A beautiful tablecloth sets the foundation for a Thanksgiving table to remember. Plus, it’s the perfect way to showcase your design style. When it comes to a beautifully laid Thanksgiving Table, always start with your table linens. Here are some simple tips and tricks for choosing and caring for your table linens. Your table will be all set for a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner.
Related Articles
Q: How long should the drop be for the edges of a tablecloth around a table?
A: For casual events, tablecloths should have a 6- to 8-inch drop from the edge of the table to the bottom of the tablecloth. For more formal events, tablecloths should be at least 12 inches and no more than a 15-inch drop from the edge of the table to the bottom of the tablecloth. The length of the cloth helps dress the table and set the tone for the meal. If it’s more than 15 inches, it will drape into your lap while you are sitting at your table. If it’s less than 12 inches and you look at the table from a distance, it will look skimpy.
The length of the cloth helps dress the table and set the tone for the meal. {Photo: Garnier-Thiebaut Eugenie Candy Tablecloth}
To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 48″ wide and 84″ long, and you would like a 12″ drop on each side, you would add 24″ to each dimension: 48″ + 24″ = 72″ wide; 84″ + 24″ = 108″ long. For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 48″ round tables would require 72″ round tablecloths.
To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension.
Q: How should you clean fine tablecloths and napkins?
A: Gentle cycle with some spot cleaner for stains is fine for the washer. Pre-treat any stains prior to washing. Most linens can be washed on a gentle cycle in warm water, with a cold-water rinse. Remove table linens from the dryer while still slightly damp, gently fold them and put them in the refrigerator overnight. They will very easily press perfectly when you take them out. Air-drying is always preferable to using a clothes dryer, but if you must dry the item inside, use the lowest possible setting for no more than 10-15 minutes.
I don’t recommend dry cleaning linen tablecloths, as the chemicals used can actually set stains or damage the fabric. Never use fabric softener with any fine linens, as it coats and Weakens Natural Fibers. Your linens will soften naturally with frequent use and additional washings. Never use chlorine bleach with any fine linens, as it also weakens natural fibers and may cause them to yellow. If fabrics need bleaching, use an oxygen-based bleach. I swear by Engleside Products Restoration Hypoallergenic Powder for all my vintage and delicate linens. Do not pour detergent directly onto the fabric; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills, or dilute detergent with water and then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you need only use half the recommended amount of detergent.
Never use chlorine bleach with any fine linens, as it also weakens natural fibers and may cause them to yellow. If fabrics need bleaching, use an oxygen-based bleach.
Q: How should you store your fine linens?
A: The ultimate storage method that prevents wrinkles is rolled around a cardboard core tube (acid-free), then stored standing up. You’ll often find in older homes they have narrow closets designed for this exact purpose. Always store linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Wrap them in acid-free tissue paper, not regular tissue paper. The acids in regular tissue paper can yellow white linens. Use the tissue between folds to soften edges; any crisp creases can weaken fibers. Never store linens in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or in direct contact with cedar chests or any wood drawer. Fumes from petroleum-based polyurethane plastic boxes and wood acids can yellow or weaken the fabrics. It is better to store linens that have not been starched because starch can attract insects. At least twice per year, refold the linens to prevent continued stress on any one area.
It’s good to pick colors that you know will play well together. Here, the pattern mixing and matching feels organic and balanced because the hue is repeated, albeit just slightly. {Photo: Vanessa Arbuthnott}
Q: If you are serving hot foods, do you need a pad between your table and the tablecloth so you won’t harm the finish of the wood?
A: Some people don’t have table pads. The next best thing to use is a table silencer cloth. Use under placemats or tablecloths to ‘silence’ the clink and clank of dinner plates and serving pieces as well as provide some protection from the heat of serving dishes. Tablecloths tend to drape beautifully when placed over a silencer cloth.
A table silencer is a heat- and water-resistant cotton felt pad that is easy to store and much more affordable than the traditional thick pad.
Q: Should napkins match the tablecloth, or can they be a different color?
A: It can be lovely to mix pattern, color, texture, and monograms on the table. As a host, you should set a table that reflects the holiday, the meal and, ultimately, your own personal style.
As a host, you should set a table that reflect the holiday, the meal and, ultimately, your own personal style.
Q: What about stains on table linens after a dinner party — red wine, gravy or grease?
A: Soaking stained table linens in powdered dishwashing detergent prior to laundering works very well to help loosen and remove stains. I just throw about a quarter-cup of detergent in a stainless mixing bowl with hot water and let the napkins soak for a bit, then use a soft toothbrush on the stain before laundering. If it’s a stained tablecloth, mix a little dishwashing detergent with water and put it directly on the stain first, then launder.
The post How to Wash, Store and Use Your Formal Tablecloths and Napkins appeared first on Coastal Farmhouse.
