You must have seen those large fancy plates underneath the regular dinner plate if you’ve been to formal events. These are called charger plates, and they make the table decor look elegant.
Also known as service plates or underplates, they’re essential catering supplies items for weddings, special events, and banquets. Let’s learn more about them!
They Add Elegance to Your Table
Decorative charger plates can elevate your table, giving it an elegant look and feel that will impress your guests. They’re typically more significant than most dinner plates and are available in various materials, including metal, pearl, wood, glass, plastic, and more. They’re used as decorative accents rather than for food service, so they can be placed at each place setting on the table before serving. They prevent tables from looking bare at buffets and make the dining experience more exciting for your guests.
Charger plates are perfect for formal events like weddings or corporate affairs. They also work well for fun parties like birthdays or themed dinners for kids. Whether hosting a romantic occasion or a trendy dinner, these beautiful plates will surely add an elegant touch to your tablescape.
You can use the proper plate with many different table linens and dinnerware styles when you select it. For example, you can dress your table with a white charger plate and add a pop of color with red china or gold flatware. You can even create a coastal look with glass or rattan charger plates.
Besides adding elegance to your table, these plates protect the linens from spills and stains. They also make the ideal base for floral centerpieces and pillar candles, which can add a touch of drama to the tablescape.
They Prevent Tables from Looking Bare
A decorative charger plate, or a show plate, elevates your tablescapes with a hint of elegance. The ornamental leaves are usually larger than standard dinner plates and can be made of various materials, including metal, wood, plastic, glass, or pearl. The plates are also embellished with colors, textures, and patterns that complement decor and tabletop accessories.
The plates are a growing trend often observed at banquets, catered events, and exclusive golf clubs. They add a sophisticated touch to any tabletop presentation and can be used with multiple table settings to coordinate with the event’s theme or dining experience.
When using a charger plate, following proper etiquette and serving food directly on the service plate rather than the decorative dish itself is essential. This helps prevent the service plate from stains and other damage due to guests consistently clinking their flatware against it. The leaves can also help preserve the appearance of your dining room’s tables by preventing the need for extensive cleaning or replacements.
Additionally, the plates can serve as colorful bases for floral centerpieces or be grouped to create a centerpiece grouping for pillar candles. They can even be decorative trays for small appetizers or sweet treats. If you use a charger plate as a tray, ensure the desserts are served on a separate plate or platter to avoid damaging the decorative piece.
They Are Affordable
Decorative charger plates are less expensive than you may think. Choosing the right style and color can complement various dinnerware patterns and decor styles without breaking your event budget. Moreover, since they are not in direct contact with the food served, they will not likely get stained or damaged over time.
They are also excellent for various events, from upscale weddings and corporate galas to casual birthday parties and family gatherings. Mix and match them with multiple table linens and other tabletop essentials to create a unique, sophisticated, and elegant look for your tables.
To find the best decorative charger plate for your needs, consider the theme of your event and your preferences. For instance, wood and rattan charger plates work well for beach-themed or vineyard events, while ceramics, glass, and acrylic/plastics may be more suitable for an upscale, classic, or elegant occasion.
Then, select a charger plate size that matches the average size of your dinner plates. You’ll want it to be larger than the dinner plates and soup/salad bowls but not so large that it takes up too much room on the table. Contact CV Linens’ team of experts if you need help selecting the correct charger plate size for your event. We can assist you in finding the perfect bulk charger plates for sale that will compliment your specific theme and enhance your tables to impress your guests!
They Are Functional
Decorative charger plates provide an extra canvas for your creativity and can be used to create a one-of-a-kind tablescape. They are available in various colors, materials, lengths/diameters, and shapes to suit any decor theme or occasion.
Typically larger than dinner plates, they help prevent food spills and table linens’ staining while also helping retain heat during multi-course meals. Additionally, they are the perfect base to add additional tableware, such as a salad plate and soup bowl, or can be used to highlight a unique centerpiece with LED pillar candles or flowers.
While an everyday staple in fine dining establishments, high-end catered events, and weddings, individuals increasingly use them to elevate the ambiance of relaxed home dining. They can make a dinner party or family gathering memorable when correctly dressed.
Several essential etiquette guidelines must be followed when using charger plates. These include dressing them before guests arrive and removing them from the dinner plates after the meal. Setting the charger plates up to an inch away from the table’s edge is recommended to ensure precise alignment. When selecting charger plates, it’s best to choose those with a similar hue to the dinner plate to keep the overall look elegant and refined.