The Best Charger Plates

Buying Guide

A charger plate is a decorative dish you put underneath a dinner plate. Therefore, it is often larger and flatter than traditional dishes. They’re often sold for use at events like weddings, galas or other very formal functions. Most people don’t use charger plates daily, and many don’t even use them on special occasions.

Still, when they are used, they can prevent stains or messes from spills. That’s especially helpful if you’re serving a multi-course meal or don’t want to stain a tablecloth.

One of the most important factors when choosing any dinnerware is its appearance. You want charger plates that match your home and reflect your family’s style or the style of the event you’re planning.

Many of the sets of dishes on the market are ideal for single functions, since they may have bold colors, a unique shape or a metallic finish. You can find a variety of finishes and colors to match any theme. Afterward, you can save them for future occasions, use them outdoors or give them to someone else to reuse. If you’d like to streamline your purchases, you may want to choose a more neutral charger plate that you can repurpose later.

Another factor to consider is durability. Porcelain or other fragile materials are beautiful and sophisticated, but they chip or break more easily than types of plastic or melamine. Plastic materials can usually be dropped or bumped without damage. They are certainly better for families with young kids.

On the other hand, plastic is often not dishwasher safe, especially heavy-duty or thick plastic. Always check the care instructions before cleaning your plates and other kitchen items. Many types also cannot be recycled, so consider that before throwing them away.

• Especially if you’re purchasing plates for an event, always order more than you think you’ll need. That way, you have extras for unexpected guests and second helpings.
• As a general rule, polypropylene and melamine, the materials used to make many charger plates on the market, are not typically dishwasher safe. You should always handwash them.
• Depending on the materials, charger plates may not be safe to eat from directly. Be sure to read the manufacturer instructions carefully.
• Even if you don’t need them anymore, don’t throw away your reusable charger plates. There’s a thriving secondhand market for that sort of item, or you can give them away.