How to Decorate Mantels With Charger Plates

Charger plates are oversized plates upon which your main dining plate sets. Originally designed to protect tableware and serving girls' fingers from hot plates, now collectors value chargers for their elaborate decoration, craftsmanship or link to another era. Some chargers are made of pewter, copper or even gold or silver, while others feature elaborate paintings or transfer decoration on the rim. Some people collect charger plates for their interesting designs and beauty. Because they weren't used for eating, antique charger plates are less likely to be scratched and chipped than other period china.

Things You'll Need

• Plate holders
• Candles
• Plate hangers
• Candle holders
• Silk greenery, fruit and flowers
• Antique pottery or porcelain

Instructions

1. Decide if you will display a single charger plate or a collection. A single plate could be the focal point of a display, while a collection of plates requires a larger display, with some plates on the mantel and some hanging above the mantel. If you have a very large collection, you may choose to display only your best specimens or to periodically rotate your collection to display different examples of charger plates.

2. Secure plates in plate holders or easels to stand on the mantel. The easel or holder keeps the plate upright but prevents it from falling over or rolling around. Arrange a single charger in the center of the mantel or a row of plates across the mantel.

3. Stand three plates in holders on one side of the mantel. Slightly overlap the plates, putting one behind the other two for a layered look. At the other end of the mantel, place a lamp, vase, statue or other large object that echoes the colors and textures in the plates.

4. Place one or two charger plates flat on the mantel and cluster pillar candles in them. The shiny rim of the plate will reflect the candlelight. You can also use a charger as the base for a large, three-wick candle.

5. Hang plates on the wall above the mantel with plate hangers. The plate hangers clip to the rim of the plate to hold it securely. Hang plates in odd numbers over the mantel, staggering the arrangement.

6. Place candles in sconces in front of your hanging plates. The candlelight will reflect off the plates and illuminate the designs on the plates.

7. Arrange silk greenery, fruit or flowers on the mantel between the plates and candles. Antique pottery or porcelain would also fit in with your display of chargers.

Tips & Warnings

• Use plate racks or shelves for very heavy, ornate or valuable plates, instead of relying on plate hangers.

References

• "The Woman's Day Book of Antique Collectibles": Dorothy Helen Jenkins
• Picture Hang Solutions: Plate Hangers
• FireplaceMall.com: Fireplace Mantel Decorating — Three Plus One