When inviting people into your home for a lavish dinner party, you will no doubt want to make sure that everything goes without a hitch, from the finer details such as the table mats on your dining table to the quality of the food being served up.
Impressing your guests takes effort and you won’t want to cut any corners, so making sure that you have key items on your table setting right through to hiring a chef to whip up a selection of tasty treats can ensure that the event is a win-win for all.
When planning the perfect dinner party, you will be looking to create the perfect table setting on which to dine, and one of the more important aspects to consider is your table mats. A key item in your table setting, a table mat can make such a positive difference to the aesthetic of your tabletop, and though they may often be overlooked in terms of their role, this simple yet very effective accessory is certainly worth having time spent on it.
Perfect for protecting your expensive table from potential damage, food and liquid spills as well as offering protection from heat radiating from plates, table mats also offer an interesting element to your dining room in terms of their colour, style and texture.
So, how do you choose the right mats for your table, especially when there are so many options available? Read on for our simple guide to choosing the right table mats for you.
Consider the use
The most important elements of a ravishing dining table set-up are that it looks good while offering the utmost in functionality. When choosing the right table mats for your dining set-up, consider if you would like them to extend to everyday use or simply be used with formal dining. If you would like them to be utilised for any occasion, both casual and formal, then rattan table mats are a popular option. Also take note of the size of your table as you will need to find a size of mat that isn’t too big or too small for the available space you have.
What material is best?
With the plethora of options available out there, it is worth taking the time to think about what material would be best suited to your décor as well as what it will take to maintain the mats to keep them looking as good as new.
The last thing you want your guests seeing the moment they sit at your table is a stained table mat, so make sure to purchase something that is simple to clean. Are they machine-washable or even wipe clean? Believe it or not, you can have the best of both worlds here with easy maintenance options that also offer a luxurious look, such as glass, marble, slate or easily washable fabrics.
Have fun with the design
Last but not least, do not forget to have some fun with the style and design of the table mats, as they can be the missing piece of the puzzle and really add interest to a dining room. You can choose colours that complement your décor, or you can go bold and make them stand out. There are so many different patterns, styles and sizes available that you are sure to find something you love, and remember if you’re choosing fabric table mats, patterned options hide hard-to-remove stains very well.