UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE
OF THE CHARGER
OF THE CHARGER
Recently This Planner was discussing table decor with a client and when I suggested having Chargers on the table he raised his eyebrows.
"What are those for?" he asked, "to make the table pretty?"
Well yes and no.
Charger plates have enjoyed quite a boom in use over the last decade. While in the past Chargers could have been viewed as "luxury" decorative elements for tabletops, over the past decade Chargers can be seen on tabletops at every type of event from weddings to in-home parties.
But while Chargers have increased in popularity, many hosts don't have a thorough understanding of just what the role of the Charger is. Yes, it looks quite pretty on the table. But it does have a purpose other than being decorative and there is etiquette involved.
Chargers (their name is derived from the French word "chargeour" which means 'to load') serve two main purposes. One purpose is dress up a formal tabletop by adding colour and texture. Chargers should always match your colour scheme and/or your event's overall theme. Chargers come in a wide variety of colours and materials from plastic, wood and bamboo to glass, metal and mirror. This leaves endless possibilities when it comes to tying in your Chargers with your theme.
The other purpose of Chargers is to catch spills or food residue. The first few courses preceding the main course rest on top of the chargers and serve as an under-plate, catching anything that may fall. More often than not, if you use a Charger those fancy-dancy linens will stay quite clean!
The etiquette regarding chargers? Well first of all, you don't eat off of them! No food should ever touch the charger! Chargers should be set approximately one inch from the edge of the table between your silverware and should already be on the tables when guests arrive. While it's not appropriate to have food directly on the Charger, it is perfectly acceptable to rest your folded napkins on its surface.
Etiquette is also in place with regards to the removal of chargers. Technically, historical etiquette states that the Chargers should be removed from the tables before the Main Course. Nowadays however, hosts choose to keep the Charger in place for the Main Course and all courses prior. This modern practice is viewed as acceptable however modern etiquette states that the Charger should then be removed prior to dessert.
Charger plates add that extra oomph! to any event decor and with that added style comes an understated, humble practicality. Some of This Planner's faves?
Photo from Overstock.com
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