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Charger plates or service plates are larger plates used during full course dinners or to dress up special events like parties and weddings. Charger plates have been in use since the 19th century.
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North America
Food is not actually served on chargers; they are often called underplates or chop plates. The word "charger" originated around 1275–1325 from the Middle English "chargeour". Formerly, a charger signified either a large platter or a large, shallow dish for liquids.
They are usually larger than most common dinner plates. Since they are not used for food, charger plates can be found in a variety of materials, from traditional china, to metal, wood, glass, plastic and pearl. And they may be decorated with substances that can be toxic if ingested.
Charger plate etiquette and use vary. Some professional catering companies remove the decorative charger plate as soon as the guests are seated. In other instances, when the design of charger plates complements the design of dining plates, charger plates are left on the table throughout the course of the meal. However, charger plates are always removed before serving desserts.
Europe
In service à la russe charger plates are called service plates and are kept on the table during the entire meal until dessert is served. Service plates act as a base for soup bowls, salad plates, and for the main course. A service plate is removed before dessert.
Culture
In Mark 6:25, KJV, and Matthew 14:8, KJV, the "daughter of Herodias" requested John the Baptist's head in a "charger" from Herod Antipas as her reward for dancing at his birthday party.