Charger plates are larger decorative plates used to dress up dinner tables at parties, weddings, and other special events. While charger plates have been around since the 1800s, they returned to popularity in the late `90s. Since food is not actually served on chargers, they are often called underplates or chop plates.

Charger plate etiquette and use varies from caterer to restaurant. Some professional catering companies remove the decorative charger plate as soon as the guests are seated. Often a decorative charger plate is left on the table as a huge coaster for the soup and salad courses and then removed for the main entree. Some others leave the underplate charger or chop plates through to the end of the entire meal.

See also

• Table setting

Kitchenware