Right then, you've rocked up to a wedding, a fancy restaurant, or your aunt's place for Christmas lunch. You sit down, and you spot it: a massive, decorative plate sitting there before any tucker has even hit the table. Your dinner plate then gets plonked right on top of it. What's the deal with that?

Mate, you've just met a charger plate. And no, it's got nothing to do with topping up your phone's battery. It's one of the simplest ways to make a table setting go from everyday to fair dinkum fancy, and knowing how to use one is dead easy.

So, What Exactly Is a Charger Plate?

A charger plate, also known as a service plate or underplate, is a purely decorative base for other dinnerware. Think of it as a placemat, but a much posher one. It's the foundation of a formal place setting.

The number one, golden rule you need to remember is this: You never, ever eat directly off a charger plate. Its job is to look good and catch the odd crumb or spill, not to hold your steak and chips.

Charger plates come in all sorts of materials – from glass and ceramic to rustic wood, woven rattan, and sleek metal. They're designed to add a splash of colour, texture, or a bit of bling to the table.

What's the Point of a Charger Plate?

You might be thinking it sounds like a bit of unnecessary faff, but they actually have a few clever jobs to do.

1. It's All About Style: This is their main gig. A well-chosen charger plate frames your dinnerware, ties your colour scheme together, and instantly makes the whole table look more thought-out and special.
2. Messes Be Gone: They’re brilliant at catching splashes from your soup or bits of food that might otherwise end up on your nice tablecloth. They act as a stylish barrier between your plate and the linen.
3. Keeps Your Tucker Warm: By creating another layer, a charger plate can help to retain heat in the plates and bowls placed on top of it, keeping your meal warmer for longer.
4. No More Empty Spaces: In a multi-course meal, when the waiter clears your soup bowl or entrée plate, the charger stays put. This means your place setting never looks bare and empty, maintaining the elegant look of the table.

How to Use a Charger Plate Like You Know What You're Doing

Using a charger plate is easy when you know the etiquette. Here are the simple rules:

• Set Them First: Charger plates should be on the table when your guests arrive, sitting pretty at each place setting.
• Layer Up: Your soup bowl, salad plate, or main dinner plate are placed directly on top of the charger.
• Time to Say Goodbye: Here's the key bit of etiquette – the charger plate should be removed from the table along with the dinner plate before dessert is served. Dessert is always served on its own.

And that's it! You're sorted. You've now mastered the art of the charger plate. It’s a simple touch that shows you've gone the extra mile to create a truly memorable dining experience for your guests.

You can visit Schnap Electric Products to find the perfect charger plates for your next event or dinner party, have a squiz at major department stores, dedicated homewares and kitchenware shops, or event hire companies. They offer a massive range of styles to suit any theme or budget.