Table Cloths Guide

One of the most essential components in setting the appropriate ambiance and thus positively contributing to the dining experience for the patron is the table cloth. Of course, a table cloth isn’t just used for its aesthetic appeal. It also can serve as an effective way to protect the table underneath from staining as a result of spillage from drinks or food, and to a certain extent from scratching and denting depending on the quality of the cloth itself.

There are a number of things to keep in mind when choosing table cloths. The decision process doesn’t simply involve looking at the designs. This is why I’ve written hub in order to help those of you considering purchasing a table cloth.

The obvious requirement of which you should be aware is the size and shape of your table. Table cloths generally come in four shapes – square, rectangular (or oblong), oval and round. For example, at weddings and other formal settings, round tables are fairly common so round table cloths would be appropriate. I’ve found that an oval table cloth can be used with rectangular tables as well so there's a level of versatility in that.

I’ll clearly state this here – take measurements of you table. A table cloth that is too short will be completely ineffective and will look horrendous on a table. To a lesser extent, table clothes that are too long are also often not preferred. If it reaches the ground, people sitting at the table end up stepping on the ends of the cloth, which may annoy them and at the same time, attract a lot of dirt onto the cloth itself. Visually, it can be quite off-putting.

The general rule of thumb is that the drop length on each side of the table should be between 6 to 10 inches. So to calculate the final required table cloth length, you need to first double the drop length, then add that result to the measured table length.

There are quite a few selections when it comes to fabric with most of them being machine washable which is important for making your job of cleaning the table cloth easier. Examples include polyester and cotton table cloths. The former requires almost no ironing whilst the latter does need ironing on occasion. There is also table cloths made from microfiber which is resistant to spills and stain – this is a major plus from a cleaning perspective.

If ease of cleaning and quick cleaning is of high priority for you, then you should consider a vinyl table cloth (also referred to plastic table cloth). Any spillage can simply be cleaned off by wiping the cloth. In addition, there is no need to iron.

If you desire the appearance achieved by a cotton table cloth but you also want the easy clean offered by vinyl, you can separately purchase a table cloth protector. These protectors are clear color and they just sit on top of your cotton table cloth, allowing people to appreciate the cotton look while keeping it clean.

For casual get-togethers such as picnics outdoors or even in casual restaurant settings, disposable table cloths made out of paper are often preferred. There is absolutely no cleaning required in this case.

The general idea when identifying the right look of a table cloth is that it should ideally coordinate with the dinnerware and settings. For example, casual dining may require a different table cloth to a formal dining occasion. Having said that, you could choose plain solid white table cloths that can be combined with different napkins, runners and other accessories to emit the appropriate ambiance.

There are designs and prints that are specific for different seasons and festivities such as weddings, Christmas and birthday parties. If none of the stock items in the shops suit your needs and taste, then there are also places where you can get custom table cloths. Sometimes, this may be required if your table size is very unique.

You can opt for plain and simple table cloths or a more sophisticated and vintage look with lace or embroidered table cloths. Another popular choice is damasks which tend to have intricate patterns achieved through weaving. These often appear on linen table cloths.