Whether you consistently entertain guests or you just want to throw a formal party occasionally, having the right place settings is crucial for entertaining in style. A charge is part of a good place setting. A charger, which looks like a large plate, is used as a standard piece for decorating and balancing a formal table. Before it's time to hold your party, take some time to learn use a charger for formal dining so you can make a good impression.
Instructions
1. Spread your tablecloth over your table. Set place mats out at each chair, if you want to use them. Although place mats are optional, they do help protect the tablecloth from accidental spills.
2. Set a charger at each chair, centered over the place mats. Space the chargers 2 feet from one another, from center to center (the size doesn't matter). Adjust the edge of the chargers to be an inch away from the edge of the table.
3. Place a dinner plate over each charger, centering it evenly. If you will be offering soup or salad, place the bowl for this over the dinner plate and center it as well.
4. Fold cloth napkins as desired or put them in a napkin ring to make a decorative presentation. Set a prepared napkin on each plate or bowl to complete the look of the charger and service. Set out utensils, stemware and any serving dishes.
5. Serve the soup or salad. At the end of that round of service, remove the bowls to reveal the dinner plate. After you serve your main entrée and everyone has finished eating, take away the charger with the dinner plate still on it. This clears the table and leaves it ready for dessert serving.
Tags: dinner plate, place mats, each chair, soup salad