Do You Use Plate Chargers?

If you want your next dinner party to shine a little brighter, add plate chargers to your table set up.

The plate charger is a decorative piece that sits under the actual dish being served. They aren't intended to hold food and are often made in materials and styles which would not be appropriate for food. Plate chargers have been in use since the early 1800's when they fell out of favor but saw a resurgence of popularity in the late 1990s. They are also called under plates in some areas of the country.

Plate chargers can be made of nearly anything. A charger's main job is to act as a 'frame' for the dinnerware, and to attractively fill the empty placemat or tablecloth between courses. Some people also leave them on the table between meals, as decor. If it sets off the plate above it and makes it look more attractive -mission accomplished.

Etiquette for use of a charger plate depends on your 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 people even leave them on the table between meals, as decor.

Chargers are extremely popular just now, as are a number of other things to make table settings extra-fancy. They are really just extra-large plates, or accents that are generally two or three inches wider all round than the dinner plate. For a real stand out at your next dinner gathering an artful approach that looks both elegant and unique is to use a sculpted wrought iron plate charger. 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're looking for a way to make your table decor even more unique, revive an old tradition by using plate chargers at your next gathering.
 posted by Home Decor Experts - Iron Accents