A Guide to Selecting the Best Placemats
Introduction
Table settings can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of a meal. Placemats are an often overlooked item that can make a big difference in completing the look of a perfectly laid out table. When choosing the right placemats, it's helpful to consider practicality, style, and materials.
Practicality
Most people think of placemats as purely decorative items, but they can be quite practical as well. Placemats are great for protecting the surface of a table from spills and stains, and they can also make cleanup easier. They also provide insulation from hot plates and dishes, and can help prevent scratches on dining tables.
Style
When it comes to style, placemats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Round placemats can be a great way to add a touch of sophistication to a table setting. Square placemats can give a more casual feel, while rectangular placemats are great for more formal settings. It's important to consider the overall look you're trying to achieve when choosing the right placemats for your table.
Materials
Placemats come in a variety of materials, from cloth to plastic to wood. Cloth placemats are great for adding a touch of color and texture to the table, and they can also be great for protecting the table surface. Plastic placemats are more affordable, and are great for protecting the table from spills and stains. Wood placemats offer a more natural look and feel, and can be a great way to add warmth to the table setting.
Tips
When choosing placemats, it's important to consider the type of table you have. If you have a wooden table, you'll want to choose placemats that are designed to protect the surface of the table. For example, cloth placemats can be great for protecting wooden surfaces, while plastic placemats can be better for protecting glass or metal surfaces.
When it comes to color and design, it's important to consider the overall look you're trying to achieve. If you have a bold, colorful table setting, you may want to choose bright and colorful placemats to complement it. If you have a more neutral setting, you may want to choose placemats that are more subtle and subdued.
Finally, it's important to consider how easy the placemats are to clean. Some materials, such as cloth, may require regular cleaning and maintenance, while others, such as plastic or wood, may be easier to maintain.
Conclusion
Placemats can be a great way to complete the look of a table setting, and choosing the right placemats can be a great way to add a touch of style and sophistication. It's important to consider practicality, style, and materials when choosing the right placemats for your table. With a bit of thought and research, you can find the perfect placemats to make your table look like it was professionally styled!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can I use instead of placemats?
If you want an alternative to placemats, plate chargers can be used for a refined and elegant table setting. You can create your own chargers by using thick jute thread, making them slightly larger than your dishes.
2. Do placemats need to match?
Placemats can be displayed together even if they have different colors, as long as they are the same design and size. Alternatively, if the pattern and size of the placemats complement each other, they can also be used together. For example, you can alternate sets of placemats in different colors for a coordinated look.
3. Is it OK to leave placemats on the table?
There are no set rules for placemats, but it is recommended to place them neatly stacked in a dining vignette for easy access. Leaving placemats at each seating spot may result in them shifting around and appearing disorganized.
4. Are placemats out of date?
Placemats have fallen out of style in favor of more minimalist and casual table settings. However, their use is still a personal preference and can add a touch of elegance to a table if desired.
5. Are round or rectangle placemats better?
For rectangular tables, rectangular or oval placemats are generally the best choice as they create symmetry and match the straight lines of the table. Round placemats can also work well, but they may create too much contrast with the table's straight lines.
6. What is the most popular size of placemats?
The most popular size for placemats is approximately 12 inches wide by 18 inches long or 14 inches wide by 20 inches long. These large rectangular placemats can hold an entire place setting.
7. What is the cheapest way to cover a table?
One of the cheapest ways to cover a table is by using sheets or blankets. Many homes have spare sheets or blankets that can be used as table coverings, providing a colorful or neutral backdrop at no additional cost.
8. What is the best color for placemats?
To create classic contrast, choose placemats that are the opposite color of your plates. For example, if you have white plates, opt for black or dark-colored placemats, and vice versa. If you are serving simple foods, consider using more textured, patterned, or bold placemats to make them stand out.
