Guest Picks: 20 Entertaining Placemats for Kids and Adults
Make mealtimes more fun with placemats that start conversations, keep kids engaged or dazzle with color
I didn't think it was possible to build an entire ideabook around placemats, but interesting and unusual ones are not as hard to come by as I assumed. Not only are clever patterns and unique materials available to keep your spot neat, but the interactive placemat (primarily for kids, though I see no reason why adults can't have the same kind of fun) has taken the dinner table by storm. While I do wonder what happened to good ol' fashioned conversation keeping dinner entertaining, at least doodling and storytelling are better than texting and video games. — Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie
History of Art Placemat
Should the dinner conversation turn to the cultural and social significance of fine art, this is a handy cheat sheet to keep under your plate.
Raw Wood Placemat
While I'm wonderfully intrigued by the notion of raw wood placemats, my first thought went to "what a convenient prop to photograph food." But these are gorgeous. You can even have them monogrammed.
Midcentury Placemats and Napkins Set by The White Pepper
I'm squealing for these midcentury placemats and napkins. I have a bin of similar brightly colored linens in my basement, courtesy of my grandmother.
Vintage Levi's Big E Placemats
I don't know if I can get behind (forgive the pun) eating on jeans, but these are pretty cool. And you can tuck your silverware in the pocket. They're made from vintage 1970s Levi's.
Story Doodles Placemats, Blue
This doodle-at-meals thing is a hot trend right now. This set has the diner making up stories.
Floral Placemat, Royal
I'm pretty much in love with all of these Modern Twist placemats. They are made from ecofriendly silicone, so they are easy to wipe down.
Hide & Seek Placemat + 6 Markers
But I'm really, really, really in love with the kids' versions of the Modern Twist placemats. Bonus: They are doodle-friendly, meaning markers wipe off the silicone easily. You must see the entire collection of designs.
Fred and Friends Food & Fold Origami Placemats
Now these are clever for a party: Placemats that you fold into animals after dinner. Origami instructions included.
Chevron Placemat, Navy/White by TwentyEight12
Are you with the rest of the chevron-obsessed world? If so, you'll adore the placemats in this Etsy shop.
Chevron Paper Placemats by Flair Designery
See? I told you chevron was all the rage. These disposable placemats are perfect for a more grown-up shindig.
Perfect Setting Placemats
Etiquette is alive and well. (Thank you, Downton Abbey.) Don't forget what goes where with these placemats.
Periodic Table of Elements Placemat
Get nerdy and learn your elements over dinner. (Yes, I count myself in the "nerd" category.)
Vinyl Record Dinner Placemats
I'm guessing that if you're buying record placemats, they would match a ridiculous amount of music-themed decor already existing in your home.