DINE IN STYLE

WE SHOW YOU HOW TO SET A WELCOMING SCENE FOR EVERY OCCASION, FROM INFORMAL FAMILY MEALS TO LAVISH ENTERTAINING

- ARABELLA YOUENS

LAYERED NEUTRALS

A restrained colour palette can have a calming and elegant effect. For a room that works through the seasons opt for natural simplicity, leaving bold patterns and brighter hues in favour of muted tones, clear glass and natural materials. Here, the wall panelling has been painted in a soft, stone-like neutral that is comfortingly familiar. A traditional wooden dining table (this one is an antique from Maison Artefact) and rush-seat chairs continue the rustic feel, while candlelight provides an atmospheric glow. Decoration has been kept to a minimum, with woven placemats, linen napkins and foraged greenery, while the theme is followed to the windows with large paper stars. The scheme is cosy and convivial.

ON DISPLAY

When not in use, dining tables make for the most wonderful display surfaces. With a little effort they can be transformed into a mini exhibition space for gathered collectibles, which can then be whisked away when the table is called into action for entertaining. Ben Pentreath demonstrates how to best dress a ‘resting’ table in this scheme that he designed for a flat in Chelsea. The bottle green French velvet that covers the white gesso framed Louis XVI chairs is picked up by the collection of glass candlesticks and resin lamp bases on the table and the dresser behind. Also important to this room is the display of artwork on the walls; the symmetrical arrangement brings order and structure.