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Dopamine dressing and dining table decor is a heavenly match this party season says Alyce Tran

Bye-bye boring beige!

As we step foot into the season of dinner parties and boozy lunches, we look to In The Roundhouse co-founder, Alyce Tran for her take on this year’s dining table decor.

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When it comes to a tablescape, we have seen it all! From the classic Beverly Hills white party inspired look, to the au naturale farmhouse feel, the cycle of dining decor has been everchanging.

This year, dopamine dressing is expected to make way across Christmas tables and trees in Australia. Tran notes that we can “expect to see more colour” in homes this party season, with “colour layering emerging as the weather warms up”.

As we observe colours injected into textiles, serving platters and homewares, we can officially wave goodbye to the era of the ‘sad beige mom’ and say hello to bright and blissful homewares to be used for years to come.

To make it simple, we have rounded up the best dining table decor that delivers as much dopamine as it will food.

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2024’s TOP DINING TABLE DECOR

  1. Essential Seafood Plate Set, $100, In The Roundhouse (here’s why)
  2. House of Nunu Abracadabra Plates Set of 2 in Amber, $69.30, The Iconic (here’s why)
  3. Pastel Italian Side Plate Set of 4, $80, In The Roundhouse (here’s why)

The best dining table decor

The best plates and platters

01

Essential Seafood Plate Set

$100 at In The Roundhouse

When it comes to dopamine dressing, there is no better place to start than with a set of bold plates like these ones here. Inspired by seafood in the summertime, this set is designed perfectly to refresh your table set-up.

Key features:

  • Fish 25cm Plate
  • Sardines 25cm Plate
  • Prawn 25cm  Plate
  • Octopus 25cm Plate

02

House of Nunu Abracadabra Plates Set of 2 in Amber

$69.30 (usually $99) at The Iconic

Made from 100 per cent Borosilicate glass, the House of Nunu Abracadabra Plates will sit just right in between larger serving plates.

Key features:

  • Made from 100 per cent Borosilicate glass
  • Suitable for hot and cold food

03

Pastel Italian Side Plate Set of 4

$80 at In The Roundhouse

Is Christmas lunch really Christmas lunch without a bread roll? These pastel side plates can be used as a cheese and cracker plate over a glass of champagne, or decorated on top of a classic white dinner plate.

Key features:

  • Plates are made from new bone china
  • Dishwasher, microwave and food safe
  • 21cm wide

04

Morgan & Finch Hana Serving Bowl

$24.95 at Bed Bath N’ Table

You can never go wrong with a couple of scalloped serving bowls. These ones from Morgan & Finch are the perfect white for breaking up a sea of vibrantly coloured crockery.

Key features:

  • Plates are made from new bone china
  • Dishwasher, microwave and food safe
  • 21cm wide

05

Ciao Bella Oval Platter

$50 at In The Roundhouse

Perfectly sized for a leg of ham or a fresh salad, the Ciao Bella Oval Platter is a must-have this party season.

Key features:

  • New bone china  
  • Dishwasher Safe 
  • 35cm (length) x 19 cm (width) x 3.8 (height) 

The best table accessories

06

Brita Glass Jug and Base

$119 at In The Roundhouse

Creating an effortless and cohesive look means giving some extra attention to the bibs and bobs that typically go forgotten. Fitted with a s chic base, this BRITA water filter glass jug not only looks stylish on the table but is also a great source of fresh-tasting water.

Key features:

  • 2.5 litre capacity jug
  • Durable and lightweight borosilicate glass
  • Smart LED filter exchange indicator

Also available at:

07

Fiesta Under The Sea Beaded Coasters Pack of 4

$34.99 at Adairs

Talk about jewellery for the table! Adairs have outdone themselves with this set of four coasters. Featuring all of our friends from the big blue, the Fiesta Under The Sea collection is guaranteed to bring up the dopamine.

Key features:

  • Pack of four coasters
  • 10cm diameter

08

Paradiso Salad Server Set of 2 in Blue

$23.97 (usually $39.95) at Myer

Inspired by the Mediterranean summer, the Paradiso Salad Server set is an entertaining essential. For a fun and vibrant addition to the side salad, mix and match these servers with serving plates as you like.

Key features:

  • Set of two
  • Also available in pink

09

Scallop Edge Napkin Rings Set in Pink Pearl

$26.95 at Temple & Webster

No table setting is complete without a swanky scalloped napkin ring. Drawing inspiration from the French provincial style, your napkins will be sitting pretty and ready to be unwrapped come the big feast.

Key features:

  • Made from cellulose acetate
  • Set of four napkin rings
  • Flower-shaped design

The best drinkware

10

Ruffle Wine Glasses Set of Four

$16 at Target

Sipping on champagne or grandma’s punch requires a ruffle glass, we don’t make the rules. You could always opt for the standard clear flute, but would you really want to when an ocean blue wash is on offer?

Key features:

  • Four pack
  • 340ml capacity
  • Made from soda lime glass
  • Unique texture and design

11

Country Road Vivi Tumbler Set Of 2 in Lotus

$34.95 at Myer

With food and fun drinks aplenty, topping up the tumbler with a splash of BRITA filtered water is guaranteed to keep the guests going.

Key features:

  • Fluted glass
  • Set of two
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Presented in branded box

Also available at:

The best tablecloths and napkins

12

Green and Pink Placemat Set

$60 at In The Roundhouse

Setting the table is an “opportunity to reflect your personal style” says Tran, and what better way to do so than with a vibrant textile like these placemats?

Key features:

  • A set of 4 of placemats in pink and green  
  • 43 x 34 cm 
  • 30 per cent linen 70 per cent polyester

13

Napkins Set Of 4 in Rocky Road Stripes

$39.20 (usually $49) at Hommey

Think milky chocolate meets fluffy marshmallows…rocky road if you will! Hommey knows exactly what’s up when it comes to stylish homewares, and these napkins are a testament to that.

Key features:

  • 100% Organic Cotton 
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. 
  • Machine Washable
  • Stonewashed for a distinctly fresh, soft feel.

How to set the Christmas table and keep it visually pleasing?

When it comes to dressing the table for Christmas lunch, Alyce says “given there is usually a plethora of food, you don’t need to fill the table with too many additions”. To keep it simple and visually pleasing, Alyce shares some quick tips.

Serve food on platters

“Appropriate serving platters for each dish are a simple upgrade from the cooking dish or a regular plate. Serving food on platers makes the overall table look more cohesive and visually appealing.”

Elevate your essentials

“Water will be on every table this Christmas and why not let it take pride of place on the table rather than be an eye sore. With the BRITA Glass Jug and In The Roundhouse Coaster there is no need to hide the water and have guests run back and forth to the kitchen.”

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Add a pop of colour

“Colourful designs add a little bit of extra fun to tables while having to use fewer elements as the plates do the heavy lifting. Plates with a design are an easy way to add visual interest to the table.”

Complementary cutlery

“Choose cutlery that will complement your plates to create a visually pleasing place setting. This doesn’t have to mean matching, but think about what colours go nicely together to ensure the entire table appears cohesive.”


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