Delightful Dining
Tuesday 23rd October 2007 by Georgie Coleridge Cole
 Needless to say the dining table and chairs form the foundations but whether your style of table be a grand oak or a magnificent mahogany, it’s what you put on it that’ll impress your guests and work to create a delightful dining experience.
 If there’s one thing that’s an absolute must when entertaining, it’s candle light. Not only are candles attractive but they work to create the ambiance for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Tall stemmed candle sticks are the obvious choice; silver or crystal (pictured right, Tiffany  ) is traditional but there are some striking ceramic alternatives (that aren’t as costly) and alternative shaped holders around. If you're aiming for a sophisticated look then steer clear of brightly coloured candles.
 A centre piece is an absolute must; if you’re short of space then giant candelabra (pictured left, Oka) serves two purposes but if you can, flowers in the centre is a lovely focal point for your table. Be sure that they’re the right height though – you don’t want to block yours guests from the conversation.
Place mats are essential; they look smart and set each place at the table nicely. Keep fun patterns for the kitchen or more casual occasions (when used everyday they’re subject to wear and tear) and keep a seperate set for entertaining.
 Salt and pepper is a key component of your dining table. Silver salt and pepper mills (horn and silver ] pictured right, Katharine Pooley) look smart as do little pots of rock salt and ground pepper. On a similar note, wood and silver wine coasters are equally both smart and functional.
 If you’re giving a dinner party then you should give your guests silver to eat with, china to eat off (pictured left, Vera Wang for Wedgwood and crystal to drink from. A hefty but lifelong investment, silver, china and crystal make the perfect wedding present. If you missed the boat then John Lewis , Arthur Price , Mulberry Hall , Royal Doulton and Tiffany are all places to visit.
 Napkins should follow suit. So if your dining room and table style is traditional then play safe and opt for white (these Rapt napkin pictured offer a touch of something extra). Bright colours will fade over time and after multiple washes.
 By pudding time you can relax a bit. If cheese is on your dinner party menu then think carefully about your cheese board because it doesn’t have to match.
Why not opt for slate: a more contemporary take on the cheese board but equally rustic, they’re available from Paxton & Whitfield and Plantstuff (pictured left). Now all you need to do is worry about the food...
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