Should You Use Placemats With A Tablecloth?

Yes, you can have placemats combined with a tablecloth, and it's very common at both formal and informal parties. The design and protection offered by the placemats on top of your table have a great contribution to the overall outlook while keeping the tablecloth clean.

Whether it is a dinner party, a wedding reception, or a holiday gathering, using placemats with a tablecloth can make your arrangement polished and elegant.

Read on as we discuss why you should use placemats with a tablecloth, when you should, and how they can work.

Why Use Placemats With a Tablecloth?

Using placemats with a tablecloth has various advantages beyond aesthetic purposes. Here are the practical reasons why you would use tablecloths:

1. Extra Protection

Placemats provide an added layer of protection to ensure your tablecloth remains free of spills, stains, and heat marks from hot dishes. This way, you can reuse your tablecloth after events.

2. Enhanced Style

Placemats allow you to present new textures, colors, or patterns that can complement or contrast with your tablecloth in a way to make your table even more interesting for guests.

3. Defined Place Settings

Placemats help clearly define individual spaces at the table, which could help organize the table setting. This is especially useful when dealing with a large group. It makes the table cleaner and more organized, which also matters when it comes to presentation.

4. Versatility

You can mix it up by combining different placemats with different tablecloths to come up with many different looks without having to change the entire table setting.

When Should You Use Placemats With a Tablecloth?

There are several occasions where combining placemats with a tablecloth is ideal. These are a few situations where it works best:

1. Formal Events

In weddings, formal dinners, or holiday feasts, using placemats at the table with a tablecloth brings a level of sophistication to the affair. The placemats define each setting of place and emphasize the overall outlook, so the whole affair gets classy.

2. Themed Events

If you are hosting an event with a specific theme, such as a rustic wedding or vintage-style party, placemats complement your tablecloth to reinforce the theme. A burlap placemat over a neutral-colored tablecloth can further enhance the rustic look.

3. Casual Gatherings

At casual gatherings, a couple of placemats can create some structure that can bring a relaxed look to your dining table. Choose a light color or a soft and relaxed material for a clean-looking table.

How to Choose Placemats and Tablecloths That Work Together

A great combination of placemats and tablecloths is going to really make your table setting, but how do you choose?

1. Complementary Colors

Use placemats that can match, or contrast with the color of your tablecloth. Choosing colors that go well with each other will give a harmonious feel. For example, pale pastel-colored placemats on a neutral-colored tablecloth. Or you can go dramatic by using contrasting colors such as darker placemats on an ivory-colored tablecloth.

2. Textures and Patterns

Mixing textures is an excellent way to add depth and interest to your table. For instance, a satin tablecloth gets along pretty well with woven or textured placemats. However, if you will be using a patterned tablecloth, then the best you can do is settle on using solid-color placemats so that the focus does not break the balance. If your tablecloth is plain, then you have the liberty to try some bold patterns on your placemats.

3. Size and Shape

Your placemats should fill the table and not overcrowd it. A round placemat is particularly special when used with a rectangular tablecloth while rectangular placemats work well for larger formal settings.

Alternatives to Using Placemats With a Tablecloth

If you need some alternatives to the placemat and tablecloth, here are a few other options that will still create a stylishly functional setting for the table:

Table Runners

A table runner can add decoration down the center of the table, leaving most of the tablecloth on. It adds some texture and color without placemats, making it good for both formal and casual events.

Bare Table with Placemats

For a minimalist look, you can place only placemats on an empty table. This way, the natural beauty of the table will be emphasized. At the same time, the table surface will be protected while defining the table setting.

Charger Plates 

Charger plates will serve as your placemats if you want a more formal and elegant option. These larger plates sit underneath your dinner plates for an upscale layered look on your table without having to add extra placemats.

A tablecloth with placemats can be used in a very versatile and fashionably stylish way, suitable for all kinds of events, from weddings to the simplest dinners. The tablecloth with placemats will lend depth, protection, and structure to your table setting. It is easy, by making the appropriate choice regarding colors, textures, and patterns, to easily design a coordinated look that accords with your decor.

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