Use a new set of placemats to keep your desktop clean, unmarked and stylish.
Placemats have a practical and aesthetic purpose although they do not seem to be necessary when setting the table.
They can protect the table surface from extreme temperatures and stains, which are especially important for the preservation of antiques, marble, stone or lacquered wood.
Placemats are also very suitable to take with you during outdoor dining to keep your picnic blanket clean.
Of course, tablecloths can be used as a temporary barrier between the plates on which food is stacked and your beloved furniture, but tablecloths are usually bulky and difficult to keep clean. However, placemats can protect your table while bringing a sense of formality to your meal time.
Here are some tips on how to find the best placemat for your restaurant.
What to consider when buying the best placemat?
When you think about it, buying a placemat is easier said than done.
When choosing the right placemats for your dining table or terrace, you need to consider some factors, including their materials, who will use them, and how often-only for beginners.
When looking for the best placemat for your next party, keep the following shopping considerations in mind.
Material
Placemats can be made of a variety of materials.
Some examples include cotton, polyester and polyester blends, plastic or PVC, silicone, leather, and natural plant products such as reed or wicker.
No matter what material you choose, it should be thick enough to protect your desktop from falling tableware, and it should have a certain degree of thermal insulation.
You should also determine whether the material is easy to clean.
If it is beautiful but cannot be cleaned, you may need to reconsider your choice.
Where and how to store the mats when not in use will also help you make a decision; some placemats can be rolled up, others may need to be stacked.
Temperature
For those who own lacquered wooden tables, heat marks are a common misfortune.
Placing a hot plate or bowl on a finished wooden table can cause unsightly white markings or stains embedded in the surface.
Although stains can be removed, it is difficult and time-consuming.
If you have a lacquered wooden table, you should look for a placemat with strong insulation.
Felt or silicone mats are particularly effective insulators, but other materials can also play a role, depending on the weave and thickness of each mat.
Usage frequency
Some people may think that placemats are only suitable when the company comes over for dinner.
However, it has always been popular to protect your table and enjoy a more refined dinner experience-in other words, it is a good idea to use a placemat for every meal.
No matter which type of mat you choose, it must be easy to wash or clean.
If the material used to make the cushion is stain resistant, you may need to compromise on its elegance.
For example, PVC and silicone may be stain resistant and easy to clean, but they are considered not as fashionable as cotton or felt products.
A good compromise is to have a set of daily placemats that can handle the wear and tear of multiple meals and provide a second set of more elegant cushions for special occasions or holidays.
Many materials can be effectively used for placemats, including felt, silicone, plastic, PVC, vinyl, etc.
The most suitable placemat material for you depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Due to the casual dining trend, placemats are less common today.
However, they are still very useful.
The placemat protects the surface of the table from heat and stains.
Some options go beyond function and also provide stylish elements for the restaurant.