Table Linens and Modern Etiquette

Sometimes we all need some new good ideas for a party and to prepare the table. Each occasion has its own requirements of table linens and consideration of this is a good place to start when coming up with ideas. Let’s go through some basics together to create the right atmosphere and setting for your party table with the right tablecloth, napkins, placemats and table runners

Nowadays, the Internet offers a wide range of table coverings from paper and polyester tablecloths, to finishing the table with high quality cotton or linen tablecloths.

Most of us would prefer to use affordable polyester covers which, apart from their fabulous price, are very easy to look after – stains can be removed easily by a standard washing cycle. It is reasonable to say therefore that most households have this type of tablecloths. However, there is one major drawback – polyester does not last very long.

There is another low budget solution, a paper version. While being something that you cannot survive without when arranging a picnic or serving your dinner outdoors, it should hardly ever be considered as an option for the home (except for children’s parties). The reason for this is that the use of a paper tablecloth, even if it is absolutely stunning one and purchased from Harrods is simply considered as a bad taste for the table and cannot replace the proper tablecloth.

Another type is polycotton table linens, including napkins. However, our point would be to very strictly only consider these for industrial uses only. You can normally judge how cheap or sophisticated a restaurant is by the appearance of their tables. Cheap ones have no covers on their tables. The maximum they offer is some placemats for each guest individually. However, restaurants with style can be recognised immediately through the window where you can see tables covered traditionally in white tablecloths.

Such places are normally more expensive but they charge you more for the overall pleasure you experience. You feel good in restaurants with this attention to detail and easily forget about the cost versus the feeling they give. The picture we are painting is what is good for a good restaurant is not good though for your friends and family. Treat your loved ones to the best they would experience in a Michelin stars restaurant.

If you are searching for the best experience then try the luxury of a crisp Out of practicality such a tablecloth is normally white, but recent trendy establishments may offer some coloured choices - sometimes even black! Of course such linens require a bit extra care, but you’d want to look after them anyway...

Pure linen fabric is extremely long-lasting. Linen is more wearable then cotton and there is no problem when dealing with stains from wine, dressings and greasy food. Due to its sheen and smooth surface, linen releases stains easily.

A simple rule for you to observe from now on is that as soon as the dinner is finished and you believe your tablecloth has been damaged with stains, you should remove all hard food leftovers from its surface and soak it in warm water immediately. You can also add a drop of Fairy which fights with grease on your linens as well as on your plates. Next morning your treasured linen tablecloth is ready to be washed as usual. And do not forget to iron it while damp. A hint of starch will be good as well. If you have purchased a tablecloth in bright colours you should add a tablespoon of white vinegar into the rinsing cycle. This will help dyes of the tablecloth return to normal natural contrast.

Apart from linen napkins, placemats, table runners and all other sorts of table linens we also recommend you should try the whole experience of luxury bedding including < href="”"> bedspreads and cushions.
Once you have tied the luxury of linen home accessories you are not able to survive without them – so beware!

How to Choose the Right Size of Your Tablecloth

Buying table linens for your home seems to be an easy task but it might become quite a confusing undertaking if not planned properly. Apart from the style and quality of a fabric you also should consider the right size of tablecloth for your dining table, as well as some matching napkins, placemats and table runners.

There are some rules which exist for any type of tablecloth and it does not matter if they are cheap or expensive. When buying a new tablecloth make sure it is at least half a metre longer and wider than your table. Then it will hang over your table with free folds on each side.

Ideally, when you are buying your dining table and matching chairs, the height of the chairs should be 30cm lower than the table surface. If this is the case, then you provide your diners with the most comfortable dining experience as the table is not too high, nor too low for keeping your back straight and relaxed at the same time. Using this guide, your luxurious linen tablecloth should ideally be same level with the seats.

Of course there can be another scenario when for some special occasion you might need your table linens to overhang the table down to the ground. This is normally the case for a formal reception and not something you would normally undertake at home. Therefore for your home you should feel comfortable with any size of the tablecloth with at least half a metre of extra length and up to additional two heights of your dining table.

The use of a luxury tablecloth is very beneficial when your furniture has lost its glamorous look and got a little older. The solution of a new tablecloth will change the situation immediately and with the minimum of effort.

You will also achieve superb results when you take the time to match your tablecloth with your window curtains. In this way, your dining room will look extremely chic and fresh.

Alternatively, if your home is set in a modern manner and you do not wish to hide your exceptionally stylish furniture under a classic tablecloth, you can always add some glamour to your table with a table runner and some matching linen napkins and placemats. Such arrangement will create an impression of luxury without being too over bearing.

There is a wide variety of quality table linens to choose from including plain linens, embroidered tablecloths and damask tablecloths.

Damask or jacquard is a figured linen fabric in which warp-satin and weft-sateen create a pattern. Such patterns are visible even in an all white cloth, woven from all white yarns. This process requires threads to be woven in contrasting directions, which creates a pattern that is visible when viewed at certain angles. Across large surfaces, damask fabrics are most extraordinary as reflect light and continually reveal new designs to your eye in a subtle and appealing way.

When making your choice of table linens you should remember that dining in style is one of those little pleasures which can bring some deserved elegance and luxury into your life. So easily achievable and so rewarding to experience! Good luck and have fun selecting your next table…