If you’ve ever sat at a beautifully set restaurant table and wondered what that large decorative plate underneath the dinner plate was — that’s a charger plate.
And once you know what they are, you’ll want them on your own table at home.
What is a charger plate?
A charger plate — also called a service plate or underplate — is a large decorative plate placed at each setting before guests are seated. It sits beneath your dinner plate, soup bowl, and salad plate, creating a layered, polished look that instantly elevates the whole table.
Charger plates are not meant for serving food directly — they act as a decorative base that frames each place setting and brings the tablescape together.
Think of them as the foundation of a beautifully dressed table. The piece that makes everything else look intentional.
Why are they called charger plates?
The word “charger” comes from the Middle English word “chargeour,” meaning a large platter used to carry or load food — originally used at royal feasts as far back as the 13th century. Today they are purely decorative — but no less impressive.
Do charger plates stay on the table during the meal?
It depends on your preference and the occasion. There are two approaches:
For a formal dinner, charger plates are typically removed once guests are seated and the first course is served. For everyday elegant dining at home, many people leave them on the table throughout the meal — especially when the charger plate is beautiful enough to be part of the setting.
Charger plates are always removed before serving desserts.
At High Class Touch, we’d always leave ours on. That’s the whole point.
What size should a charger plate be?
The charger plate diameter should be proportional to the rest of the table setting — typically 12 to 14 inches.
Our glass charger plates are 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) in diameter — the perfect size to sit beneath a standard 10–11 inch dinner plate, with a beautiful border of glass visible all the way around.
What are charger plates made from?
Charger plates come in a wide range of materials including glass, wood, metal, plastic, and porcelain. Each creates a different mood:
Glass charger plates — the most elegant option for a luxury home table. The glass catches the light beautifully and works with any colour palette. Our textured and ribbed glass charger plates add depth and texture without competing with your dinnerware.
Metal charger plates — gold or silver finish, perfect for a maximalist or Art Deco-inspired table.
Plastic or acrylic — more affordable, better suited to large events or outdoor dining.
For everyday luxury at home, glass with gold detail is the clear choice.
How to style charger plates for a luxury table at home
This is where most guides stop short. Here is exactly how to build a table that looks like it belongs in a five-star hotel — using pieces you can buy and keep at home.
Step 1 — Start with your charger plate
Place one charger plate at each setting, centred and aligned, approximately 2 inches from the edge of the table. This is your foundation.
Step 2 — Layer your dinner plate on top
Place your dinner plate directly on the charger. The charger should be visible around the rim — that border of glass or gold is what gives the setting its depth and luxury.
Step 3 — Add your napkin
Fold a linen napkin simply and place it on top of the dinner plate, or to the left beside the cutlery. Keep it clean and unfussy.
Step 4 — Add your cutlery
Gold or two-tone cutlery sits beautifully alongside gold-tinted glass charger plates. Lay dinner knife and spoon to the right, forks to the left.
Step 5 — Centre your table
Two gold taper candle holders at the centre of the table, a small vase with flowers or stems, and your table is complete. The whole setting takes under ten minutes — and it looks like it took hours.
The High Class Touch charger plate collection
We have two styles in our collection, both in glass with gold detail:
Set of 4 Textured Glass Charger Plates — £96.00
Gold-tinted textured glass that catches the light at every angle. The texture adds a sculptural quality that flat charger plates simply don’t have. Pairs beautifully with white dinnerware and gold cutlery.
Set of 4 Ribbed Glass Charger Plates — £102.00
Available in Amber, Smoked, and Pink. The ribbed detail adds structure and depth to your table without overpowering the setting. Choose Amber for warmth, Smoked for drama, Pink for a soft celebratory feel.
Both sets are 12.5 inches diameter — the perfect size for a standard dinner plate.
Complete the table
Charger plates are the foundation — but the magic is in the layers. Here is everything you need for the complete luxury table:
- White & Gold Dinner Set — Gold Scalloped Edge — from £36
- Gold Flat Handle 20 Pc Cutlery Set — £118.80
- Set of 6 Glasses with Linear Design and Gold Stripe — £66.00
- Gold Taper Candle Holder Leaf Spiral Design — £50.40
- Square Napkin Holder with Leaf Tong — £79.20
Zulima — Founder, High Class Touch
Every piece on this site is chosen personally. If it’s here, it’s because I’d be proud to have it on my own table.
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