How many placemats should I buy for a standard rectangular dining table?

Buy one placemat for every chair at the table. For a 6-seater table, buy six placemats. For an extendable table, buy the amount for the table fully extended (e.g., eight) to ensure flexibility. For extra measure, buy two spares (an 8-pack for a 6-seater) for quick replacement of a dirty or damaged one.

Is a PVC or a fabric tablecloth better for everyday family use in South Africa?

PVC (vinyl) tablecloths are far superior for daily family life as they are wipeable, waterproof, and durable. Fabric tablecloths are great for special occasions, add texture, and drape better, but require frequent washing and ironing. Use a wipeable PVC cloth daily and keep a fabric cloth for Sunday lunch or holidays.

What are the essential accessories for serving a braai or a buffet?

You need a large serving platter, tongs and serving spoons, and a basket or caddy for cutlery/napkins. Use lightweight, unbreakable accessories (Melamine/plastic) for outdoor use to ensure safety and easy transport. Use a large serving bowl with a tight-fitting lid to keep salads or hot sides protected from flies.

How can I make a table runner look stylish on a small table?

A table runner should hang slightly over the edge of the table (about 15-20cm), or you can pool it in the middle. It can run down the centre (lengthwise) or across the table (widthwise, as a double placemat) for a modern look. Choose a runner colour that is completely different from the tablecloth/table for maximum visual pop.

Can I put my fabric placemats in the washing machine?

Always check the care label; if they are thin cotton or poly-cotton, they can usually be washed on a gentle, cool cycle. Woven, straw, or plastic/PVC placemats should only be spot-cleaned or wiped down with a damp cloth. Wipe down woven placemats immediately after a meal with a damp cloth and mild soap.

What is the difference between a table runner and a table centrepiece?

A table runner is a long piece of fabric that lays flat down the middle; a centrepiece is the decorative object placed on the runner. The runner defines the visual line of the table; the centrepiece (e.g., flowers, candles) provides the height and focal point.

Are fabric napkins more hygienic than paper napkins for family use?

Cloth napkins are more eco-friendly and stylish, but they must be washed after every single use to remain hygienic. Paper napkins offer single-use hygiene and are convenient for large gatherings where washing is impractical. Use cloth for intimate family meals and paper for large, casual parties or braais.

Do I need to buy special serving spoons for all my food?

You should have a few large, deep serving spoons (for stews/rice) and a pair of tongs (for salad/braai meat). Use a serving fork for meat or larger vegetables, and a slotted spoon for draining excess liquid from food. Never allow serving spoons to be used as eating cutlery and vice versa.

How should I fold a basic napkin for a simple home dinner?

For simplicity, fold the napkin into a neat square or a simple rectangle and place it on the dinner plate. A fan fold or a simple roll and placement in a napkin ring adds an element of sophistication with minimal effort. Fold the napkin into a small pocket to hold the fork and knife for a clean, practical presentation.

Are all the dining accessories sold at PEP available in a matching set?

The range is often designed for co-ordination rather than exact matching, allowing you to mix and match colours/textures. You can often find placemats, napkins, and runners in complementary colours (e.g., all neutral or all blues). Items within the same seasonal collection or 'range' will usually share the same colour palette.

Dining Accessories

The little extras make mealtimes feel complete. At PEP you’ll find cutlery, serving dishes, and table essentials that are practical and stylish. These pieces turn quick weekday dinners into shared family moments and add an easy touch of care when guests come around.

4 Pack Bamboo Placemats

R59.99

R59.99 ~~R0.00~~

Bring a warm and inviting feel to every meal with our Bamboo Placemats. They add elegance...

Palm Tree Pattern Coasters

R14.99

R14.99 ~~R0.00~~

Enhance your home with our Palm Tree Pattern Coasters. These elegant coasters are ideal for...

Silver Placemat

R19.99

R19.99 ~~R0.00~~

Bring a cohesive finish to your table with our Rose Placemat. It protects your surface while...

Gold Placemat

R19.99

R19.99 ~~R0.00~~

Bring a cohesive finish to your table with our Rose Placemat. It protects your surface while...

2-Ply Plain Green Serviettes

R4.99

R4.99 ~~R0.00~~

Add a pop of colour to your table setting with our 2-Ply Plain Serviettes in...

Leaf Pattern Coasters

R14.99

R14.99 ~~R0.00~~

Enhance your home with our Leaf Pattern Coasters. These elegant coasters are ideal for daily...

2-Ply Plain Navy Serviettes

R4.99

R4.99 ~~R0.00~~

Add a pop of colour to your table setting with our 2-Ply Plain Serviettes in...

Striped Polyethylene Tablecloth 130x180cm

R29.99

R29.99 ~~R0.00~~

This 130x180cm rectangular tablecloth is crafted from 100 percent polyethylene featuring a bold green and...

Round Natural Woven Placemat

R59.99

R59.99 ~~R0.00~~

Round braided placemat featuring a natural tan finish and durable coiled construction. This circular table...

Woven Striped Rectangular Placemat

R21.99

R21.99 ~~R0.00~~

Woven rectangular placemat featuring a natural tan base with contrasting blue and white horizontal stripe...

Striped Ruffled Cotton Tablecloth

R159.99

R159.99 ~~R0.00~~

Textured cotton tablecloth featuring a bold charcoal and white striped pattern paired with a delicate...

Set of Four Ceramic Coasters

R69.99

R69.99 ~~R0.00~~

Set of four circular ceramic coasters featuring alternating black and white striped and dotted patterns....

Round Blue Textured Placemat

R21.99

R21.99 ~~R0.00~~

Round blue placemat featuring a durable woven texture with a clean circular design. This heat-resistant...

Textured Beige Tablecloth

R119.99

R119.99 ~~R0.00~~

This elegant tablecloth features a versatile natural beige hue with a subtle woven texture. Its...

Green Round Textured Placemat

R21.99

R21.99 ~~R0.00~~

Round placemat in a vibrant forest green finish with a durable, textured surface. This easy-care...

Black and Cream Textured Table Runner

R129.99

R129.99 ~~R0.00~~

Woven table runner in a bold black and cream striped pattern with decorative fringed edges....

Round Black Woven Placemat

R59.99

R59.99 ~~R0.00~~

Round black placemat featuring a durable coiled construction with a textured spiral weave pattern. This...

8 Seater Leaf Pattern Tablecloth

R159.99

R159.99 ~~R0.00~~

This 140 by 220cm rectangular tablecloth features a vibrant leaf pattern crafted from durable 100...

Gold Round Scalloped Edge Placemat

R29.99

R29.99 ~~R0.00~~

Round gold placemat with a detailed sunburst pattern, featuring a textured metallic finish and scalloped...

Green Tropical Leaf Paper Serviettes

R19.99

R19.99 ~~R0.00~~

These vibrant paper serviettes feature a tropical palm leaf print in shades of green and...

Natural Tasseled Striped Table Runner 33x170cm

R129.99

R129.99 ~~R0.00~~

Woven table runner featuring a natural beige base with vertical cream stripes and measuring 33...

Floral Flannel Backed 130x180cm Tablecloth

R59.99

R59.99 ~~R0.00~~

This 130cm x 180cm tablecloth features a 100% textured vinyl surface with a brown floral...

Red Gingham Plastic Tablecloth 130x180cm

R49.99

R49.99 ~~R0.00~~

Durable plastic tablecloth featuring a red and white gingham pattern in a 130cm x 180cm...

4 Piece Striped Wooden Coaster Set

R24.99

R24.99 ~~R0.00~~

This 4 piece square coaster set features a polished glossy finish and rounded edges with...

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Dining Accessories

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FAQs

How many placemats should I buy for a standard rectangular dining table?

Is a PVC or a fabric tablecloth better for everyday family use in South Africa?

What are the essential accessories for serving a braai or a buffet?

How can I make a table runner look stylish on a small table?

Can I put my fabric placemats in the washing machine?

What is the difference between a table runner and a table centrepiece?

Are fabric napkins more hygienic than paper napkins for family use?

Do I need to buy special serving spoons for all my food?

How should I fold a basic napkin for a simple home dinner?

Are all the dining accessories sold at PEP available in a matching set?

FAQs

How many placemats should I buy for a standard rectangular dining table?

Is a PVC or a fabric tablecloth better for everyday family use in South Africa?

What are the essential accessories for serving a braai or a buffet?

How can I make a table runner look stylish on a small table?

Can I put my fabric placemats in the washing machine?

What is the difference between a table runner and a table centrepiece?

Are fabric napkins more hygienic than paper napkins for family use?

Do I need to buy special serving spoons for all my food?

How should I fold a basic napkin for a simple home dinner?

Are all the dining accessories sold at PEP available in a matching set?

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