charger plates how to use?

A charger plate is an over-sized plate usually in a bright color or with intricate decorative patterns. The charger plate sits beneath the main course plate and it both adorns the table and protects the table linen. The word "charger" comes from the Italian word "caricare" which means "to load." Charger plates were used in Medieval England to convey food to the table, such a large pieces of meat. Back then, chargers could range from 8 to 18 inches. Nowadays, chargers are usually 11 to 14 inches; anything larger is used as a platter.