What Is a Charger Plate for Dishes?

Charger plates are usually ornate or colorful.

A charger plate is used to add flair to a table setting. It is a large plate placed underneath the main dinner plate. Chargers do not come in contact with food so they can be made from a variety of different decorative materials, but they are usually made out of porcelain.

History

The charger is "loaded" with other dishes.

Charger plates are rumored to have come into fashion in the 1800s. They are large, usually decorated plates that fit below the main dinner plate. This adds complexity and elegance to formal dinner settings. Chargers regained popularity in the 1990s and are available from most manufacturers of fine china.

Etymology

The word "charger" has medieval origins.

The word "charger" may have come from the old English word "chargeour" which means "to load" or "that which is loaded." There is a similar word in old French, "chargoir."

Design

Chargers are the foundation for elegant table settings.

Charger plates are used to accentuate design by adding color or patterns to a table setting. The exposed edge of the charger can be colored to match borders on napkins or a tablecloth. Flowers or centerpieces can be matched to the charger plate.

Uses

Some restauranteurs remove the charger before food is served.

Chargers are sometimes used for display only until the first course is served. They may be removed or they may be used throughout several courses to hold each dish. For instance, the table is normally set with the charger and the main course serving plate. The main course plate can be removed and a first course plate replaced on the charger, for instance a salad, soup or appetizer dish. The charger remains as each course is replaced throughout the meal.

Considerations

Charger plates are also used to insulate hot dishes from the table. Charger plates are also known as underplates, base plates or "chop plates." Chargers are manufactured by all leading makers of fine china and porcelain dinnerware.

References

• Wordorigins: charger plate