Combine the basics – white china, classic cutlery and sparkling glassware – with colour-co-ordinated items. This lively combination of red and turquoise brings a modern feel to the dining room. These intense colours work well in moderation so use them in coloured glassware to reflect the light for extra sparkle and in the ribbon for hand-tied napkins. The glossy table and neutral table runners provide a good backdrop. Pots filled with red amaryllis create a dramatic centrepiece.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
• Use plain white china, unfussy cutlery and classic wine glasses as the basis for the scheme.
• Choose versatile, understated furniture, such as this simple, chunky table and chairs
with a bench on one side to add interest.
• Introduce colour through other china, glassware and accessories.
• Don't forget the importance of lighting – use candlelight for an intimate ambience. Coloured glassware reflects light from candles, giving a sparkly look.
• Flowers can add vitality and colour. Ensure that any arrangements on the table
do not obstruct people's views of one another.
• Experiment with different ways to display cutlery.
• Use neutral table runners or tablecloths to make the most of colourful accessories.

FURNITURE
Metro dining table; Metro bench; Metro chairs; all Mufti. Moon tables, Ochre.
FABRIC
Table runners in Brera F562/30, cotton/linen, 140 cm wide, Designers Guild. Blinds in Couture Sheer Piqué 4, 9675/01, linen/silk, 137 cm wide; edged in Novasuede in Fawn, Nytek, 137 cm wide; all Fox Linton.
ACCESSORIES
Eclipse horn chandelier, Ochre. Allegorie Bourgogne wine glasses; White Amnut china; all Villeroy & Boch. Tourron plates in Cherry, The Conran Shop. Blue Love bowls, Designers Guild. Red tumblers, Oggetti, (020) 7581 8088. Serenity cutlery, Arthur Price. Linen napkins, Cabane. Turquoise ribbon, V V Rouleaux. Enamel salt pot and spoon, Sue Walker at Harvey Nichols. Tealight holders, David Mellor. Glass pots with amaryllis, Moyses Stevens. Issey vase, Vessel. Candle, Sue Walker at Harvey Nichols. Red love bowl, Designers Guild. Vase, Joanna Wood.
FLOOR
Spectrum Bouclé carpet in Chamois B17, wool, Wool Classics, (020) 00907349.

JANUARY 2006
STYLING MIRANDA WATCHORN
PHOTOGRAPHS CAROLYN BARBER