Braided Round Placemat and Coaster Set

Placemats do two jobs at once. They protect the table from heat, spills and scratches, and they frame each place setting so the table looks cared for. The shape and texture of the mat decide how relaxed or formal the result feels.

The Braided Round Placemat and Coaster Set leans toward relaxed and practical. Round mats soften the lines of a square or rectangular table, and the braided weave hides the small marks that show on a plain surface. Each mat comes with a matching coaster, the yarn is heat resistant, and cleaning takes a quick wipe. That easy, everyday usefulness is what makes it such a good table linen.

What makes the braided set stand out

The round shape is the first strength. A circle breaks up the straight edges of a table and plates, so the setting looks softer and more welcoming.

The braid is the second. The woven texture hides crumbs, marks and small scuffs far better than a smooth mat, which is a real help at family meals.

Heat resistance is the third point. The braided polypropylene yarn is woven flat and takes heat, so a warm serving dish can go straight onto a mat without marking the table.

The coasters are the fourth. Each set includes matching coasters, so glasses and mugs are covered without buying a separate set.

Finally, the color range. Fifteen options include plain shades such as green, gray, black, beige and cream, braided versions in gold, blue, gray, apricot, silver, beige and black, and metallic gold and silver, plus a rainbow mix.

Where it looks best, room by room

• Dining tables. A full set of six for family meals.
• Kitchen islands. Casual mats for breakfast and quick lunches.
• Outdoor tables. Easy wipe mats for patio dining.
• Coffee tables. Coasters under mugs and glasses.
• Holiday tables. Gold or silver for a festive setting.

On a wood table, beige, cream or braided apricot keeps the look warm and natural. On a white or glass table, black or braided gray gives strong contrast. For a celebration, gold or silver mats add shine under white plates.

The rainbow option suits a playful kitchen or a children's party table.

Some color names include the word braided and some do not. Compare each option with its photo before ordering, because the finish and the look of the weave differ between them, and the photo is the best guide to what arrives.

Mats also help with noise and grip. A braided surface quiets the clatter of plates and cutlery on a hard table, and it helps stop dishes from sliding when children reach across the table.

For a larger household, mixing colors is a practical trick. Give each family member a color, and everyone knows their place at the table, which is especially helpful with young children.

Choosing the size and placement

Each mat is 13.4 inches across, and each coaster is 4.3 inches across.

A 13.4 inch mat holds a dinner plate with a little room around the edge. Place each mat about an inch or two in from the table edge, and set the coaster at the top right, where a glass usually sits.

Count your places before choosing a pack. One set gives six mats and six coasters, which suits a table for four to six. Two sets give twelve of each, which suits a large family table or a spare set for another room.

A few setting tips help:

• Center each plate on its mat.
• Leave even spacing between mats along the table.
• Use the coasters on side tables as well.
• Mix two colors for a playful, alternating look.

Pairing it with other pieces

Braided round mats pair well with linen napkins, stoneware plates and a simple runner down the center. A gauze or jute runner adds a relaxed, natural layer.

Browse the table linens collection for runners and tablecloths, or the decorative trays collection for a tray to hold condiments or candles at the center.

Care is quick. Wipe the mats and coasters with a soft, damp cloth and lay them flat to dry. Do not machine wash them, and do not put them in a dishwasher. Store them flat so the weave does not curl.

Because the yarn takes heat and wipes clean, these mats are practical for daily use. They can stay on the table between meals, and a quick wipe after dinner is enough to reset the table.

The coasters are useful well beyond the dining table. Keep a few on a coffee table, a desk or a nightstand, where cups and glasses often leave rings on wood.

If you entertain often, a second set in a festive color, such as gold or silver, can be saved for holidays and birthdays, while the everyday set stays on the table the rest of the year.

Is the braided set right for your space?

This set is a strong fit if you:

• Like round mats that soften a table.
• Want coasters that match the mats.
• Need heat resistant, easy wipe mats.
• Set the table for four to six people.
• Want a wide choice of colors.

It may not suit a formal dining room where you want fabric or linen mats, or a very small table where a 13.4 inch mat would crowd the surface. A smaller or rectangular mat will suit those tables better.

For practical, good looking place settings every day, the braided round set is an easy pick. US shipping is free, and most orders arrive in 6 to 9 business days.