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What is the purpose of a charger under a plate?
Charger plates can catch pieces of food and prevent spills and messes that would otherwise stain the tablecloth or flow onto the table. Chargers also help to retain the heat in dinnerware since they are placed directly underneath plates and bowls.
Do I need a placemat with a charger?
In most cases, using a place mat under a charger is not necessary. Placing on top of a tablecloth is fine. Chargers are decorative elements that protect the tablecloth or table and add color and formality, essentially serving the same purpose as place mats.
Do you use chargers and placemats?
What do you call a plate with a charger on it?
Place setting with red charger. Charger plates or service plates are large plates used at full course dinners or to dress up special events like parties and weddings. Charger plates have been in use since the 19th century. Food is not actually served on chargers; they are often called underplates or chop plates.
Where does the word charger come from in English?
The word “charger” originated around 1275–1325 from the Middle English “chargeour”. Formerly, a charger signified either a large platter or a large, shallow dish for liquids. They are usually larger than most common dinner plates. Since they are not used for food, charger plates can be found in a variety of materials,…
When do you take the charger plate off the table?
In service à la russe charger plates are called service plates and are kept on the table during the entire meal until dessert is served. Service plates act as a base for soup bowls, salad plates, and for the main course. A service plate is removed before dessert. Culture.
How long have charger plates been in use?
Charger plates have been in use since the 19th century. Other names they are known as are service plates and under plates. They have both practical and decorative uses.