How to Purchase Table Linens

Beautiful linens can make any meal feel like a special occasion, and knowing how to purchase table linens can make creating a perfect table easy. Selecting table linens can be confusing because there are so many sizes and fabrics to choose between, but these tips can help you select the right linens for your table.

Buy the best for your needs.

1. Decide how the table linens are going to be used. Will they be used for a formal occasion or family dinners? Do you want to have matching or coordinating cloth napkins? How often will you be using the tablecloth? Where will you store the tablecloth?
2. When selecting the size of table linens, the drop length is important to consider. This is the amount of fabric that hangs down over the edge of the table. Your tablecloth should hang down from six to eight inches on each side of your table. The longer the drop length of the tablecloth, the more elegant the table, but it can also be more difficult to keep clean.
3. Table linens come in standard sizes. For a rectangular table, measure the length of your table plus two times the length of the drop you want. For the width, measure the width of your table plus two times the length of the drop you want. Compare your measurements against the measurements of the standard size tablecloths. If you are undecided between two sizes, go with the larger tablecloth. For quick reference, check the Home Linens tablecloth guide to find the exact size tablecloth for your table.
4. White, off white, and ivory are the most popular colors for table linens because they are considered the most formal colors. When choosing colored linens, you should select a color that compliments the color of your dinnerware and the décor of your home. Printed linens tend to be the most informal and are best used with solid color plates and more simple flatware. Your linens should provide a color base for your dinner ware and centerpiece and not be the focal point of your table. If you decide you want matching napkins, select them in the same color and fabric as the tablecloth for a more traditional approach. Coordinating napkins or print napkins on a solid tablecloth create a more informal table presentation.

Table linens made from cotton or linen last longer than linens made from synthetic materials. Damask linen and cotton are considered the most formal fabrics. Egyptian cotton and Irish linen are usually considered the best fabrics for linens since their long durable fibers don't pill and the fabric does not become shiny after ironing. Cotton and linen fabrics need to be ironed before they are used to make them crisp, even if they were ironed before they were stored. Linens made from synthetic materials are easier to care for than cotton or linen choices. They are less likely to absorb stains and they usually don't require ironing.

Most table linens can be washed in hot water using your regular washing detergent. Tablecloths with lace, cutwork, or delicate embroidery should be hand washed or dry cleaned, either at the dry cleaner or in your dryer with a home dry cleaning product. Be sure to check the care instructions on the label on the tablecloth before deciding on how to clean it. Stains from food, drink and lipstick can usually be removed if they are washed immediately. Pre-treat the spot before washing with a stain remover, then wash the pre-treated tablecloth or napkin with detergent with chlorine bleach.

After washing your tablecloth, dry it on a low dryer setting, removing it before it is totally dry to avoid wrinkles. Hang the tablecloth to finish drying. Store your tablecloth on a hanger or rolled around a gift wrap tube. If you must fold your tablecloth, and it has fold lines from being stored, you can get the fold lines out without ironing. Just spread the tablecloth onto your table and lightly spray it with water. Then, let it dry on the table overnight. The wrinkles will hang out and the folds will be gone in the morning.

Stains in cotton and linen are often very difficult to remove. Tablecloths and napkins that are pre-treated with a stain repellant help keep the stain from being absorbed into the cloth if the stain is wiped off immediately. If the fabric care label doesn't say the tablecloth or napkin has stain repellant, you can add your own by spraying your linens with a stain repellant.

When you understand how to purchase table linens, you can find coordinated styles of table linens from these retailers both online and in their stores:

• Pottery Barn has high-quality linens in various colors, textures and prices. Monogramming is available.
• Target has a wide variety styles and colors of table linens at moderate prices.
• Bed Bath & Beyond offers a wide selection of fabrics, styles and colors at low and moderate prices.

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