Charger Plate Etiquette
Whether you're setting the table for a casual family dinner or are decorating the table for a more formal meal with a larger amount of guests, it's best to place the charger in its appropriate spot in the place setting. When the charger is arranged correctly, it makes serving easier and adds an aesthetically pleasing aspect to the table setting. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Where to Place the Charger
-
The charger plate should be placed where the entree plate belongs in the table setting. There should be one charger plate for each place setting, and silverware should be positioned in the same way as when a charger is not present, i.e. forks on the left, spoons and knives on the right.
Charger Styles for Occasions
-
For casual gatherings, choose a charger in a metallic color to give more 'life' to each place setting, or match the charger to one of the colors in the table centerpiece. For formal dinner parties, it is customary to choose a charger plate that is made from fine china--this is a popular choice for weddings or banquets.
-
How to Use the Charger Plate
-
The charger plate should be used to present the soup or salad courses to guests. The small plate for the salad or the bowl for the soup should be brought to the table and placed on the top of the charger plate in front of each guest. It is also proper etiquette for the fish course to be served on top of the charger. At no point should food be placed directly on the charger.
When to Remove the Charger
-
It is proper etiquette to remove the charger when the entree is served. The charger plate should be exchanged for the entree plate when the main course is presented to guests. While some hosts prefer to leave the charger plate on the table while serving the entree, this is technically not correct etiquette.
Additional Purposes of Chargers
-
Besides making the table setting look more appealing, chargers also serve to protect the table linens. The smaller courses that lead up to the entree are served on the charger plate to reduce the chances of guests spilling soup or salad dressing on the tablecloths. However, it is not correct etiquette to have the chargers on the table when dessert is served.
-
References
- Photo Credit place setting image by Nicola Gavin from Fotolia.com
