger plate necessary?
Because plates are generally placed at the buffet, allowing guests to walk to the buffet without carrying their plate, the charger is often
placed on the table without a plate
on it. … If you want to use chargers at a buffet, then go for it!
What is the difference between a placemat and a charger?
Whereas a placemat is normally made from cloth, wicker or plastic, a show plate charger is usually made of high
-end ceramic or metal
. … Since charger plates are used for presentation, you don’t need to purchase as many of them as you would standard dinnerware.
Do you remove charger plates before eating?
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.
What is the only fork to ever be placed to the right of the plate?
(j)
Oyster Fork
: If shellfish are to be served, the oyster fork goes to the right of the spoons. Note: It is the only fork ever placed on the right of the plate.
Why are charger plates not safe for food?
Chargers plates are not intended to come in contact with the food that will be eaten. Their purpose is to
add to the visual effect of your table
, allow servers to easily replace the bowls and plates held on the charger and prevent stains and damage to your linens by catching food and spills!
What size plate goes on a charger?
Charger plates are typically
up to 14” in diameter
and are designed to sit beneath the plate on which food is served. Most chargers are mainly decorative and are not designed to come into contact with food.
Is it OK to use placemats with a tablecloth?
Use tablecloths and placemats for a more intimate and elegant table setting. Tablecloths and placemats are normally used separately; however,
there are no set rules when it
comes to using them and etiquette rules do not require that these two items be used separately.
Do I need placemats with a tablecloth?
No hard and fast rule states
that placemats cannot or should not be used with a tablecloth. Many people find that a tablecloth or table runner alone is sufficient for setting the table. Mostly, the style and designs of placemats and tablecloths are the only things that go in and out of style.
What can I use instead of a placemat?
- Flannel. …
- Confetti. …
- Pom-Poms. …
- Watercolor. …
- Sisal Rope. …
- Burlap Quotes. …
- Cork. …
- Fool-Proof.
What are buffet plates?
At a casual meal, a service plate may not be included in the table setting, or can easily be substituted for the dinner plate or serving platter. Other names for a service plate are a charger, a place plate, an under plate, a cover plate, a buffet plate, or a chop plate.
How do I keep my plates warm while eating?
To warm plates for serving, stack them in an
oven for 15 minutes at the lowest oven temperature
, like 150 to 200 F. You could also use a warming drawer or toaster oven, if large enough. Alternatively, you can warm the plates in the microwave for one to two minutes.
Is it OK to use plastic plates at a wedding reception?
So, is it tacky to use plastic plates at a wedding?
Plastic plates are not tacky as long as they are sturdy and durable
. Most people do not care what they are eating off but rather what they are eating. You can get some very nice disposables that look great and save money.
