The Christmas Print Linen Placemat

What it is

This is a rectangular placemat made from matte linen. The design is printed on one side, so the face of the mat carries the holiday pattern while the back stays plain. Each mat measures 17.72 x 11.81 in (45 x 30 cm), a standard rectangle that suits most dining tables.

The mat is a table mat in the everyday sense: it sits under a plate, a bowl or a glass and defines each place at the table. The linen has a matte finish, so light falls softly across it rather than bouncing off.

Sizes

One size is available.

Measure your table before you order. A 4-pack covers four places. For a table that seats six, two 4-packs give you a spare pair.

Colors and designs

Ten printed designs are available:

• Red poinsettia on beige
• Red and black plaid gnomes
• Red and green Christmas trees
• Cream and red poinsettia
• Red and black plaid trees
• Gingerbread men
• Green pine trees
• Santa on red
• Red and black plaid reindeer
• Gold ornaments on beige

The range runs from traditional red and green to quieter beige and cream grounds with gold or red motifs. Red and black plaid appears across three of the designs, so you can mix gnomes, trees and reindeer at one table and keep a common thread.

Pack options

Each design comes as a 1-pack or a 4-pack. A single mat works well as a test of the color against your dishes, or as a small gift. The 4-pack is the practical choice for a family table or for a holiday dinner where you want every place to match.

How to use it

Set one mat at each place, with the printed side facing up. The rectangle leaves room for a dinner plate with cutlery at the sides, and the mat edge frames the setting without crowding it.

Because the mats are sold in packs, you can build a table in two ways. Keep all four mats in the same design for a matched look, or pair two designs from the same color family, such as the red and black plaid trees with the red and black plaid reindeer. The beige and cream designs sit calmly under white plates and gold cutlery.

A single mat also works on a side table, a console or a coffee table under a bowl or a candle. The linen surface is flat and matte, so it holds a centerpiece in place without shine.

Care

Machine wash cold. Hang dry. Iron on a low setting if needed. Wash the mats separately from heavy items with zips or hooks, and smooth them flat while they dry to keep the corners even. The printed side is the face of the mat, so turn the mats print-side in if you want to protect the design during washing.

Store them flat or rolled rather than folded, so the linen does not hold a crease across the middle of the print.