How Charger Plates Work and When to Use Them

If you’ve ever seen a formal table setup and wondered what those oversized plates sitting under everything else are, those are charger plates. And while they’re not something you’d use every day, they do serve a purpose - actually, a few. 

We're breaking down what charger plates are, what they do, and when it makes sense to use them.

So, what’s a charger plate exactly?

A charger plate (also called a service plate, underplate, or chop plate) is a large decorative base that sits under your dinnerware. You’re not meant to eat off of it — it’s more of a backdrop for the dishes that are actually used for food. Think of it as the stage your dinnerware performs on.

They’re typically placed on the table before guests arrive, and stay there until the main course is cleared. After that, they’re usually removed before dessert.

Why bother using one?

At first glance, charger plates might look like they’re just there to make things look fancier — and they definitely do that. But they also bring some practical value to the table.

Here’s how:

• They elevate the look of your table. Charger plates give your table more structure and presence. They help define each place setting and make things feel a little more polished. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a dinner party, or setting the table for a holiday meal, they help make the setup feel complete.

• They protect your table and linens. If you’re using a nice tablecloth, the last thing you want is a spill from the soup bowl or a burn mark from a hot plate. Charger plates catch drips and act as a buffer, saving your linens and table from unnecessary wear and tear.

• They help with heat retention. While charger plates don’t keep food hot on their own, they do help insulate the dinnerware sitting on top of them. That extra layer can make a small difference in how long a plate stays warm — especially useful for plated service or multi-course meals.

• They guide the pace of the meal. In a formal dining setup, charger plates stay on the table as courses are served and swapped out on top of them. Once the main course is done, chargers are usually cleared — a small cue that dessert is coming. It’s a subtle part of the rhythm of the meal, but it adds to the flow.

Choosing the Right Charger Plate

Like most tableware, charger plates come in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes. The one you choose depends on the feel you’re going for — traditional, modern, rustic, minimalist, or bold.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Material options:

  • Glass and porcelain for a classic, elegant feel

  • Metallic finishes (like gold or silver) for more formal occasions

  • Wood or rattan for a more natural or rustic look

  • Acrylic or melamine for casual events, especially when you need something lightweight and durable

• Shapes and sizes: Round is the most common shape, but you’ll also find square, rectangular, and more decorative forms. Most charger plates are around 12–14 inches in diameter, giving enough room to frame standard dinner plates without crowding the table.

• Design details: From beaded edges and embossed patterns to sleek, modern finishes, charger plates can be as minimal or decorative as you want. They’re a great way to bring in a pop of texture, colour, or metallic shine — especially if the rest of the table is kept simple.

How to Use Charger Plates in a Table Setting

Using charger plates is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to getting it right:

• Placement: Each charger plate should be centered in front of the guest, about an inch from the edge of the table. It forms the base of the place setting, with the flatware arranged around it and the napkin either folded on top or beside it.

• Layering plates: Appetizers, soup bowls, salad plates, and dinner plates are placed directly on top of the charger as each course is served. Just make sure the charger plate is food-safe if you plan to put anything directly on it — most aren’t.

• Clearing the charger: The charger stays on the table until the main course is cleared. After that, it’s typically removed before dessert to tidy the table and reset the visual space.

Other Uses for Charger Plates

While charger plates are mainly used for formal dining, they’re not limited to the table. You can get creative and repurpose them in other ways:

• As a centerpiece base: Place candles, vases, or floral arrangements on top of a charger to create a clean and stable focal point for your table.

• For serving small bites: If lined with parchment or a food-safe doily, a charger plate can be used to serve hors d’oeuvres or baked goods at parties.

• As décor: Stack them on open shelves, use them to add colour to a display cabinet, or prop one up on a stand — they can double as accent pieces when not in use.

Charger plates aren’t something you need for every meal, but they’re a small upgrade that can go a long way — both visually and practically. Whether you're planning a formal event or just want to spice up your table setting, they help bring everything together.

They don’t demand attention, but they make a difference. And that’s what makes them worth having in your hosting repertoire.