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Dine in style, sophistication and a blaze of colour with this week's tips from the experts on the art of tablescaping

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Tip! 

"Angling a rectangular table diagonally might allow room to add an extra table at the end of the space perfect for smaller children to be involved but also letting the adults have their own conversations. Decorate the adjoining table with a long table runner and matching placemats so everyone feels included." Andrea Waters, Portmeirion/Spode.

Embracing the trend for bold colours in a dining room is a smart choice; colours such as magenta and teal can add joy to the room, perhaps even stimulating dinnertime conversation! 

"Pairing vibrant colours such as the hot pink Viva Magenta with darker block colours is the most effective way to achieve the bold colour trend to really allow the colours to pop," comments Andrea Waters, who is head of brands at Portmeirion and Spode.

"The best way to use pink in the dining room, without having to completely redecorate, is to select dining accessories like dinner sets, placemats and vases that incorporate the bright colour alongside complementing tones like teal, navy and grey.