Thursday, June 23, 2011

How To Choose Place Mats

By Billy Merckel


Choosing to use place mats is a personal choice in most cases. When setting the table for guests, many people choose to use these to make the meal more formal. However, there is a proper technique to use for setting a table with these.

The decision you make may be influenced by the type of gathering, the location and the meal being served. For example, an outdoor meal may use bamboo materials for the mats. An evening dinner with guests might be best served using linen rather than plastic or vinyl as it gives the appearance of a more than casual meal.

Setting the table will need to be done properly as well. First, you lay down the mat about a half inch from the edge of the table and ensure it is wrinkle free. Next you place the plate and utensils. The knife goes on the right with the flat edge on the outside and the spoon rests next to the knife. Drinking glasses and cups should be placed on the upper right hand corner of the mat.

When using these, it is important that they are clean and smooth. You will place this item down first at each spot at the table and then place the utensils and plates on top of it. If it is wrinkled it will cause the plates to sit uneven which may cause problems once the plates have food on them.

Additionally, you can choose ones that match your design perfectly or you might choose to use them to create a contrast to the room around the table. The actual table will also have some influence over how you set it and therefore may also help you select the correct mat to use.

Today these are not a required table top item. Using them is a matter of personal choice. Some people prefer to use them especially with small children in an attempt to control the mess that is likely to be created while they eat. Others like the look of a dressed up table.




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