Charger plate

The charger plate, also called an underplate or welcome plate, is a large decorative plate set at the centre of each cover as soon as the guest is seated. It never receives food directly: the service plates rest upon it. Frequently made of porcelain, silver-plated metal or glass, it protects the cloth and keeps the place setting from ever standing empty during plate changes. It is usually removed before the main course or dessert depending on the establishment's protocol.