Decorate your dining table to give it a refreshing look

A dining table is a focal point where family and friends gather to break bread. However, in many cases, attention is only given to enhancing the table’s general aesthetic details without realising that a few items, such as the commonplace plastic mats found in supermarkets, draw away all the beauty invested therein. Tablemats are a less complex start in reinventing the look of your dining room. An empty table, no matter how fine looking the rest of the room may be, makes it appear stripped and incomplete. For an absolute look, work to adorn your table with tabletop pieces that will introduce a welcoming and inviting feel to the room. First, consider the condition of the table surface since it will beat reason to place luxurious mats on a table surface that has scratches, is stained or has dents, save it first by sanding it and giving it a clean polish of paint. If this is too much to do, a linen tablecloth will do just fine. Ensure it is of solid colour and that it complements or creates a harmonious contrast to the overall theme colour of the dining room. You could use one with lace to match your curtain blinds, or an off-white colour to match your seat cushions. After setting up the foundation of the table with a cloth, place a table runner to add a splash of colour and luxury. This is a mat that runs from one end of the table to the other and is readily available in local shops in all kinds of textures and materials. In the event that your tabletop is elegantly finished, place the table runner or mat at the centre to dress it minimally so it doesn’t look bare. Place the mats in front of each chair and ensure they co-ordinate with the colour of the chair cushions as well the room’s colour scheme. From dyed straw mats to checked fibreglass material and sisal woven mats, the options are many and come in a variety of textures and themes. On the table runner or centre mat, place a centrepiece. The sky is the limit when it comes to centrepieces. Ensure you use one that does not obstruct people sitting on opposite ends of the table. There are times, however, when tall centrepieces balance the scale in the room and make the table look grander. Decide when that is appropriate. For longer tables like ten-seaters, consider using smaller accents on either side of the tapered main centrepiece. To enhance the beauty of tablemats, explore by using candles that enrich the ambience of the room or statuary. To crown your efforts, bring out the cherished china pieces and use them as decorative anchors. Don’t hide such beautiful pieces behind a locked cabinet when you can display it for all to admire. Finally, pull out the dinner plates, salad bowls, saucers and other dishes. Leaving the table set not only gives it a nice look but it also reduces preparation at meal times. dedantos2002@yahoo.com