Dear Jacquelyn,

Can you please explain the purpose of a charger plate and can food be served directly on them?

Dear Reader,

A charger plate is an elegant and underused element of a place setting.

They provide a decorative base setting on top of which other dinnerware is placed during formal occasions such as catered events, weddings, upscale parties, or in fine dining restaurants.

Also known as a service plate or under plate, a charger plate is merely decorative and is not meant to come in direct contact with food.

Rather, this particular plate serves as an aesthetic resting place onto which food-bearing dishes and bowls are placed.

Not only are charger plates used to create a unique presentation it also has a practical purpose. It is the perfect way to prevent stains on tablecloths and the table itself. Spills and tiny pieces of food dropped and other messes are caught by the charger plate.

Charger plate etiquette varies slightly depending on the preferences of the host or hostess, but some general rules apply.

The plate should be set when guests arrive even though some hosts remove it before any food is served. More commonly, charger plates are kept on the table during the serving of soup, first courses and the entrée, and act as a base for the actual dinnerware.

Most hosts enjoy the appearance of the charger in combination with the dinner dishes and leave it on the table throughout the course of the meal until removing it before serving dessert.

The most traditional charger plate is circular, but triangle and square chargers are available, depending on the décor and style you’re looking to set. Vast color and style options are also available, making for nearly endless possibilities.

Charger plates can be used easily to enhance the look of your dining table. They anchor the dining table and create an aesthetically pleasing ambiance for guests.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

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&Copy;2022 Jacquelyn Youst