Importance of Placemats
Placemats are more than just practical table accessories; they play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience and protecting surfaces. Whether it's a casual family meal or a formal gathering, the right placemat can elevate the entire table setting and create an inviting atmosphere for meals. In this guide, we'll explore the various types of placemats, materials, and how to choose the perfect placemat for any occasion or style.
Materials and Construction
Traditional Materials
Handcrafted Beaded and Shell Placemats
Beaded placemats are our signature item. They showcase intricate designs and are often used for formal dinners, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to the table. These placemats are meticulously crafted with beads, creating stunning patterns and textures that catch the light and create a luxurious atmosphere. Available in a variety of color palettes, you can certainly find your match for all the occasions you have in mind. Our Oasis Placemat, launched this Spring, is perfect for a summertime tropical gathering outdoors. If you're looking for something floral and airy, the Dahlia Placemat is a beautiful reflection of pastel summertime colors with tones of pink, blue, and yellow. Alternatively, if you're in the market for something more glamorous and chic, perhaps for a New Year's Eve party, the Vermicelli Placemat is perfect for the occasion.
Equally as beautiful, our Shell Placemats are the main attraction for every tablescape. They bring a coastal and upscale aesthetic to your setup, making them perfect for beach-themed decor and luxurious dining experiences. The natural beauty of the shells and its shiny iridescence adds a unique and eye-catching element to your table. We recommend pairing them with our Chargers, which combines to add a whimsical look to your table. Throughout the years, the Round Capiz Placemat has prevailed to be our bestseller. Available in four different colors, this placemat is easy to style and match with other items.
Types of Placemats
Croco & Exotics
Placemats with exotic textures and patterns, such as those mimicking crocodile skin, add a luxurious touch to table settings. Our Croco Placemats are perfect for upscale events and adds a simplistic, yet elegant, touch to your decor. These placemats are crafted to resemble the unique texture and appearance of exotic animal skins, creating a sense of luxury and sophistication. We offer a variety of colors, ranging from summer tones to christmas colors.
Bridal Placemats
These placemats feature elegant and special designs suitable for wedding events or romantic dinners, adding a touch of romance and sophistication to the table. Bridal placemats often incorporate delicate lace, intricate embroidery, or romantic motifs, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere. They also incorporate tones of white, gold, and light pink.
Foliage Designs
Foliage Placemats with plant and leaf designs bring a natural, outdoor-inspired element to table settings, ideal for nature-themed decor or al fresco dining. These placemats feature vibrant prints of leaves, flowers, or botanical patterns, creating a fresh and inviting ambiance. Our newest Spring 2024 launch is comprised of a variety of Foliage placemats, made of both beaded and acrylic material.
Organic Shapes
Organic Shape Placemats with irregular, natural shapes add a modern and artistic twist to tablescapes, making them a focal point of the dining area. These placemats break away from traditional rectangular or round shapes, offering a unique and contemporary design that catches the eye.
Shell Placemats
Shell placemats, whether made from real or imitation materials, are suitable for beach-themed parties or upscale dining. These placemats feature shells arranged in intricate patterns or designs, creating a beachy and sophisticated atmosphere. To create a luxurious coastal look, pair them with our Reef Napkin and Amalfi Napkin Ring.
Chargers
Chargers serve as a base for setting other dinnerware, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the table by adding depth and visual interest. These larger placemats are typically placed underneath the dinner plate, creating a layered and elegant look. Chargers come in various materials and designs, allowing you to customize your table setting according to your style and theme.
Beaded Placemats
Beaded placemats are characterized by their decorative appeal and are best suited for formal dining occasions where elegance is paramount. These placemats are often adorned with intricate beadwork, creating a stunning visual display that adds a touch of opulence to your table.
Easycare Placemats
Easycare placemats, usually made from cotton or acrylic blends, offer the advantage of easy maintenance, making them ideal for families and frequent use. These placemats are designed to withstand spills and stains, allowing for quick and effortless cleanup. They are a practical choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of placemats without the hassle of extensive care.
Choosing the Right Placemat
By Occasion
Select placemats based on the event, considering casual family meals and formal gatherings, and choose materials and designs that align with the occasion. For casual meals, opt for durable and easy-to-clean placemats that can withstand everyday use. Our Portofino and Basketweave placemats are a great example - they are simple, available in a variety of colors, and perfect for a casual get together. For formal events, choose placemats that exude elegance and sophistication, such as beaded or bridal and shell placemats.
By Style
Match placemats with the dining room decor or the theme of the event, ensuring that they complement the overall style and ambiance of the space. Consider the color scheme, patterns, and textures of your tableware, linens, and decor when selecting placemats. By coordinating the elements of your table setting, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
Care and Maintenance
Different types of placemats require specific care and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Follow manufacturer guidelines and use appropriate cleaning methods for each material, such as spot cleaning, machine washing, or wiping down with a damp cloth. Regularly inspect your placemats for any signs of wear or damage, and address them promptly to prevent further deterioration. By properly caring for them, you can extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best.
Enhancing Your Table Setting
Layering Techniques
Layer placemats with tablecloths, chargers, and runners to create a sophisticated and visually appealing table setting, adding depth and texture to the dining area. By combining different textures and patterns, you can create a dynamic and visually interesting table arrangement. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance between elegance and creativity. Our newest favorite combination is the Coral Charm Charger combined with the Capiz Placemat. The color and beads used in the chargers complement the simplicity of the shell placemat, and altogether creates the perfect beachy tablescape.
Accessorizing
Coordinate napkins, centerpieces, or candles to complement the placemats, adding a touch of elegance and cohesiveness to the overall table decor. Choose napkins that match or complement the colors and patterns of your placemats. Add a centerpiece or floral arrangement that complements the theme or style of your table setting. Place candles strategically to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our Egyptian Glassware is the perfect addition to all your tables, regardless of the themes and event. You can utilize both candle holders and vases to tie your look together.
Placemats are versatile and essential elements of table settings, offering both practical protection and aesthetic enhancement. By understanding the various types, materials, and care guidelines, you can elevate your dining experience and create visually stunning tablescapes for any occasion.
