Tablescaping DIY, Part 2, Choosing what Plates to Buy, Chargers

This is Part 2 in an ongoing series about how to create your tablescapes. You can read Part 1 about developing a theme for your table here.

I should start by saying that you don’t really need to use chargers on your tablescapes, a placemat can serve the same purpose, to help draw attention to the plate stack, and define that space. But I really like the way that they display on a table, they anchor the plate stack. They can also provide a more formal look for your table. In addition, they can add a different color to separate the plate stack from the tablecloth. There are five things to think about when buying charger plates; size, color, shape, material, and price.

The material of the charger doesn’t really matter. Plastic can look like ceramic, metal can look like ceramic. The color and shape are more important than what the charger is made of.

Since dinner plates are usually 9” to 11” in diameter, chargers need to be larger than that so that they will show outside the dinner plate rim. If you have a small table, make sure that the chargers will fit on the table with everything else! They take up space! Chargers can be used as a dinner plate as well but some are not food safe so be sure that you understand what you are buying. Chargers can be found in all colors but I recommend that you start with some basic colors; white, black, red, brown, and a sage green.

This is one of the first white chargers I bought several years ago at Williams Sonoma and I use it constantly. I love the beaded detail around the rim because it adds visual interest to the plate stack. Try to find chargers that have an interesting rim but a simple design that would not detract from the rest of the plate stack design.

This is a much heavier white charger plate design. I bought them at Crate and Barrel several years ago. I tend to buy plates that have a uniform design around the rim because I just think it looks better in the plate stack. This rim design reminds me of hearts so, of course, I used them on a Valentine’s Day table. Keep in mind, if there is a design in the middle of the charger plate, it will never show, only the rim.

This black glass charger plate is another charger that I bought when I first started tablescaping. It is a simple plate with a slight starburst design in the glass. It was called Charge It and was made by Jay. I bought them several years ago on Amazon. They are heavy glass and work well with many different color schemes. This design is a good basic black charger plate

It is always in use in October!

This red Cambria charger from Pottery Barn is actually one of my favorite chargers. It can be used as a charger or a dinner plate. I use it for Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, and Christmas as well as during other times of the year. I have it in other colors as well and it comes in several colors. I love the simple design, it is a perfect charger!

I bought this square brown charger at Pier 1 several years ago. Most of my plates are round but I have added a few square ones in basic colors for versatility. This charger is made of some kind of plastic material. The best place to buy inexpensive chargers is at Dollar stores. I have bought them there and then spray painted them different colors depending on what color I needed for my table.

This bright pink charger was originally silver and Hubby spray painted it to match this tablescape. It came from a dollar store. I have also seen tablescapers use fabric to cover a dollar store charger.

You can find all different kinds of rattan chargers and they can be used year round. I think I bought these at World Market or Pier 1 several years ago. They can add a different texture to a table setting.

I bought these iced glass sage green chargers at Pier 1 several years ago after I saw them on another blog. This is a great color for a charger because it can be used in the spring and the fall.

I have several metal chargers in different colors, blue, red, gold, copper, silver, etc.. I bought this cobalt blue one at Pier 1 several years ago. This is one of my favorite blue colors!

Chargers can be expensive, especially the ceramic ones. Over the years, when I found an expensive one that I really liked, I bought one or two a month until I had the number I needed.

I enjoy adding chargers to my table settings. I love how they emphasis the plate stack and sometimes add a needed pop of an additional color between the tablecloth and the plate stack.

To see over 260 different tablescapes that I have created please click here. If you are on Facebook, join my new Tablescape and Table Settings Ideas Facebook group for lots of tablescaping inspiration! Just click on the Facebook Search box at the top of the page and type in Tablescape and Table Settings Ideas or click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2553689988183392

If you live in Southern California join our Facebook tablescaping group Southern California Tablescapers BTS Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/440356398581157 We are planning a gathering for tablescapers in January in the Los Angeles area..

Don’t miss the Tablescape How-To tab at the top of my blog for DIY tips and tricks.

I put a new tablescape on my blog every week, please check back!