What are charger plates and when should you use them

A charger is a decorative 13-inch plate that sits under the dinner plate as a frame, not a surface for food. Use them for plated dinners and weddings to add colour and weight to the table, then remove them before dessert so the setting feels lighter.

Can you put food directly on a charger plate?

No. Chargers are usually plastic, glass or metal and are not designed for hot food. Place the dinner plate on top and remove the charger before coffee and cake.

What size charger fits a dinner plate?

A 13-inch charger frames a 10-10.5 inch dinner plate with a clean rim. A 12-inch charger works with 9-inch plates but looks crowded under larger ones.

Related questions about party tableware

How many plates, cups and napkins do you need per guest

Plan 2 3 plates, 3 cups and 4 5 napkins per guest . People reuse a cup but rarely reuse a plate, and napkins double as spill control.

Read the full answer: How many plates, cups and napkins do you need per guest

Which paper plates are strong enough for a party

Choose coated plates of 300 gsm or heavier with a rim : the coating stops sauce soaking through and the rim stops the plate bending under load. Thin uncoated plates are fine for cake and snacks but collapse under pasta, rice or anything with gravy.

Read the full answer: Which paper plates are strong enough for a party

Paper vs plastic vs reusable tableware

Choose paper for birthdays and quick clean-up, plastic when plates must hold heavy or saucy food, and reusable for showers and dinners where the table is part of the styling. Paper is the cheapest per head, plastic is the strongest, and reusable only wins once it is washed and used again.

Read the full answer: Paper vs plastic vs reusable tableware

Are compostable bagasse and palm-leaf plates stronger than paper

Yes. Sugarcane bagasse and pressed palm-leaf plates hold hot, saucy and heavy food without flexing or soaking through, outperforming standard 250 gsm paper plates.

Read the full answer: Are compostable bagasse and palm-leaf plates stronger than paper

Frequently asked questions

What are charger plates and when should you use them

A charger is a decorative 13-inch plate that sits under the dinner plate as a frame, not a surface for food.

Can you put food directly on a charger plate?

No.

What size charger fits a dinner plate?

A 13-inch charger frames a 10-10.5 inch dinner plate with a clean rim.

How many plates, cups and napkins do you need per guest

Plan 2 3 plates, 3 cups and 4 5 napkins per guest .

Related party planning topics covered in this guide: paper plates, party plates, birthday party plates, paper plates and napkins.

Read next: party tableware buying guide · party tableware category · Shop Plates, Cups & Napkins · Shop Happy Birthday · paper plates · paper vs plastic plates · compostable plates.

Written by the Jofete Team — practical party planning ideas, product guides and celebration inspiration from Jofete. Last updated: November 06, 2026.

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2026-11-06 02:16:35

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