Years ago, early in our event planning career, we made a classic rookie mistake. We tried to save a client a few hundred dollars by ordering a case of cheap, gold-painted plastic charger plates for a wedding.
They looked fine online. In person, they were flimsy. Half of them arrived with chipped paint, and three cracked before we even finished setting the tables. It was a stressful, last-minute scramble to fix the look.
That day taught us a valuable lesson: the right charger plate is the anchor for your entire place setting. It adds color, texture, and a sense of intention to the table. When chosen well, it makes everything else—from the flatware to the centerpiece—look better.
For a professional planner and someone who loves a beautiful dinner party, this guide is for you. We’re going to walk you through how to choose the right charger plates, share some of our go-to picks that have survived real events, and explain how to care for them so they last for years.
How to Pick the Right Charger Plate: Let’s Talk Strategy
Before you even think about buying, you need a game plan. A charger that looks amazing in a dark, formal ballroom might feel completely out of place at a sunny brunch. Answering these three questions will narrow your options down fast and save you from costly mistakes.
The Material Question: Weave, Glass, or Plastic?
The material defines the charger’s entire personality. Each one has its pros and cons.
- Woven (Jute, Water Hyacinth): These are our secret weapons for adding warmth and texture. They feel relaxed and organic, perfect for farmhouse, bohemian, or coastal themes. They’re surprisingly durable, but they are not a friend to moisture. A quick wipe-down is all they can handle.
- Glass & Acrylic: These bring the elegance. A clear glass charger with a beaded rim is a timeless choice for formal weddings. Acrylic gives you a similar look but is much lighter and less prone to shattering. Just be careful: cheap acrylic scratches easily and can look hazy under direct sunlight.
- Plastic & Melamine: Don’t dismiss plastic. High-quality plastic or melamine chargers are the workhorses of the event world. They’re lightweight, affordable, and come in endless colors and finishes. They’re a fantastic, low-stress option for large gatherings or outdoor events where you don’t want to worry about breakage.
Size and Shape: The Simple 1-Inch Rule
Charger plates typically range from 12 to 14 inches in diameter. The golden rule is simple: your charger should be at least one inch larger than your dinner plate on all sides. This creates a perfect frame.
If your dinner plates are 10.5 inches, a 13-inch charger is ideal. Any smaller, and the dinner plate will hide it; any larger, and it can crowd the flatware and glassware.
We once saw a 14-inch charger paired with a 9-inch salad plate. The proportions were so off that it made the whole table look cartoonish.
Matching the Vibe: From Barn Weddings to Black-Tie Dinners
Finally, think about the overall mood. A rustic wooden table for a barn wedding practically begs for a woven jute charger. A sleek, modern tablescape might call for a simple, matte black plastic charger.
For a high-glam, black-tie affair, a metallic gold or silver charger is almost always the right call. The charger shouldn’t compete with your dinnerware; it should complement it.
When in doubt, a simple, neutral design is always a safe and stylish bet.
Our Field-Tested Charger Plates for Every Style
Over the years, our team has tested hundreds of charger plates. Many have failed spectacularly. But a few have become our trusted favorites, the ones we pull for events again and again.
Defined Deco Woven Placemats Set of 10
The Defined Deco Woven Placemats are ideal for various occasions, including weddings, home dinners, and seasonal events. The 12-inch round placemats, crafted from natural hand-woven water hyacinth, bring functionality and aesthetic appeal to dining tables.
Rating: 4.4 
based on 700+ reviews
The placemats’ robust and heat-resistant construction ensures they are as practical as stylish. Our team loves their beauty and functionality and uses them for event decoration.
Tip: For a hassle-free experience of taking the event to the next level, our professional tablescaping services are designed to create unforgettable dining settings tailored to your needs, preferences, style, and theme.
Excellent Charger Plate Options
⭐ FunWheat Braided Placemats Set of 12
Elevate your dining experience with the FunWheat Burlap Round Braided Placemats, a set of 12 ideal for creating a warm, farmhouse ambiance at any table.
Rating: 4.5 based on 825+ reviews
These 15-inch jute table mats are heat-resistant and beautifully crafted in a natural beige hue, bringing subtle, rustic charm to indoor and outdoor settings.
Perfect for spring decorations and suitable for occasions such as Easter. Whether a casual family gathering or a formal event, these placemats promise durability and style.
Additionally, pair this placemats set with high-quality cloth napkins to add elegance and practicality to the table decor.
⭐ Zopeal 16 Pieces Wedding Chargers
Add a touch of bohemian elegance to your event settings with the Zopeal 16-piece set of woven round placemats. Crafted from natural corn husk, these placemats feature a unique hollow design that offers a robust yet attractive base for your tableware.
Rating: 4.5 based on 25+ reviews
The wedding chargers are 11 inches each, perfect for protecting tables from heat, scratches, and stains.
These placemats are ideal for engagements, housewarmings, or any celebratory gatherings. Whether hosting a formal dinner or a casual get-together, they ensure your tables look impeccably tasteful and welcoming.
⭐ WELMATCH Silver Plastic Charger Plates
This set of 12 stylish charger plates, each measuring 13 inches in diameter, offers a chic metallic finish that adds a sophisticated touch to any wedding or formal event setting.
Rating: 4.4 based on 395+ reviews
These charger plates are crafted from high-quality melamine and are ideal for various occasions. They feature a beaded trim along the edges for an added decorative effect.
However, they are unsuitable for direct food contact. These wedding charger plates are easy to clean by hand and are practical for event planners.
Need to know: Incorporating stylish napkin rings would benefit your decor and give the beautifully arranged table a sophisticated touch.
⭐ Upper Kitchen Chargers
The Upper Kitchen 14-inch Chargers are exquisitely handcrafted placemats made with natural fibers. They are great for many occasions—from an intimate dinner for two to weddings and housewarmings.
Rating: 4.3 based on 20+ reviews
It’s easy to clean; just wipe it with a damp cloth.
What we like: versatile use. Chargers are perfect for different settings, including Easter, Christmas, and baby shower birthday party decorations.
Overall, this charger functions and looks so beautiful that it is a valuable addition to any home. They would be especially suited to people who love sustainable and handmade products with a story.
⭐ CN.JIAHE’s Acrylic Plastics Charger Plates
Here, we have a set of CN.JIAHE’s 13-inch Clear Bead Acrylic Wedding Charger Plates. These chargers are crafted from high-quality acrylic, so do not worry about their durability. They are also easy to clean and perfect for weddings, parties, and other events with fast-paced service environments.
Rating: 4.2 
based on 120 reviews
Each charger features a beaded rim that enhances the table setting. As mentioned above, these charger plates are easy to clean but unsuitable for microwave or dishwasher use.
Overall, a great choice for those event planners and homeowners looking to elevate their event dining table setup.
Events often last until late at night; consider using flameless LED candles for a long-lasting lighting option. These candles are perfect for more intimate and cozy gatherings. However, for a party, we recommend the string lights option.
⭐ Kazozobi White Charger Plates
The sleek and modern Kazozobi 13″ White Charger Plates will enhance your table setting. We have used them at their events, and they worked out well.
This set of six plastic charger plates offers a simple yet elegant design, perfect for various occasions, from weddings to Thanksgiving dinners. The clean white color and unique borders add a contemporary touch to the dining experience.
Rating: 4.7 based on 300+ reviews
These charger plates prevent spills and are ideal for under salad, soup bowls, and dinner plates. Additionally, they are hand-washable but unsuitable for the dishwasher or microwave.
It`s an affordable and stylish solution for everyone.
⭐ Ms Lovely’s Metallic Charger Plates
The Ms Lovely’s Metallic Foil Charger Plates are a set of six plastic charger plates. They have a luxury touch and are available in a rich gold finish. For their aesthetic look, a wooden table setup is preferable.
Rating: 4.5 based on 2,395+ reviews
Made with high-quality plastic and a smooth foil finish, these chargers are especially practical for weddings; however, they are good enough for everyday, elegant family dinners.
While durable, these plates are recommended to be hand-washed only. Whether dressing up a holiday table or hosting a formal event, these chargers make a statement.
⭐ Allgala’s Charger Plates
The allgala’s 13-inch clear charger plates offer a simple yet elegant touch to any table setting. They are lightweight and easy to handle – ideal for events such as bridal showers.
Rating: 4.5 based on 2,660+ reviews
A clear finish provides a versatile backdrop for any dinnerware, complementing various decor styles.
Charger plates are made from robust polypropylene and can be frequently used at events and gatherings. Additionally, they are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup and care.
Additionally, you can complement the charger plates with candle holders that add ambiance and a soft glow to any dining setting.
The Pro’s Guide to Care and Storage (So They Actually Last)
Buying charger plates is an investment. If you treat them right, they’ll look great for years. If you don’t, you’ll be buying replacements every season. Here’s the system our team uses to keep our inventory in top shape.
Cleaning Without Scratches: A Quick Guide
- Woven: Never submerge these in water. Use a dry cloth to brush off crumbs. For a spot, use a slightly damp cloth and let it air dry completely.
- Acrylic & Plastic: Hand-wash with a soft microfiber cloth and mild dish soap. Never use abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners like Windex, which can cause clouding.
- Glass & Melamine: Most are hand-wash only. Dry immediately with a lint-free towel to avoid water spots. Cotton gloves help prevent fingerprints during setup.
Stacking, Storing, and Transporting Like a Pro
This is where most of the damage happens. Always, always place a soft separator between each plate. You can buy felt or foam circles, but honestly, thick paper towels or even coffee filters work in a pinch.
Stack them in short, manageable columns of 10 to 12. Store them flat in rigid, labeled bins. For transport, make sure the bins are packed snugly in your vehicle so they can’t slide around. A bumpy ride is a recipe for chipped edges.
Our On-Site Emergency Kit
For every event, we bring a small kit specifically for the tablescape. It includes microfiber cloths for last-minute smudges, a soft brush for dusting off woven chargers, and extra felt separators.
We also pack a small roll of painter’s tape and a marker for labeling bins of used versus clean plates during breakdown. It’s a simple kit, but it has saved the day more times than we can count.
Work with Picnic Times ✨
Remember that cracked plastic charger from our story? We replaced it with a simple, sturdy melamine plate. No one noticed the swap, but we did. The table instantly looked more polished and professional.
That’s the power of a good charger plate. It’s a subtle detail, but it’s the foundation that makes every other element on your table shine. Choose thoughtfully, care for them properly, and they will serve you well for countless meals and celebrations to come.
Make your table look polished without the stress. Picnic Times designs, delivers, and sets up custom tablescapes, including chargers, linens, florals, candles, and lighting. We handle sourcing, day-of setup, and clean wrap so you can enjoy your event.
What you get
- Style board and item list matched to your theme and budget
- Full setup and strike by our team
- Rentals sourced for you, or we style what you already own
- Fast turnarounds for last-minute events
FAQs
What materials are used for plates?
Charger plates are typically made from:
- glass
- ceramic
- metal
- and sometimes plastic.
Glass chargers add elegance and reflect light beautifully, enhancing formal settings. However, metal chargers can offer a more rustic or contemporary look, depending on their finish.
How do I choose the right charger size?
Typically, charger plates range from 11 to 14 inches in diameter. To choose the right size, consider the scale of your table and ensure there is enough space between chargers to prevent overcrowding and comfortably accommodate cutlery and glassware.
Are there any etiquette rules for using charger plates?
In formal dining settings, charger plates should remain on the table until the dessert is served; at this point, they can be removed along with the dinner plates. They should be placed one inch from the table’s edge, directly in front of each guest’s chair.
Can plates be used to serve food directly?
They are placed under the eating plates to catch crumbs and spills, enhance the table’s decor, and sometimes retain heat in dinnerware. Food should always be served on the dinner plates on top of the chargers.
How do I properly maintain and care for my chargers?
Glass and ceramic chargers can be washed in a dishwasher if labeled safe. Metal and decorative chargers often require hand washing with mild soap and water. It’s important to avoid abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
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