If you want your next evening meal party to shine a little brighter, try adding plate chargers to your table set up.
A plate charger is a ornamental piece that sits under the dish being served. Kind of like an extra-large plate, or accent that is generally two or three inches wider all round than the evening meal plate. They are not intended to hold food and are often made in materials and styles which would not be acceptable for food. Plate chargers in use since the early 1800's, have seen a resurgence in popularity since the late 1990s. They are also called under plates in some areas of the country.
Dinnerware Set
Plate chargers can be made of nearly anything; glass, metal, iron. A charger's main job is to act as a 'frame' for the dinnerware, and to attractively fill the empty place mat or tablecloth in the middle of courses. Some habitancy also leave them on the table in the middle of meals, as decor. If it sets off the plate above it and makes it look more sharp then its mission is accomplished.
Etiquette for use of a charger plate depends on personal taste. Some hosts and hostesses have the plate charger removed as soon as the meal is served; others prefer to let the chargers be used throughout the meal. Some habitancy even leave them on the table in the middle of meals, as decor.
Do You Use Plate Chargers?
Chargers are extremely favorite right now, as are a amount of other things to make table settings extra-fancy. For a real stand out at your next evening meal gathering an artful approach that looks both elegant and unique is to use wrought iron plate chargers. Running vines and scrolls make an elegant presentation when serving up your guests. You can also pair your plate chargers with matching serving pieces to tie in the entire look of your table setting. If you are looking for a way to make your table decor even more unique, revive an old tradition by using plate chargers at your next gathering.
