I really do love my big metal kitchen island that also doubles as a table.
And I also really love my pallet wood sawhorse office desk where a kitchen table would normally go.
All that works in this house. It really does.
However I secretly miss having a kitchen table at times. I’m picturing a big beefy reclaimed wood table similar to the farmhouse styled desk I made in my downstairs office.
So when I got a new little patio set this summer, it finally offered me a real table to decorate with!
With special added touches of course…
Meet the everyday pretty cute buffalo checked and plaid stencilled rattan placemats…
… and all dressed up for fall! Here’s why I love them.
The surface of my island is cold hard metal.
And the surface to my little patio table is cold hard glass.
I like to cushion the clunk of glass dishes against a hard surface with a soft thud through placemats, but never loved having to wash fabric.
During my last visit to Ikea, I came across these price efficient rattan ones… (Ikea link)
LOVED their texture! However that blank surface begged for a little fun.
Once I played around with them, I immediately regretted not picking up 48 more because they turned out so cute!
I mean, imagine a grain stripe on them with a coffee sack imprint… kinda like THIS TV TRAY. Darling!
So allow me to walk through how I made these placemats even cuter, then on to the picture firestorm of my patio decked out for fall and everyday! And then run to Ikea for more…
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Buffalo check and plaid placemats for a fall or everyday table – some affiliate links
You’ll need:
rattan placemats
stencils of choice – you can find Buffalo Check and Plaid Shirt HERE
paint of choice – I used Fusion Mineral Paint’s Coal Black and Casement (where to buy link HERE)
sealer if desired – I used Fusion Mineral Paint’s Tough Coat HERE
masking tape
measuring device
How to create with Buffalo Check
Shop for Buffalo Check stencil HERE
Learn how to use Buffalo Check HERE
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Buffalo Check is a super detailed 1-piece stencil that is super easy to use.
1. Centre the Buffalo Check stencil in the middle of a placemat, masking taping the edges to hold it in place.
Tip: Try working with the stencil stock number to your bottom right, so the pattern stays aligned correctly.
2. Using a dry-to-the-touch paint filled stencil brush, walk your fingers along the stencil while using a tapping motion with your brush.
Stencilling on rattan proved pretty effortless. Since the material absorbs some of the paint, your lines come out pretty clean even though they were so textured. I was impressed!
I will say, a larger stencil brush is where it’s at. Try getting one as large as possible. It covers more area more evenly.
3. Extend the design in all four directions by matching up like-minded painted pattern against stencil. Easy!
How to create with Plaid Shirt
Shop for Plaid Shirt stencil HERE
Learn more on how to use Plaid Shirt HERE
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Plaid Shirt is a 2-piece stencil that offers you a super cool plaid look on anything you wish!
1. Centre Plaid Shirt in the middle of the placemat, and stencil in white until complete.
Tip: I like to start with the thin lines first as they indicate the centre easier. To extend pattern, overlap the TALL VERTICAL lines. Keeping the stock number to your bottom right will help guide you.
2. Before lifting the stencil, place four small pieces of masking tape underneath the 4 little registration marks and mark with a pencil.
3. Position the thick lines of Plaid Shirt against the registration marks for perfect alignment with stock number always on bottom right.
4. Stencil in black, then continue the pattern in all four directions until complete.
Tip: To extend pattern, overlap the TALL VERTICAL lines. Keeping the stock number to your bottom right will help guide you.
5. Seal the placemats with Fusion Mineral Paint’s Tough Coat.
To make the placemats a little more wet resistant, I decided to give my beloved Tough Coat treatment another try. It worked out so well on my barn door headboard, why not?
I was THRILLED with the result! Just brush it on. No odour and dries quickly!
So! Without further ado…
Welcome to my fall patio!
My fav place to enjoy the first coffee of the day, and every meal I can before the weather turns.
View the summer version HERE
I love working with grapevines for fall decor and they looked especially cool on the old windows. They don’t last long, so I’m going to keep my eyes open for nice faux ones if they are even made.
I also used them on my Cabin Resort fall mantel HERE
Pumpkin pie and coffee anyone?
p.s. Who else totally cheats and goes for Thanksgiving dinner to a local fav restaurant? Raising hand here… it’s a habit I started with my Mom and I’m carrying on tradition… what can I say?
A few gourds stolen from my front porch wooden pumpkin display added the perfect fall touch!
One day I wish for a real wood burning outdoor fireplace in a zone that allows it, however this little propane fire pit does the trick! (found at Canadian Tire
Learn how to make the sign fabric HERE and the pallet wood chair HERE
The Cabin Resort pillow is looking mighty cozy in this little spot!
Some added blankets were brought out to the pallet wood sofa to help keep things outdoor cozy.
The placemats ended up being everything I hoped they would be. They are fun to look at, go with everything and do wipe off so nicely thanks to the Tough Coat. THRILLED.
It’s like setting the table with a piece of wipeable cozy fabric!
The fun thing about working with plaids is how they can intergrade desired colours. What colours would you use?
Then once fall is a done deal, remove those pumpkins, and you’re back to one pretty smart looking everyday table!
Now… if only the weather would continue to hold through Christmas. *sob* I love this spot so much.
Nearly as much as these two guys…
How are you keeping your outdoor spaces cozy? Are you already mourning their departure too?
Great idea with placemats!
Perhaps you could bring your patio table into the kitchen for the winter. Like you, I really prefer sitting at a table. I know bars and countertop eating has gained popularity, again (if you live to be old like me, you see trends), but I like looking and conversing with those I am sharing the meal with. Even if I eat alone, I enjoy sitting at a table.
You have used stencils in such a variety of ways throughout your home.
Love your fire pit that allows it to be on the patio.
Love them! Couldn’t you turn them over, do the patterns in green and red and then you’s also have Christmas ones? In keeping with your pillow idea – you wouldn’t have to put them away!
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Yes, that sure would work! I still want more though… haha I’m going to try my vintage coffee design for a start…
What a cozy, comfy spot you’ve created, Donna. And I know what you mean by wishing we could skip winter. I really don’t like cold weather, but what I don’t like even more is the increasing darkness. I’m not a fan of darkness when it makes my day so short. Eight or ten hours for sleeping is fine, but that’s the max!
I love all your pallet-constructed furniture. So economical and attractive. Oh, and the placemats are awesome, especially with the wipe-clean surface you gave them.
If you don’t have room in your kitchen to bring the table in for the Winter, think about your living room, bedroom, or any other room near a sunny window. When my daughter was growing up, I moved a small ice cream table with two chairs in her bedroom and she loved having breakfast or tea there alone or with friends.
Yes! I have been debating on bringing it inside my photo studio when I lose the outdoors for the season. It’s nearly like sitting outside. I’ve always wanted to make that some kind of sitting area so this may be the perfect encouragement.
Tea parties in a bedroom sounds wonderful!
Cute idea, fantastic patio!!
Love this project!