Each year the holidays seem to descend on us before we know it -- it seems the key to enjoying them is to start early and prepare! If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year (or Christmas for that matter) now is the time to start thinking about your Holiday table, If you need a new tablecloth or placemats and napkins, you should be ordering them now.
I'm frequently asked how to determine the correct size tablecloth. As a general rule of thumb, take the table's measurements, including the leaves you will use(length and width) and add 10" to each side. For example, a table that measures 40 x 80 needs a tablecloth that measures 60 x 100. You can get by with a 6 or 8 inch drop if the table is rectangular or oval. But, a round table needs at least a 10" drop to not look skimpy. Etiquette guidelines say a formal tablecloth is anywhere between a 12 and 20 inch drop -- but most of our clients don't want the tablecloth in their guests' lap. Measure from your seat height to the top of the table to determine what is the right length for you. And remember that cotton tablecloths can shrink -- so allow for that in your measuring.
What about napkins? We like 20-22 inch napkins for a formal dinner, although 18 inch will work. Anything less than 18 inches is considered a luncheon size napkin. Buffet napkins are generally bigger -- at least24 inches, allowing for your guest to adequately cover their lap.
If you want an easy care tablecloth that looks and feels like cotton, but is polyester and comes out of the dryer wrinkle free, we recommend Sferra's Orchard pattern. Remember though, polyester is harder to get stains out of then linen or cotton. All our tablecloths, placemats and napkins are on sale Friday, Nov. 6th for one week!
In my next several blogs, I'll address napkins and napkin rings as well as cleaning your table linens. Let me know if you have any questions!
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