Summer is the time for entertaining.
Whether setting up your indoor or outdoor dining area, table dressings, tablescapes, and home decor items, including coordinating placemats, flowers, decorations, linens, and tableware, make an inviting place for guests to gather, eat, and relax.
Tablecloths may have been your go-to in the past, but have you noticed how difficult they are to iron? Or how much storage space they take? Table placemats are the ideal alternative — they use minimal space (no ironing necessary) and are easy to clean, regardless of how messy the meal is.
Placemats are more than just an attractive feature. They also protect your table from spills, food, and drinks. They’re where innovation and beauty meet, but with so many on the market, how do you choose the right ones?
Keep reading to learn how to choose the best placemats for all your summer hosting needs.
Finding Your Ideal Placemats
A lovely indoor or outdoor dining area isn’t complete without a set of placemats. Your ideal placemat depends on various factors, including personal style, material preference, and the type of parties you plan on using them for (indoor, outdoor, adult, children, etc.).
What to Look For in Placemats
There are some important factors to consider when selecting placemats for your indoor or outdoor table.
Material
Table mats come in various materials, from highly-absorbent thick cloth, like linen and cotton, to eco-friendly, like wood and recycled plastic. When choosing the best placemats for your summer hosting, go with something that suits your table, style, and party needs. For example, while glass placemats look modern and sleek, they’re not the best idea for entertaining young children (if you catch our drift).
If you want something versatile, enjoy stress-free mealtimes with these elegant yet simple Ocean-Marbling Plastic Placemats. You can use them in the dining room or on the patio without worrying about spilled food or drinks. These beautifully crafted, sturdy mats made from high-quality plastic are non-fading, non-stainable, anti-slip, and waterproof. With no fuss and easy cleaning, all you do is wipe with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go.
Size
The size of your dining table will also determine the size of your mats. Choose placemats that are large enough to hold whatever size of plate you plan on using, as well as additional items, like a fork, knife, spoon, bowl, napkin, and glass.
This stunning PVC Olive Oil Placemat features a striking display of olive oil decanters and delicious Kalamata olives so you can enjoy your food without worrying about the mess. Durably crafted from a high-grade heat-resistant PVC to protect against accidental spills while being easy to clean and stain-resistant, this mat complements any casual or formal table setting. The texture and style look great indoors or out and makes a wonderful addition to any modern decor.
Colour
In addition to the colour of your dining table, your placemats should match the overall colours and theme of your party or dining area. If you use a tablecloth, use your placemats to enhance the colours and design of the table covering and create a cohesive look. You can also match your mats to other decor items, like vases, chair cushions, tablescape decorations, and more.
These Plastic Placemats featuring Fresh Fruit On Ice are the perfect mats for summer hosting. The sturdiness and high-quality plastic with non-fading and non-stainable technology make them ideal for outdoor use.
Maintenance
Easy-to-maintain placemats are a must for regular entertainers. Those made of plastic, synthetic leather, and PVC are easily wipable and stay looking like new. If you prefer cloth placemats, remember they can stain, so you should wash and iron them after each use.
Nothing speaks summer like these stylish Cotton Placemats featuring Colourful Butterflies, Dragonflies, and Bumblebees. Crafted from soft, high-grade cotton, these durable mats add a nice finishing touch to any dining table and keep its delicate look even with frequent washing.
Frequency
If you’re a frequent entertainer, having at least two sets of quality placemats on hand is always handy — one casual, lower-priced set for regular use and another higher-quality set designated for special occasions, like summer hosting.
Enhance the look of your dining area with PP Berrylicious Placemats featuring mouth-watering summer berries in vibrant colours. Don’t let its low-cost fool you — these placemats crafted from high-quality material are lightweight, durable, and easy to use and maintain on any table.
Round Cotton Rope Placemats featuring Lemon Branches bring charm to your summer display while keeping hot meals off surfaces. They also protect against stains and scratches and keep your tabletops clean. The eye-catching pattern complements various decor and will surely be the talk among your guests.
Event
Whether you’re summer hosting for friends, family, neighbours, or office parties, shop for placemats that correspond to your event.
- Daily use: There are a few factors to consider when choosing placemats for everyday use, such as how easy they are to clean and durability. Casual, everyday placemats crafted in cotton, vinyl, plastic, or bamboo protect your table against spills and scratches.
- Formal gatherings: Skip the tablecloth and host your formal events using fancy table placemats instead. They’re easier to use and clean and come in various simple patterns, subtle textures, and neutral colours, making them ideal for formal gatherings. Solid, dark tones or soft colours create a more serious, formal environment than bright, lively ones.
- Casual get-togethers: Set the table with charm and elegance and welcome your casual guests using placemats featuring fun designs, bright colours, and innovative textures.
- Kid-friendly events: Placemats designed with children in mind are typically stain and spill-resistant, making them ideal for easy cleanup and protecting your table against messes. Plus, they come in many different themes and characters for children making mealtimes even more fun.
Ready to Shop the Best Placemats For Summer Hosting?
Maison Concepts is your go-to supplier for placemats in different materials, colours, sizes, textures, and themes.
Our bulk home decor makes dressing up your home for seamless summer hosting affordable, accessible, and easy.