The taste for the table is conquering a growing number of Italians. However, it is not exclusively about food excellence: a well-laid table immediately communicates aesthetic appeal and a sense of sharing for all diners, expressing relevant symbolic values, such as attention towards others, the importance of the occasion, the representation of whoever prepared it. These are some of the conclusions reached by a recently published study by Promotica (May 2024), from which an extremely interesting data also emerges for table textile producers: if 44% of those interviewed believe that the mise en place is "very important" , among the elements judged most decisive for its value are the table linen (61%), just after the plates (63%) and the glasses (62%). On the other hand, there is a real return of passion for home textiles before everyone's eyes, a trend perhaps not triggered but undoubtedly accelerated by the recent pandemic emergency. People, forced to stay in their respective homes for a long time, have rediscovered the pleasure of dedicating themselves to cooking and recreating comfortable atmospheres in their home environments: this has led to the revival of hospitality at home and the desire to show off perfect equipment. “In our experience, observes Angelo Zambaiti, CEO of Cotonificio Zambaiti, the current trends prevailing in the table textile sector reflect a mix of tradition and innovation. Consumers are looking for products capable of combining quality, design and functionality, with a predilection for natural materials such as cotton (from panama to drill), capable of guaranteeing long life and a pleasant sensation to the touch, all combined with the indispensable advantage of anti-stain treatment. This innovation creates a perfect combination between the elegance of the natural fiber and the functionality necessary in daily ménage, allowing unwanted stains to be easily cleaned with a simple wipe of the sponge, an aspect greatly appreciated by all those who want aesthetic but also practical solutions". From a chromatic and decorative point of view, on the market there is a happy coexistence of minimal solutions and flashy patterns. “We detect a constant demand for articles in natural shades, ranging from neutral to sage green, because these can easily integrate with any furnishing style,” underlines Zambaiti. “On the other hand, there is also a growing interest in bright and colorful motifs, often inspired by nature such as flowers and leaves which add a touch of freshness and personality to the table and are often coordinated with multicolored and deliberately mismatched plates and glasses. Across the board, we firmly believe that the key to success is offering consumers products that are both beautiful and practical, meeting their needs for functionality without compromising aesthetics.”