Standard disclaimer: I am not a design whiz.

I think they look great, but if they don't stay on the table or do anything besides look good, I think they're unnecessary. And if I may be so bold, for the tighter budgets, a little frivolous.

Actually chargers aren't necessarily removed before eating. Often they are kept during the meal and removed before dessert. Personally I do not care for them as I'm a less-is-more when it comes to table decor.

Like you, I love to set a pretty table. I have quite a collection of vintage plates, plus some fiesta ware, some newer plates, etc. I use chargers quite often. Mine are not "plates" so to speak. I have rattan, burlap covered, metallic, even some cheaper colored chargers. We leave the plates on the chargers. I use them simply for looks, and they can be used in place of a place mat. I really do not care for place mats or tablecloths, preferring to use a center cloth or runner. I don't have a problem with the plates moving around on the chargers, but many of mine do have a texture, so that may help.

I use them often. I like using chargers because they add another layer of of interest. (I don't use tablecloths or placemats.) I leave them on the table during dinner and remove them along with the dinner plates before serving dessert. I've never had a problem with the plates spinning or moving.

I have used them, I have a set in silver as well as gold, my dinner wear is edged in gold and my flatware I have both silver & gold, but no longer use any of it, no more big dinner parties for us, just 2 old folks who now go out to dinner theaters or to restaurants for some fine dining, let others do the work, I'm retired from all of that. also have stem ware in gold and platinum edged. the more sparkle over the holidays the better (I always thought)

I think a table is pretty set with chargers, but I don't use them myself. They just aren't necessary in my world. Besides, I don't want to store them, clean them or move them.

Even though I know that chargers should be removed after the soup or salad course, I leave them for the main course because I like the way they look. I have never had a problem with dinner plates spinning or shifting on the charger plates. I am not sure why they would.

Ditto as porkandham plus extra chore of hand washing them. I don't mind.

While I do not have chargers, I am familiar with the rules of removing them after the soup or salad course but only because I read about it. If I had them, no one in my set would be even remotely aware of what the "proper" etiquette of them is so they could be left on the table for as long as desired. Granted, none in my set really eat in courses and some would not have an inkling of what the chargers are unless perhaps I were using the cheap plastic ones that are available at this time of year.

I'm afraid if I used one, there would be some rube in the mix (an in-law, bien sur) who had no idea what it was and buttered their bread on it or took it up to a buffet. These people do not seem to understand their purpose at my events sometimes!

Yes, MtnRd, they confuse my in-laws. :)

As for the plates spinning, my chargers have a smooth lacquered finished, and when cutting meat sometimes the plates slide a bit. I'll skip them and be satisfied with delicious food and fun family. And wine.

...lots of wine.

I just started setting my table for Thanksgiving (I'm turning into my DM--setting the table days in advance) and are thrilled that I'm able to use my one set of charges as we don't have our normal gang of 25 coming this year. I love the look of layering with the charger. Didn't learn until reading here recently (might have been on Conversations) that the charger should be removed before using the dinner plate. Mine stay throughout the meal. Don't think anyone other than my DS, perhaps, would know any different. I say, do what makes you happy.

I have not used them, but I had a nice pad for my old table (was the ex mil's and I ended up not keeping it).

My "new" table does not have a pad and I am afraid of hot things damaging the surface even with a table cloth. And it is long enough I don't have a set of place mats for each seat to layer over the mat. Since we currently have no dishwasher either that is not a big issue.

For those of you who set your tables in advance, doesn't everything get dusty? I've only set my table a day in advance. My environment isn't particularly dusty (I'm one of those with open shelves in the kitchen) but I'd worry that all kinds of particles would find their way to a neatly set table if set in advance (dog hair being one).

One more reason to dine by candlelight, Lisa.

I don't set days in advance. That's a little too organized for me.

No. I barely use plates and have never, ever set a formal table in my adult life. Had too much of that as a kid.

I use chargers for soup and salad courses but never for the main course. I would never set my table a day in advance, as we use the dining table every day.

I have some wicker chargers that I use more like placemats. If I set a table with a tablecloth, I don't use them. I understand the principal but it's just one more thing to deal with when you have company.

I use red chargers to create a Christmas look. My china is very plain ivory with gold trim. I love the pop of red! We keep ours on the table and we have never had a spinning issue. I was very excited when I found them.

I don't use chargers. I don't have chargers. I don't think I need another reason to buy dishes. (LOL) I'm already getting into hoarder territory with my dishes....

But, if they make you happy, why not? :)

I do have several sets and do use them but I don't think it looks bad or unfinished not to use them. It's all about the ultimate finished table look, not the rules.

I don't have them and have never understood the point of them. But then I'm so crass I don't even iron my tablecloth or napkins. My life doesn't have an ironing board or iron.

I just don't like a cluttered table and by the time the cutlery, dishes, table center, table cloth, napkins, glasses etc are on the table that's enough for me.

Lisa! I thought the same thing. I know some blogs I read, their tables have been set since last week! I will set ours on Wednesday. Oh and my gang is not hung up on rules (probably doesn't even know there is a charger rule), so I leave the chargers out, remove before dessert (only because it is served later LOL).

I use gold chargers on my Christmas tables. The dinner plates are on top. Guests pick up a dinner plate (in so, deciding where they will sit) & serve themselves from our large island, buffet style. I don't remove the chargers.

I sometimes use chargers, sometimes not. I like the way they look but it depends on how many I'm seating and my mood on whether or not I use them. None of us know the charger rules around here, I guess. I keep them on the table throughout dinner and dessert.

I'm not doing T-Day at my home this year. If I was, the table would already be set. I typically put everything out with the wine glasses turned upside down and then gently drape a clean top sheet over the table. Easy for two people to carefully lift up and then turn the wine glasses right-side up and everything is clean and ready for dinner service.

I use chargers on holidays only at the DR table, and placemats on the kitchen table. I mainly use them because i'm concerned about sratching the wood, and do use runners also, but like the 'finished' w/chargers. I've never removed them since that would defeat the purpose, at least in my case. I think it's whatever you want. I guess my plates must be heavier, or maybe it's having the runners cause the plates don't move. Placemats would work also.

Patty-cakes, I invited neighbors once for a buffet style meal and the father helped his daughter fill her plate and then proceeded to remove the placemat so she wouldn't spill anything on it before he sat her down at my very expensive (to me) DR table. Some people really just don't know... his intentions were good, though.

I am assuming a "charger plate" is something that goes under the plate you are eating off of? (My first thought was that this was something one could charge up devices on, while dining -- I'm serious...)

I have probably sat at this type of place setting maybe twice in my life. They are beautiful, judging by the photo above (and my limited memory) but I don't plan to purchase any for myself.

For Thanksgiving, if everyone is dressed to the nines, go for it. Otherwise, it would probably be easiest to skip!

And for those who mentioned... NO, I would never set the table a day in advance, but then again, I DO have cats!

Does anyone remember judithva with the beautiful table settings as well as tablecsapes/vignettes? I would almost drool looking at her posts! She started a blog several years ago, but hasn't posted anything on it for quite awhile~i'm posting the link anyway, and hope she doesn't mind.

If you happen to remember her, and know how she is, would you mind sharing w/me? I sent her an email about 3 yrs ago, and she did respond. I believe she found out she had breast cancer, went thru treatment, and it later returned. She also talks about the remodeling of her home, but I don't know if it was ever finished. By the grace of God, I hope all is well with her. Here's the link to her beautiful blog.....

http://www.judith-sweetdesigns.blogspot.com

You might also find some of her creations on the Holiday Forum.

Artemis: yes the charger plates are decorative. I'm smiling at the the thought of something to plug in all our devices. :-). Not at my table! I'm envious of all those whose tables are already set. I took tomorrow off work to do my shopping cooking etc. And right now I'm waiting for a Rx to be filled.... I was just diagnosed with a sinus infection. I think I won't worry about chargers this year!

I do remember Judith, Pattycakes and yes, she had beautiful tables (and rooms!). I didn't know that she had breast cancer and do not know what has happened to her. I hope all is well. . .

I have 2 sets and use them frequently. The other day I saw some paper chargers at Home Goods and had to really think about that one! I skip them for buffet style dining, using them only for plated serving. Why be hassled?

Patty cakes, I do remember judithva and her creative and beautiful vignettes. She had the most artistic sense of composition, color and layering in her little vignettes. I have missed seeing her creations. I used to wonder if she is using a different name now, as many posters are, but I'm sure she hasn't posted in a while, because I think I'd recognize her style even if she were using a different name. Then there was les917 (or some such number) who had almost a wizardry with furniture placement. (Have wonder if she goes by tibbrix now but don't know for sure.)

I use them all! I actual have used two chargers (one wicker and one lacquered) the last few years.

Funny stories:

1. I set my table for Fall back in mid September because we were going to out of the country for a few weeks. Note: I did not set the places you will see in the following photo from last year, just the center. Anyway, my husband and I have been home a few weeks. He/we have to walk through our dining room every single trip to and from the bedroom. Well, the other night, my husband walked through when I had the chandelier on. He said "oh, the table looks nice. You must have worked hard all day decorating it."

Really? It's like when he never notices a new hair style. haha

1. A few Christmases ago, I'd set the table with the lacquered chargers, only. H
   ad them placed on the table mats, but had the dinner plates stacked in the kitchen next to the buffet. I told my SIL's father to go through the line, first. I was busy tidying the kitchen a bit. When everyone had filled their plates and it was my turn, I noticed an extra plate in the kitchen. The father had grabbed his charger off the table and used it as a plate! hehehehe We still laugh about that with him every year. It helps that we were good friends before our children married.

My table from last year and basically what it looks like now, sans the place settings.

Yes, I do use charger plates, it does depend upon the occasion though. I definitely use them for all the holidays and special dinners (birthdays, anniversaries, special company dinner etc). And sometimes just for myself :)

I really enjoy setting a pretty table, so using chargers is not a hassle to me, I've always considered it a special added detail to the tables look. I set the table to please me, and the people that come to dine. I would say it pleases most of the people who have enjoyed dining with me, although I do remember one year when I went all out at Christmas with some future relatives and used a crystal knife rest as part of the setting. The future mother-in-law of my DD did not see the need for the knife rest, which if OK with me, "different strokes for different folks".

As for not having spinning plates as Chicagans asked about….I will use the shelf liners/rubber padding that you can get at most big box stores and grocery stores. I cut a circle out of about 6 inches or so to go in-between the charger and the plate, no more movement of the 2 plates when you use your knife to cut your food. Simple, inexpensive and it doesn't show under the plates. You can also put this circle of liner in-between the charger and the tabletop too. I usually use a table cloth or placemats to that usually keeps the charger from moving around too. The only time I don't use the rubber liner is when I use my silver chargers, the rubber is not good to touch real silver, so I will just use a white paper doily to separate the two items to protect from scratches to the silver charger.

Patty cakes, tinam, and nutsaboutplants, thank you so much for your kind words, I am amazed you remember me, that really touches my heart. I am doing well with my health so far, I try to live each day with appreciation that I got another chance at life.

I use charger plates when I use a tablecloth. They actually help to keep the tablecloth cleaner. I know they are only suposed to be decorative but...