Sure, I might have two kids and an old house undergoing renovations (which are two very adult things, in my book), but most days I feel nothing like the adult that I actually am. So, to feel like an adult, I do something really easy. You want to know what my top-secret, pull-it-together, instant-adulting trick is? Setting a table. Flowers, candles, napkins, dishes and bowls of food, and, of course, placemats. Seriously, is there anything that feels more satisfying than serving a meal on a well-set table? Primarily used for protecting your table, dining placemats are also a wonderful way to dress up your dinner parties and show off your aesthetic. Check out a few of our favorites. I dare you. U’Artlines Crossweave Woven Vinyl Placemat Pretty and PracticalBoth durable and beautiful, these placemats will do double duty as every-day placemats and for fancy dinner parties. Best OverallFind on Amazon At once utilitarian and elegant, these woven vinyl placemats look high-end without the cost. Super durable, easily washable, and totally practical, these placemats won’t make you fearful to spill a little food on them. Go for an understated beige, or make your table setting pop with a flashy red. – or, really, pretty much any other color you can think of. With both muted and vibrant colors to choose from, you can mix and match, too. These are the top placemats for a few reasons, but the main one? The fact that they’re the perfect blend of beauty and functionality. You can dress them up for a fancy dinner party, or keep ’em on the table as is and enjoy them on a routine basis. We love them either way. Pros: Even the most vibrant colors don’t fade. Ideal placemat size: 18″ x 12″. These placemats dry super fast. No need to worry about mildew. Cons: The design of this material does allow for food/water to spill through to the table. Shacos Round Braided Placemats Rounded EleganceWith round pops of color or quiet neutrals, these pretty placemats are sure to please.Best RoundFind on Amazon You know those boho-style braided rugs that are at once cozy and eclectic? The ones that look good with pretty much any aesthetic? Well, these are the placemat version of those. At home on a farmhouse-style table setting or with brunch on the patio, these round, braided placemats have a certain understated beauty. Fitting any shape of table, these placemats will perfectly dress up your space in a cozy, nonchalant type of way. With multiple color options available, you can go for a streamlined look or mix it up with a few different colors. We’re kind of obsessed with the rainbow red, ourselves. Pros: Made from polypropylene and cotton, these are nice and easy to keep clean. 15 inches across. They roll or lay flat for super easy storage. Cons: You’ll want to make sure you don’t accidentally fold these mats. Any creases are really hard to flatten out. Shacos Wedge Placemats The Ideal WedgeTypically tricky to find a placemat that works for round tables, these wedge-style ones are exactly what you need.Best for Round TablesFind on Amazon Most of the placemats I’ve ever seen are rectangular or circular. Square? Not so much. And you can forget it with a wedge – until these ones from Shacos came along. The perfect wedge placemat ideal for a round table, you no longer have to strategically place a rectangular placemat to fit correctly. Heat resistant, waterproof, and durable, you can use these placemats for a variety of occasions. They’ll impress equally for an important dinner party as they will a casual family get-together. Pros: Multiple color options to choose from. 70% PVC/30% Polyester blend that’s easy to wash and super durable. Great for indoor/outdoor use. Cons: If you have a table that needs a bit more protection from spills, be warned: these are waterproof, but not spill-proof. Benson Mills Pressed Vinyl Placemat Impress your GuestsThese decorative placemats are worthy of just about any occasion we can think of. Best for Dinner PartiesFind on Amazon Okay, I know. I’ve been talking up all of the above placemats, saying they’re equally as great for a nice, elegant meal as they are for everyday use. And while that’s definitely true, these placemats really are the ones you should go for if you love to entertain. At once totally functional (they’re waterproof and so easy to clean) and delightfully pretty, these pressed vinyl placemats have the look of elegant lace. They’ll seriously dress up your table in the most decorative way. With multiple colors and patterns available, you could just splurge and get a few different sets for all of the dinner occasions in your calendar year. After all, it’s not so much splurging – these are at a budget-friendly price point, too. Pros: Different colors, shapes, and patterns for literally any event you can think of. Easily wipe clean with a damp cloth. Material and design are incredibly durable. Cons: With the holes as part of the design, these are definitely not protective placemats. Merka Kids Educational Placemat Dinner and a LessonGet your kids to the table with these educational placemats. Best for KidsFind on Amazon Having a hard time getting your kiddos to willingly join you at the table? Working on table manners with your toddler and not sure where to start? Problem solved. With these educational placemats, dinner might just last too long. With fun facts and educational tidbits on the front, and an anti-slip backing on the rear, this is a great option for your kiddo’s place setting. Made from durable, high-quality polymer and a UV color-printing process, you can easily wipe these mats clean after use. Pros: BPA-free. Silicone suction on the back. Multiple, fun educational designs to choose from. Cons: Is it just us, or do you also find it weird that Earth is blue and purple? The colors are a bit off on some of these mats. Not really a big deal, but it’s kind of weird. Frequently Asked Questions What material is best for placemats? I’m sorry to say, but this totally depends on what you’re looking for in a placemat. Want something waterproof? Go for a vinyl material. Want something that’ll protect your table from water? Go for a closed vinyl (one that has zero holes). Looking for a more heat-resistant option? Duck canvas or thick cotton works well. Kids? Spill-proof, super durable, and eye-catching. It’s a good thing there are virtually limitless options for placemats, huh? What is the purpose of placemats? With fewer families having dinner at the table these days, one might think that placemats have become almost obsolete – unless for fancier dinner parties or events. But nothing could be further from the truth. Made for protecting tables, they are also a fantastic way to make a setting look inviting. And if you go for a multi-purpose placemat design, you can pretty much get one placemat for nearly any occasion. Seriously, pretty much every single one of the placemats we reviewed above will work for a nice evening with friends or a Sunday morning breakfast with your messy little kiddos. Placemats work for a variety of reasons and for a variety of functions. They definitely aren’t obsolete, and they definitely have a place at the table. Plus, if you’re like me, they’re an excellent way to make yourself feel like an adult. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Couch Covers Read more The Best Shag Rugs Read more The Best Dog Bowl Mats Read more