These days, placemats are not just a functional piece of dining room equipment, they are accessories to the decor of the entire room, mood or setting one is trying to create. They protect tablecloths and the wood beneath them as well as add a little pizazz to the dinner table. Mixing them, overlapping them and placing one as a base for a centerpiece are all ways to make them look great.
For centuries, people have been using mats on their tables. Typically only the wealthy adorned their lavish tables with the fine works of art because others could not afford them. They were often made of the finest materials and were hand embroidered, edged with lace, or adorned with different precious metals.
With so many types of fabrics, textures colors and styles to choose from, one can have a difficult time only selecting a particular motif. The desired look can change with silk, cotton, linen or lace and even more so by beading, stitching, stamping and ribbon. Vintage mats, or even extravagant new ones, may be used as art work and hung on the wall.
Some of the most detailed mats are not made with fabric at all, but are crafted from different colored grasses which make tiny patterns in the finished product. In addition to grasses and fabrics, many placemats are made from bamboo, twigs, reeds, metals, beads, plastics, vinyl and paper. Even fresh foliage can be used a an under-the-plate adornment.
Along with all of the different fabrics, materials, colors and adornments, comes a list of different purposes. Restaurants often use paper mats with games and coloring pictures printed on them to entertain children. Other restaurants print their menu on a mat, or jokes, history lessons and even the Chinese zodiac.
Decorating the table for a festive holiday, extravagant dinner party or romantic dinner for two, takes on a fashion statement all its own. With so many selections, colors, materials and adornments you may get so caught up in the picking process, that you decide to layer a clear beaded mat over a royal blue linen one. No matter what you choose, it is sure to set off your table and tie together your dining mood.
If you’re looking for exquisite, superior quality tableware, then search no more! Pacific Merchants can fill your need for placemats, serving bowls and trays, or simply a teapot. We offer a large assortment of outstanding accoutrements, tools and accessories for your dining and kitchen necessities. We even have pet bowls! Come by and see all of our excellently crafted wares.