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American placemats are a table accessory that is now widely used by everyone, both at home and in restaurants, but always considered a quick and practical way that unfortunately sacrifices elegance.
We are all used to thinking of them as an improvised solution, able to take away the thought of setting the table without paying too much attention to the style of our table. My experience, on the other hand, has led me to appreciate this table accessory very much in various situations, where placemats are not only the most practical but also the most suitable and elegant choice.
Which materials to choose for placemats: cotton, linen, raffia or bamboo?
Let's start by saying that there are a thousand different types, shapes and materials of placemats on the market today. They range from bread paper, rustic and often used in taverns, to rigid plastic, passing through many natural materials such as rattan, raffia and bamboo, and finally, placemats made of fabric, cotton or linen like the ones we make ourselves.
There are so many models, to match effortlessly with all kinds of cuisine and all kinds of occasions, from the most informal to the most elegant. The advice is to keep several types ready for use in the top drawer of the kitchen.
When the placemat is a winning choice
There are situations in which setting the table with placemats is the best choice. I am thinking, for example, of the many times I have found myself faced with tables with asymmetrical or sculptural shapes. or in any case unsightly, as the measurements are never the right ones to give a good result.
Underneath the fabric you always have the feeling that something strange or ugly is hidden, with the risk of looking more like one of those statues that are covered with a cloth before being revealed.
In collaboration with various architects, I have found myself several times having to think of a tablecloth for beautiful sculptural tables, but the best final solution has always been to use American placemats of different shapes and materials, suitable to enhance it. Another case that has happened to me many times is when the dining table is very large and therefore out of proportion for everyday use and therefore you want to find a solution that allows you to set only a part for everyday use. If you find yourself in this situation, I recommend using runners or American placemats, which enhance your table setting, rather than a small tablecloth placed on one side or, even worse, a folded tablecloth.
Finally, let's not forget that placemats are the perfect the perfect idea to set up the peninsula counter of a kitchen, which would otherwise be difficult to manage. difficult to manage: choose practical models that match the decor or, if you like to be daring, contrasting patterns. contrasting patterns..
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Placemats: perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch or dinner on the terrace
As mentioned above, American placemats, especially if they are stain-resistant like ours, are really ideal for setting the table for breakfast. You can choose them in a shade linked to your kitchen, or with a fresh Vichy check. If, on the other hand, you are setting a Sunday brunch or an elegant breakfast, set in a winter garden or in a beautiful dining room with silverware and crystal, you could opt for an elegant Filo model in a neutral tone such as mastic or a refined Venezia model embroidered with a laurel leaf motif all around the perimeter.
This is simply to say that the style of placemats should always follow the style adopted more generally for your home. If you are a minimalist and love designer lines, you will choose a pattern and colours that match your style such as our Bauhaus line, or if you are a maximalist or romantic, you can opt for eclectic contrasting patterns, or romantic French toile de jouy.
The extra idea for setting a lunch in the garden
Do we want to set the table for lunch, perhaps in the garden, in a paradise of sounds and colours? Then let's go for a light effect and put everything in a nice wicker basket: in a single gesture, you can take the placemats, cutlery and plates with you to set the table with a fun and light idea, which allows guests to help you set the table. Nature will be the frame and your stain-resistant linen placemats will follow the colours of the flowers in your garden.
Outside the box: placemats for an elegant table
Let's talk about my favourite subject: if you want to set a table for a special occasion but not a classic one. Is it possible to use placemats for an important dinner as well? In my opinion, yes, I make great use of placemats in my equipment and not only as a substitute for the tablecloth, but often to play with combinations and complete it with surprising details.
The game of overlapping, especially if you use delicate patterns or matching colours, will give your table that unique character that great occasions require. For this reason, I suggest you choose a beautiful tablecloth to which you can combine ad hoc placemats, perhaps with an embroidered border. I will give you some examples with some of the tables I have set up, then you can create your favourite mix, leaving room for your personal taste.
What about combining stripes with a toile de jouy, for example? Play with the same colour range for an elegant effect, perhaps a delicate shade of blue and, if you like bolder colours, you can opt for a refined midnight blue or even a contrasting black and white, which is always beautiful. At Borgo delle Tovaglie we produce an infinite number of models and colours ranging from the classic rectangular placemat but made of elegant stain-resistant linen, to the square and round placemat, to the brand new Firenze and Venezia models embellished with embroidered borders.
It is precisely in these situations that I make great use of tablecloths, as an accessory that is both disruptive and impressive. In this case, I use a tablecloth with a nice drop, at least 40 cm for each side of the table: if the table is very large, very long or very wide, the tablecloth alone sometimes risks being a bit monotonous and having an altar effect.
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To break up this monotony, I recommend using placemats, in contrasting colours or in the same shade but with a pattern that stands out from the background of the tablecloth. If the tablecloth has a distinctive border, try to choose placemats in the same style. Remember that creating a perfectly harmonious table involves playing with colours, lines and patterns that dialogue in harmony. You can risk a thousand combinations and games to obtain equipment rich in character and elegance. I always recommend having fun trying the most imaginative combinations, trying to maintain a common thread or theme! Don't forget to complete your table setting with beautiful fabric napkins, folded or knotted to add style to your table.