Charger Plates and Dinner Sets

You do not need them, but charger plates are what make a table look finished in photos. A charger plate is a large decorative plate that sits under the dinner plate as a base for the place setting, and it stays on the table while the first courses are served. Most couples use them on guest tables and the bridal table. Our tablecloths set the colour underneath, and our full guide explains what a charger plate is and how to use one.

Our charger plates are 32cm and 33cm in diameter, which is the standard charger plate size used for weddings and events. That leaves a visible border of roughly 3cm to 4cm around a 26cm dinner plate, which is the framing effect you want. If you are matching plates to chargers, our plastic dinner sets come in 19cm and 26cm and both sit comfortably inside either size.

All of our charger plates are made from strong plastic, not glass. Plastic is the practical choice for events because it does not chip when stacked, it weighs far less to transport, and it costs a fraction of glass charger plates. The clear beaded styles use clear plastic, so they read as glass on the table without the breakage risk. If you want something flatter under the plate instead, our placemats and table mats do a similar job.

Gold charger plates are the most popular choice for weddings because they warm up white and ivory linen. White charger plates with an embossed gold trim or a scalloped rim suit a softer, more classic table. Clear charger plates with beading in silver, gold or rose gold are the most flexible of all, because the colour underneath shows through the plate. That makes them an easy match for coloured table runners and table overlays.

Yes. Our charger plates are sold in sets at wholesale prices, so venues, function centres and stylists can order enough for a full room. Pack sizes are listed on each product page, as they vary by style. Because they are plastic they stack flat and store easily between events, so one bulk order covers many functions. Most people order matching cutlery and serving pieces at the same time.

The dinner plate sits directly on the charger plate, with the napkin either folded on top of the plate or placed to the left. Cutlery goes either side of the charger, never on it. Our cloth napkins come in a wide range of colours, and a napkin ring holds the fold in place while guests are seated. The charger is usually cleared once the main course is served.

Yes. Our Christmas charger plates and dinner sets are grouped together so you can shop the seasonal styles in one place. The gold and clear charger plates on this page also work well for Christmas, because they sit comfortably with red, green and white table linen without locking you into a single season.

Charger plates set the base of the place setting, and a few small pieces complete the table. Table numbers help guests find their seat. Candle holders and candelabra add height and light down the centre. A cake stand gives the cake table the same finish as the guest tables.