The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, 1823

And some examples of ca. 1820 plate warmers, which, when attractive enough, were usually placed before the fire in the dining room to warm the dishes between courses, and once warm, placed on the sideboard. This could be frustrating to guests, especially in the chillier months, because it would block the fireplace’s heat from reaching them. If there wasn’t a fireplace in the dining room, or the plate warmer wasn’t so nice to look at, it would be placed before the fire in the kitchen and then carried up, full of warm plates, when needed. This could be a dangerous job for a clumsy footman!