Decorating/Entertaining questions

[soccerchick]

Okay, for those of you who entertain without the help of Costco, let me ask a question. I was at a Southern Living at Home party on Friday night and a lady ordered 8 charger plates. They aren't food safe. Are they just to make your table look prettier? Does anyone use these?

Also, several women were talking about how they decorate their homes. Two women leave their dining room table set with their good china. One has no children at home and the other has high schoolers. While it must look pretty, to me that's an accident waiting to happen with my kids, and, even more importantly to me, more stuff to wipe dust off of when I clean.

 

[Tinks]

The charger plates are just to make you china look "pretty". They fill up the table a bit and add some color. I'd love to get some for entertaining.

I, personally, would not leave my china out for decoration. Yes, some people do, and if you've ever looked through some decorating magazines they will often show a picture with the table set. I would think it would get way too dusty and you'd have to wash the dishes before you ate! Not worth it to me! Doesn't a pretty centerpiece do the trick just fine???!

 

[Brandon79]

my mom & grandmother always use chargers. iasked "why" and i was told they add "punch" whatever that is.

 

[laurie31]

I bought chargers a few years ago. They really give the table an elegant look. They go under your plates. I think they also protect the table if the plate of food is very hot, although I always use a tablecloth when I'm using china.

My mom told me about the leaving the table set as decoration, but we have cats as well as kids. It would be easier if I just threw the china directly into the trash can, then I wouldn't have to clean up the broken glass

Even if we didn't have the kids and pets to worry about, I think it would make me feel odd, having the table set as if company were about to show up any second. Also, if someone did drop in, would they think they were crashing a dinner party? LOL. I think it would have too much of a "museum" feel to it - our house is to be lived in, not looked at

Laurie

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have some chargers to go under my china for elegant meals. They look gorgeous,and make the table more formal for entertaining.

I do not leave my china out, only because I'm too lazy to dust it off =) I display it all in my china cabinet, though do leave out placemats and cloth napkins on my table while it's not in use (match the room decor as well as dishes).