A well-designed table setting creates a welcoming atmosphere in the dining room. Whether you’re decorating for a special event or creating a cozy tablescape, charger plates provide a base for coordinating your favorite tableware. They fit into a variety of styles and match well with everything from the sleek lines of modern flatware to the rustic textures of country and vintage serveware. What is a charger plate? These wide plates are often called a buffet plate or service plate and should be placed beneath smaller dinnerware before the main entree. For those interested in aesthetics, they’re great for creating a full-bodied table display. Chargers protect the table from unnecessary clean up and help retain heat during a meal. Match them with soup bowls and salad plates, then exchange them out when you’re ready for the main dinner plates. Coordinate your modern table setting with gold and silver charger plates. These sleek chargers complement dark tones and smooth lines with a bright, metallic finish. Black charger plates are another good choice when you want to accent brighter colors with a neutral base, while clear charger plates make dinner the star of the show. For a more rustic option, beaded charger plates offer texture and go well with antique dishes. They can be distressed or finished with a gold rim to complement the timeless charm of your favorite dishware. Dining room ideas begin to flow as soon as you’ve set down a few plate chargers. They’re both functional and fashionable, and offer plenty of inspiration for more dinnerware you can include at the table. Start planning your next dinner party by grabbing a few of these trendy plates today!