12 best dining table decor ideas for 2021
A well-laid dining table is the final cherry atop a wonderful dinner party.
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Dining table decor has had a surge of popularity over the last couple of years. From tablecloths to servingware, placemats to delicate vases, no longer is the setting you create for guests the last item to tick off your list - in many cases, it’s now the first.
There are lots of dining table decor trends around at the moment, but it’s the classics we love the most. Invest in these, and you won’t find yourself with products you want to give away in a year.
WHAT SHOULD I PUT ON MY DINING TABLE?
Aside from the obvious - cutlery, tablecloth, servingware - there are a few crucial additions to consider. Salt and pepper are mandatory, and it can be a good idea to include some olive oil and a chilli oil, hot sauce or flakes for those who like their meals hot. Add coasters if you worry about your table staining, and for decorations, ensure the centre of the table has space for food and beverages.
ARE PLACEMATS OUT OF STYLE?
Absolutely not! If anything, they’ve back in vogue thanks to brands creating quirky and unique placemats that add creative flair to otherwise plain settings.
Below, find our favourite table decor trends and product worth investing in.
BEST DINING TABLE CENTREPIECES
We have some beautiful plants in Australia, and celebrating that can be a wonderful way to get creative with your dining table decor. For a centrepiece, pick up some gum leaves and trail them down the centre, or invest in faux greenery that will last forever. Table runners are also a great way to add something extra to your dining decor.
58-inch Artificial Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Centrepiece, Etsy, $73.55
Buying foliage for the centrepiece of your table is one way to go, but if you think you’ll rework this table decor over and over, investing in faux leaves can mean you don’t have any surprises. This real-looking piece can also be reworked into a wreath.
Heritage Quilted Table Runner, Myer, $19.97 (RRP: $39.95)
This beautiful table runner feels very Italian Riviera, especially if you teamed it with a crisp white linen tablecloth and some fresh lemons in bowls as decor.
Maison Balzac Margot Sable Candle, Minimax, $19
Maison Balzac make some beautiful table candles that are works of art in and of themselves. The Margot candle range is so stylish, you may just want them to sit as decor and remain unburned.
BEST TABLECLOTHS
From linen spreads just as lush as your bedding to stunning patterns and brights, these are the best tablecloths to lay for your guests.
Tablecloth in Oatmeal, Bed Threads, from $100
Bed Threads’ table decor is unrivalled when it comes to linen minimalism. With such an array of colours to choose from, your biggest problem will be selecting. We love the oatmeal and the olive for an Australian Native setting.
Aere Home Linen Tablecloth, THE ICONIC, from $100
Another lovely homewares brand making beautiful linen tableware, Aere Home’s tablecloths come in four stunning neutrals - white, mocha, olive and sand.
Heritage Lemon Printed Tablecloth, Myer, $44.97 (RRP: $89.95)
This summery, Mediterranean tablecloth would look stunning for a backyard bbq or outdoor soiree! We love the simplicity of the white base with the detail around the edges.
Australian House & Garden Yarn Dyed Linen Tablecloth, $64.97 (RRP $129.95)
This washed blue and cream linen tablecloth feels so quintessentially Australian. This would look great as an everyday setting or for a special occasion with some flower bunches lining the centre.
BEST PLACEMATS
Placemats are officially back in style! Opt for quirky, colourful settings to liven up a simple decor design, or stay minimalist with beautiful, lived-in linen.
Scalloped Placemats, set of 4, Bed Threads, $80
These beautiful placemats have taken Instagram by storm, and it’s easy to see why. The contrast edging and unique design feels modern and a little artistic.
SD SENDAY Placemats, Amazon, $28 for 6
These may look simple and stylish, but they’re also great for anyone worried about their dining table being affected by hot plates. Heat and stain resistant, these placemats are also non-slip - perfect for dining with little ones.
Gorman Firecracker Placemats, THE ICONIC, $49 for set of 4
How beautiful and unique are these round placemats? We love the artistic design and colours - a wonderful addition to liven up any dining setup.
BEST DININGWARE
Fresh plates may be all you need to create a sleek, stylish dinner party setup. Opt for classic, clean lines, or get playful with colour.
IITALIA Origo 26cm Orange Plate, Myer, $39.95
This designer plate might be of a higher price point, but the beautiful design is so perfectly retro, it’ll last you forever.
Salt & Pepper Relic 12-Piece Dinner Set, Myer, $149.95
This is a wonderful, affordable dining set that works back with a multitude of styles. We love this set with other neutrals like burnt rust, oatmeal and cream.
Pomegranate Plate, Bed Threads, $60
If investing in these stunning plates is out of your price range for a full dinner set, just a few can make serving that much more stylish. These look great with smaller dishes on them and the raised edges mean sauces and oils won’t spill.
Love homewares? Take a look at the best kitchen appliances you need in 2022, plus the cocktail glasses you should have on your bar cart.
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