A charger plate is a large, decorative underplate placed beneath the actual dinner plate during formal menus. This arrangement creates an elegant, refined setting for the place setting and contributes to a cohesive overall look. Charger plates are a hallmark of classic table culture, particularly in fine dining, at banquets, weddings and gala events.

How do charger plates differ from dinner plates?

While a dinner plate is used directly for serving food, the charger plate serves purely as a decorative base. Starter, soup or main course plates are placed on top of it and swapped between courses, while the charger plate itself never comes into contact with the food and remains in front of the guest as part of the table décor. In addition to their decorative role, charger plates also protect the tablecloth from crumbs and stains.

When it comes to style and design, it is worth coordinating your charger plates with your dinner plates: models in similar tones create a particularly elegant look, while contrasting colours make a real statement on the table – ideal for modern table concepts.

When are charger plates used?

Charger plates are used wherever a high-end ambience and sophisticated table presentation are called for. They emphasise the festive character of a laid table and provide a harmonious, elegant overall impression.

Typical settings include:

fine dining restaurants
hotels
banquets and gala events
weddings
corporate functions
festive menus and events
cruise ships and event venues

Our tip:

For seasonal table arrangements or special occasions featuring service plates, combine them with elegant tableware, premium cutlery and refined table linen such as cloth napkins and high-quality tablecloths.

What size should a charger plate be?

A charger plate typically measures between 30 and 35 cm in diameter, making it significantly larger than a standard dinner plate. This leaves a decorative border visible around the plate placed on top, framing the place setting beautifully.

The right size depends on the tableware used and the desired look. What matters is that the plates sit securely on the charger and that enough space remains on the table for cutlery and glassware.

Which materials are charger plates made of?

Charger plates are available in a wide range of materials and can be selected to suit the interior style and occasion.

Porcelain charger plates

Porcelain charger plates combine an elegant appearance with excellent everyday practicality. They are robust, durable and pair perfectly with both classic and contemporary hotel and restaurant tableware. Plates made of premium bone china look particularly refined.

Glass charger plate sets

Glass charger plates create a particularly sophisticated impression and add stylish accents to festively laid tables. Clear, textured or coloured glass variants offer countless design options for a wide range of table concepts.

Earthenware and stoneware charger plates

Charger plates made of earthenware or stoneware give the place setting a natural character. Distinctive glazes and organic shapes work especially well with modern, rustic or Mediterranean hospitality concepts.

Are engraved charger plates available?

Since charger plates remain in front of the guest throughout the entire menu, they are the perfect product for personalisation with your logo, lettering or motif. This creates strong brand recognition and reinforces a professional brand presence.

LUSINI offers individual personalisation options for selected products, allowing tableware and table-top items to be tailored precisely to your hospitality concept.

More information on tableware personalisation

Buy charger plates – at LUSINI

At LUSINI you will find high-quality charger plates for restaurants and hotels, as well as for banquets and event venues. A wide selection of sizes, materials and designs makes it easy to complement any table concept in style – from classic and elegant to modern. Discover durable service plates in professional quality and create an impressive setting for festive menus and special occasions.