A charger plate, also known as a service plate or underplate, is a decorative base setting used during formal meals at weddings, banquets, or fine dining events. Each course is served in a bowl or plate and placed on the charger. Chargers are arranged on the table before guests are seated and are typically removed by servers after the main course has been finished.
How Charger Plates Elevate Table Settings
Decorative plates are often used to enhance the visual appeal of a meal, offering an elegant way for restaurants and catering services to present multiple courses. While they enrich the overall table setting, these underplates also serve several practical purposes at formal events:
- Upselling: A well-dressed table featuring decorative plates and empty wine glasses can set the tone for an intimate dinner and subtly encourage guests to order wine.
- Preventing table stains: These plates are larger than standard dinnerware, making them effective at catching food and spills that might otherwise stain table linens.
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Retaining heat: Positioned beneath warm dishes, they help meals stay hot longer and protect surfaces from heat damage.
Should Food Be Served On Decorative Plates?
In most foodservice settings, meals are served in bowls or plates that rest on top of the decorative base. This is because many decorative charger plates are coated with paints or finishes that aren't food-safe. Eating directly from them can also lead to chips or scratches caused by utensils. However, if the plate is made with a food-safe material, it is possible to serve food directly on it, though this is less common in formal dining or curated dinner table arrangements.
What’s The Difference Between A Decorative Charger And A Dinner Plate?
An underplate is typically larger than a standard dinner plate but smaller than a serving platter. It’s often used in formal dinner table settings at upscale restaurants and special events, serving as an elegant base for bowls and plates. Unlike traditional dinnerware, many of these decorative pieces are finished with materials that enhance their appearance but aren't intended for direct contact with food.
How To Use An Underplate
If you're launching a catering business or looking to elevate your restaurant's presentation, learning how to properly use underplates is a great place to start. Follow these simple steps to incorporate them seamlessly into your table service:
- Choose the right style: Select an underplate that complements the event’s theme, tablecloths, centerpieces, and servingware. The design should enhance the overall look of the dining table.
- Set the table: Position each underplate at the center of a place setting, between the silverware and just below the drinking glasses. It should sit about an inch from the table’s edge.
- Add accessories: Menu cards, napkins with rings, or small table accents can be placed directly on the underplate before service begins, contributing to both convenience and visual appeal.
- Serve courses: Place each guest’s bowl or plate on top of the decorative base. Food should not be served directly on the underplate unless it’s food-safe, such as an acrylic charger plate.
- Clear after the main course: Remove the underplate after the main course is finished—ideally with the dinner plate still resting on it.
Other Uses For Decorative Chargers
Although often used beneath dinnerware in foodservice settings, decorative chargers can also serve creative and functional roles throughout your event space. Here are a few stylish ways to incorporate them into your business:
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Serve hors d'oeuvres or desserts: Place a doily on top and use the charger as a serving platter for passed bites or sweets, or even as a plastic charger alternative for quick setups.
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Anchor centerpieces: Set floral arrangements on top of the charger to add structure and elegance to each table, blending seamlessly with your overall table settings.
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Enhance lighting: Use them as bases for pillar candles, either on dining tables or at the venue entrance, to create a warm, inviting glow next to salad plates or other display items.
Elevate Your Table Setting with Decorative Chargers
Now that you understand the purpose and versatility of these elegant table accents, you’re ready to enhance your place settings for catered events or formal gatherings. Choose styles that complement your centerpieces, table linens, and servingware to create a cohesive, upscale look. With the right decorative chargers, you’ll effortlessly elevate both the aesthetics and atmosphere of your dinner table. Refer back to this guide to ensure your underplates are used with style and purpose at your next event.
