A charger plate is a large decorative base plate set beneath the dinner plate at each place setting. It doesn’t hold food directly. Its job is to anchor the tablescape, add visual interest, and signal that someone put thought into the table. At Southern Events, charger plates are one of our most requested tabletop rentals. It’s easy to see why. One charger choice can shift the entire tone of a table before a single guest sits down.

What Is a Charger Plate and Do You Actually Need One?

Do you need charger plates at a wedding or event?

No, charger plates are not required. But they’re one of the easiest ways to make a tablescape feel complete. A plain dinner plate on a linen looks fine. That same plate stacked on a charger looks like it was meant to be there. The difference is subtle in theory. It’s pretty obvious in photos.

For formal events and seated dinners, charger plates are worth including. For casual buffet-style events where guests aren’t seated for a full meal, they’re less necessary. The decision comes down to how much you want the table to say.

One practical note: charger plates are typically removed after the first course. If you’re working with a caterer, confirm the removal timing with them early so the table transitions cleanly.

How to Choose a Charger Plate

The right charger depends on three things: the material finish, the china it’s paired with, and how much contrast you want between the two.

A charger should complement or intentionally contrast the plate sitting on top of it. Match them too closely and the stack falls flat. Go too far in the opposite direction and it starts to feel busy. The sweet spot is a charger that adds a distinct layer while still reading as part of the same design story.

Here’s how the main material families read in a room:

• Rattan — warm, organic, and textural. Works naturally with neutral linens and garden-inspired aesthetics.
• Lacquer — bold, graphic, and immediate. The finish is smooth and the color is full. Hard to ignore, which is usually the point.
• Glass with a metallic rim — formal without being rigid. The clear center keeps the look open while the rim handles the dressing up.
• Specialty finishes — wood, scalloped edges, intricate patterns. These are design decisions more than tableware choices. Use them where you want the table to have a clear point of view.

Can you mix and match charger plates at an event?

Yes, and when it’s done well it’s one of the more interesting moves on a tablescape. A common approach is using one charger style at the head table and a complementary option at guest tables. It draws the eye where you want it without making the room feel disjointed. But intentionality is key. Mixing chargers across a single table without a clear reason tends to read as inconsistent rather than creative.

Charger Plates in Our Middle Tennessee Rental Inventory

Rattan Chargers

Rattan is having a long, well-deserved moment in event design. The texture adds warmth and character without asking for much in return. Our Walnut Rattan Charger brings a rich, earthy tone. It feels right at home with neutral linens and simple white dinner plates. The White Wash Rattan Charger is the lighter, breezier version of that same warmth.

Both work well at garden parties, outdoor receptions, and events where the palette leans organic and unhurried. They’re the kind of detail guests notice without knowing why the table feels so good.

Lacquer Chargers

If rattan is the quiet one, lacquer is the one that walks in and owns the room.

• Gold — our most requested lacquer finish. Works across formal weddings, holiday events, and corporate galas where a warm metallic tone anchors the table.
• Silver — the cooler counterpart. A great fit for jewel-toned linens and modern palettes.
• Black — the one that goes with everything. Grounds a neutral tablescape and holds its own against a bold one.
• Rouge — a rich copper tone. Pairs beautifully with deep blues, true reds, and earthy neutrals. The unexpected choice that always gets a second look.

Glass Chargers with Metallic Rims

Glass chargers with a metallic rim are the formal option that doesn’t feel stuffy. The clear center keeps the look light. The rim does the dressing up! Available in Black, Gold, Silver, and Copper, these chargers pair especially well with muted or textured china.

Try them with our Earthen China. The metallic rim adds just enough polish without competing with the organic quality of the dinnerware. They’re a reliable combination for couples who want refined without rigid.

Specialty Chargers

Looking for something more unique? Each of these pieces is a design decision more than a tableware choice.

The Scalloped Wood Charger has a beautiful wood grain and a shaped edge. It adds quiet, organic detail to a place setting. Pair it with the Liana Floral China in sage green. The botanical print and the natural wood texture speak the same language. It’s a fresh, cohesive look that works well at spring and outdoor events across Middle Tennessee.

The Medallion Gold Glass Charger is the most ornate piece in the lineup. The intricate pattern is genuinely stunning. Keep the linen simple and give it room to do its thing. This is not the charger that needs help.

The Gwyneth Glass Charger is the whimsical one. Try pressing a colorful napkin between the charger and a matching dinner plate for a layered, playful stack. Small move, big return. It photographs especially well at social celebrations and events with a more joyful design direction.

The Darcy Bone China Charger has a delicate scalloped edge and a softness that’s hard to replicate. Paired with our Heirloom China, it creates a vintage-inspired place setting that feels considered without being fussy. This is a natural fit for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and intimate seated events where the details are the point.

The Right Charger Rental Makes the Table

Charger plates are a small decision with a visible return. For events across Middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, and Spring Hill, getting the tabletop right is one of the most satisfying parts of the design process. Our team will make it simple and straightforward for you.

To browse our full tabletop rental inventory, visit our wedding rentals page or reach out to our team to talk through your tablescape.

Are you dreaming of a wedding that is out of this world? Check out this modern celestial wedding! A theme that is all about creating a bright and modern atmosphere, with an ethereal touch. It is perfect for couples who want to have a unique wedding that is contemporary yet tasteful! Featuring our stylish rentals and a cool-toned color scheme, check out the details of a styled shoot hosted at Southall Meadows, inspired by the magic of the cosmos.

A Chic Indoor Ceremony

The Hall at Southall Meadows was the perfect setting for a ceremony, with a towering ceiling and blank white walls. It lent an airy atmosphere, softened by romantic white drapery. Complemented by our Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs. If you have a larger guest count or are feeling inspired by the universe, place them in a half circle for an elegant ceremony in the round. Want to make a memorable first impression? Greet guests at the ceremony space with a colorful mocktail displayed on a White 6-Tier Serving Tower.

Bright Modern Cocktail Party

A bright celestial-themed cocktail hour is a fun and unique way to celebrate your big day. In line with the ceremony, we created a modern setup where guests could grab a drink, get comfortable and mingle prior to dinner. Starting with our elegant curved Harpeth Bar. A classic piece that can be customized with your new last name or a custom monogram!

Celestial-Inspired Cocktails

The bar was stocked with a variety of contemporary glassware, including Gatsby Champagne Coupe and Temptations Glasses. The unique shapes are perfect for serving up quirky signature drinks that embody the theme. Such as a blue-colored drink with glitter for a “galaxy” effect! For additional seating, we opted to feature our modular Pearce Lounge with a Black-Silver Rug. We also have cocktail tables outfitted in Black Nova Linens with Mid-Century Barstools, in black or white.

Modern Celestial Wedding Reception

Come dinner time, we wanted to create a slightly more intimate atmosphere. This is why we set up in the historic barn, which lent a more down-to-earth vibe. It also ensured that the tablescapes, starring a splash of celestial-inspired colors, stood out! Wood banquet tables featured a Sahara Runner in Ivory and round were covered with White Etched Velvet Tablecloths. They were contrasted by sleek serving ware: Glass Chargers with a Black Rim, stacked with Earthen Alabaster and Stone China, and Noir Matte Black Flatware. Meridian Blue Tumblers and Dusty Blue Etched Velvet Napkins lent a unique pop of blue! While Acrylic chairs were a modern and elegant touch.

Non-Floral Table Centerpieces

At each table, centerpieces starred voluminous plumes of dried ferns and pampas, for a subtle bohemian vibe. Although if you want to tone down the florals, consider a non-floral centerpiece starring our Gold Metal Intersect Cube. The bright geometric design is ethereal and the shimmering gold will make your serving ware pop. Place candles around each cube or at the center, depending on how much lighting you would like to feature.

Vendors

Venue + planning | @southall_meadows⁠
Photography | @stokesdunavanphoto⁠
Catering | @beyond_details⁠
Florals | @samanthajayevents⁠
Bar | @jjacksonmobilemixologist⁠⁠
Drapery | @blueherondesigns.tn⁠
HMUA | @theagencyofbeauty⁠
Tuxedo | @jmstreetmenswear

Do you want to plan a modern celestial wedding that will be the envy of every bride? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com, or view our full range of rentals in the catalog. Are you dreaming of a more colorful retro-inspired celebration? Then take a look at these ideas for a Modern Disco Wedding!

Skip the crowded downtown scene this year and opt for something a little more elevated: a moody modern New Year’s Eve party. Whether you’re planning a large corporate gala, a laid-back office party, or an intimate countdown cocktail hour, we’ve got the rentals to help you ring in the new year in unforgettable style. Think luxe neutral linens, plush retro-inspired lounge furniture, and a bar setup that’s practically made for Insta-worthy sips. Keep reading for ideas on everything from moody metallic tablescapes to cozy lounge setups that invite your guests to sit and stay awhile.

Moody Metallic Tables

Hosting a seated dinner? Set the mood with a bold and modern table design. Black is a natural go-to for New Year’s Eve, but don’t shy away from layering in metallic touches for extra glam. Start with a luxe linen—go solid with our Black tablecloths or add subtle texture with Black Nova. Prefer something warmer? Gold Furrow makes a striking statement.

Build your place settings with our Gold, Silver, or Black Rim Glass Charger and pair them with our stylish Earthen Dinner Plates. For flatware, tie in your metallic theme with Gold Austin, Brooklyn, or Brushed Copper Flatware. Add a fun and modern touch with standout glassware like our Cybil Glasses or Meridian Tumblers in a chic blue hue.

Cozy Countdown Lounge

No New Year’s Eve party is complete without a lounge space. It’s going to be a long night, so give your guests a comfy-chic place to sip, chat, and take it all in. We love the drama of our Regent Black Velvet Sofa paired with Acrylic Ghost Arm Chairs. Add contrast and polish with the Avalon Round Coffee Table or go modular with our Pearce Lounge. It can easily be customized to fit any space or guest count.

Want to dial up the cozy factor? Layer in some textured rugs for warmth and style. And for larger gatherings, don’t forget to sprinkle in a few bistro tables and barstools near the bar. So guests always have a place to perch!

Stylish Bars for Midnight Toasts

Raise a glass in style with a bar setup that’s as functional as it is fabulous. Our Black Franklin Bar is a sleek statement piece. Especially when paired with our Black Bookcase to display bottles or showcase glassware. Opt for elegant Gatsby Champagne Coupes for toasts or the Upton Glassware for a more classic cocktail service. Planning to serve a signature welcome drink? You’ll love our White 6-Tier Serving Tower—it’s perfect for pre-poured bubbly or mocktails.

Feeling inspired? We would love to help you plan a Moody Modern New Year’s Eve party in Nashville. Whether you’re hosting a small at-home gathering or a large corporate event! Send us a message at  info@southerneventsonline.com, or take a look at our catalog of rentals on the website.

The holidays in Tennessee are the perfect time to celebrate with family and friends – and to do it in style! Southern has all the rentals you need for an exquisite and memorable harvest or winter feast. To help you create a modern tablescape, we’ve put together a collection of curated rentas featuring stylish place settings. Keep reading for some holiday party inspiration that will put you in a festive mindset, Styled by Southern!

Neutral Natural

This one is all about the texture! Neutral linens like our woven Havana mixed with luxurious velvet, matte china, and sparkling glassware against the natural textures of your pampas grass, pumpkin, and driftwood centerpieces. Our Neutral Natural boxes come with our Brushed Copper Flatware, Faux Wood Chargers, Pure Glassware, Earthen China (your choice of Alabaster, Stone, or Onyx), and Havana Ecru Napkins.

Pumpkin Spice

Warm and inviting as a slice of pumpkin pie, this Styled by Southern tablescape is perfect for an autumn gathering – including Thanksgiving. Velvet linens add instant warmth while glass tumblers and artisan china offer a homey appeal. Our Pumpkin Spice includes our classic Abby Flatware, Gold Lacquer Chargers, Smoke Glassware, Artisan China, and Fern Velvet Napkins.

Luxe Chalet

If there is anything that exudes the holiday spirit, it’s a comfy snow-covered chalet! Our Luxe Chalet box is the perfect choice for the most intimate holiday parties, with soft beige and warm brown. It features our classic Faux Wood Chargers, Alabaster Dinner & Salad Plate, Hammered Flatware, and Havana Ecru Napkins. Recycled Rocks, & Hi-Ball Glasses lend a fun retro touch. For a festive pop of color, add on our Scarlet Velvet Linens!

Holly Jolly

We love a luxe holiday tablescape and the Holly Jolly Holiday package Styled by Southern is just that! With elegant gold-accented china and rich seasonal colors, it’s a gorgeous option for your annual family dinner. It includes our Abby Flatware, gorgeous Ophelia Dinner Plates, and Hamlet Salad Plates. Pure Water and Wine Glasses offer a sleek modern touch, while Heritage Cranberry Napkins nod to the season! For an even more festive table, add on our Velvet Fern Linens!

Silver Soiree

Dress your table in holiday style with the Silver Soiree Holiday Box! This curated box is a must-have for those who want a tablescape that is cool-toned and classy. It comes with our Abby Flatware, Glass Mosaic Reception Plates, Marble Dinner Plates, and Silver Rim Glass Chargers. Our popular Meridian Blue Tumblers lend a pop of icy color, along with our Wedgewood Polyester Napkins. For some texture, add the London Fog Velvet Linens to the mix!

Customize It!

If our pre-made packages aren’t to your liking, we offer a custom option! Design a box to fit your holiday table by selecting from our wide inventory of china, glassware, flatware, linens, and more.

Want to secure a collection Styled by Southern for your party? Contact our team today, at info@southerneventsonline.com, to secure your rentals. Hurry! We often reach capacity around the holiday season!

With winter behind us, Tennesse comes to life with wildflower fields, lush green spaces, and springtime celebrations! To help you celebrate this time of year, Southern offers a stylish selection of rentals to create bright Easter tablescapes. So that you can easily create a modern table that will ‘wow’ your guests, we’ve put together a collection of our easy Easter-inspired collections starring stylish place settings.

Bunny Blues

Our Bunny Blues collection is classically charming, with a mix of beautiful blues and neutral yellow hues. This design is bright yet down to earth, for a look that is elegant and perfect for Easter. It includes our Darcy China, Abby Flatware, Madison Glassware, Blue Kensington Linens, and Champagne Dupioni Napkins. For an added pop of color, we recommend featuring bright and fresh floral centerpieces!

Hippity Hoppity

Featuring a mix of yellow and orange with gold accents, our Hippity Hoppity collection is bright and fun. It includes our Darcy China, Gold Accent China, Sophia Flatware, Carly Glassware, Champagne Glassware, Mango Sheer Grapefruit Linens, and Cornsilk Pindot Napkins. By mixing textures and patterns, you’ll have a tablescape that is oh so chic and memorable!

In Bloom

Our In Bloom collection is a beautiful balance of old and new, with bright colors and vintage-inspired serving ware. The combination of pastel tones and crisp white makes for a slightly whimsical look that your guests will love. It includes our Heirloom China, Austin Flatware, Hob Nob Glassware, Cornsilk Poly Linens, Havana Parchment Linens, and Coral Poly Linens.

Lilac Love

If you prefer a tablescape that is beautiful but a little more down-to-earth, look no further than our Lilac Love collection. It features our White Round China, Bradley Flatware, Carly Glassware, Mint Julep Cups, Oatmeal Linens, and Lilac Poly Linens, for a look that is sleek and neutral. Meanwhile, a small pop of pastel purple maintains that classic Easter palette.

Spring Has Sprung

When you want to host an Easter dinner outside, we recommend our Spring Has Sprung collection. Featuring crisp white, metallic silver, and bright green, it perfectly complements a lush outdoor setting. It includes our Alabaster China, Glass Charger with Silver Rim, Abby Flatware, Pure Glassware, Lime Pindot Linens, and Silver Poly Linens. For an extra dose of color, consider fresh greenery and bright blooms for your Easter tablescapes.

Customize It!

If our curated rental collections, Styled by Southern, aren’t to your liking, we offer a custom option! Design a look to fit your Easter table by selecting from our wide inventory of china, glassware, flatware, linens, and more.

Want to secure one of these easter tablescapes for your party? Contact our team to reserve a collection at info@southerneventsonline.com!