Table Linens

We've got it covered …

Want to spruce up your dining room with an elegant new look, but you’re not quite sure where to start? What size tablecloth would you need to fit your table? How many napkins and placemats should you buy? Do you really need a table pad and runner? All of these questions might be running through your mind at the moment, but there’s no need to fear. As you’ll soon discover, it’s actually quite easy to find the perfect table linens and accessories. You just need to know a few pointers first …

1. Shape

First, and most important, is the shape of your table. Common tables are typically square, oblong, oval or round.

Second is the number of people that can sit at your table. Some tablecloth packages base measurements on the number of people that can fit comfortably around your table. However, a more accurate way of deciding the size of your tablecloth is simply to measure your table.

Third, how far do you want the tablecloth to hang over the edge? This is most commonly called the “drop.” A normal drop can be anywhere from 6-12 inches, and for elaborate formal occasions, it can go all the way down to 30 inches.

2. Calculating Size

It all comes down to one incredibly easy formula. Let’s say you measured your table to be 48” x 60”, and your desired drop is 8 inches. Simply plug your numbers into the following formula:

LENGTH + (Drop x 2) = Tablecloth length
WIDTH + (Drop x 2) = Tablecloth width

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

So, your tablecloth length would be: (48 + (8 x 2)) = 64 inches.
And your tablecloth width would be: (60 + (8 x 2)) = 76 inches.
If you have a round table, simply use the diameter measurement.

3. Color & Texture

Keep your dinnerware and decor in mind when choosing a tablecloth and accessories. Find a tablecloth that represents your own personal taste, and don’t be afraid to mix and match napkins and placemats with different colors and textures for a vibrant table setting.

4. Care

Make sure to check the package when you purchase a tablecloth for appropriate care instructions. Most tablecloths are machine washable. Just shake the crumbs off outside (if possible), throw it in the wash and tumble dry on low. Some require the use of a warm iron to smooth out creases and wrinkles leftover from the dryer.

Save ironing time and smooth your tablecloth by laying it out on the table with a pad or towel underneath. Lightly spray it with water and let gravity pull it smooth overnight.

5. Table Accessories

Table Pad — While the tablecloth is there to provide ambiance to your dining experience, the table pad beneath keeps your table looking gorgeous for years to come. It’s always a good idea to protect your table with a table pad, especially when it’s so easy for drinks to be spilled, food to be dribbled and sauces to be splattered. Get a table pad that fits your table appropriately and place it underneath your table linens, so it’s neatly disguised, yet working its magic!

Placemats — Choose placemats that match or even slightly contrast with your tablecloth, depending on the theme and mood of the dinner.

Napkins — They should be placed to the left of forks or underneath, unless they are decoratively folded or a matching napkin ring is used.

A table runner is an excellent finishing touch and perfectly ties the look of the table setting together. Get a matching runner with a vibrant design if you choose a solid tablecloth or vice-versa if you decide on a printed tablecloth. Complete the look with a decorative centerpiece, and voila! Your table will be ready for royalty or the relatives!

Dinnerware

The bold and the beautiful …

It all comes down to personal taste when selecting your dinnerware place settings. There isn't as much pressure anymore to get the “safe” floral-pattered china pattern. Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons and choose colors that reflect your style and decor.

Typically, it’s wise to have eight to ten place settings for dinner parties (and even more if you have a big family!). The bare bones of a place setting usually include the dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl and cup and saucer. It’s also a good idea to have a good set of china for special occasions and an everyday set of dinnerware that’s microwave and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and care. Plus, at least one extra set to fill in for broken pieces.

Flatware

A fork in the road …

Still wondering which fork goes where? Here's a tip: Forks are always on the left. In fact, your flatware is always arranged for a right-handed person … unfair, but true. Forks on the left; knives and spoons on the right. Arrange your silverware in the order it will be used. Remember, your guests work from the outside in, so the first things used should be the farthest things from the plate. The sharp edges of the knives point toward the plate.

If you still can't remember what goes right and left, try this: The word "right" has five letters, as do the words "spoon" and "knife." The word "fork" has four letters — just like the word "left."

Glassware

Raise a glass …

Just when you think you've got the silverware settled, you're facing another question: Where do the wine glasses and water glasses go? On the same side? On opposite sides?

Again, think right-handed. Your water and wine glasses always go on the right side of the place setting. Place the larger water glass first, directly above the knife and spoon. The wine glass comes next, to the lower right of the water glass. The coffee cup and saucer go even lower, beneath the wine glass and to the right of the spoon.

What’s Left?

Keep a mental checklist (or, even better, write it down!) of the things you find yourself forgetting when you're setting the table. You don't want to be jumping up seven times during dinner to grab salt and pepper shakers, the butter dish and those other pesky afterthoughts.

Here's a checklist to get you started:

• Water pitcher
• Serving bowls and spoons
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Butter dish
• Gravy boat

After dinner, remember to serve your guests that welcome (and expected) cup of coffee. To make sure you end your meal with the same entertaining savvy you began with, add these coffee niceties to your table. Cups and saucers Stirring spoons Two carafes — one for decaf, one for regular Sugar and creamer set

The following is a checklist of must-have glasses for your bar:

• 13* water tumblers/all-purpose glasses (8-oz. size)
• 13 juice glasses (5-oz.)
• 13 red wine glasses
• 13 white wine glasses

*Why 13? So you always have an extra if one accidentally breaks!

Also consider these items, especially for theme parties:

• Beverage set(s)
• Beer mugs
• Champagne flutes
• Margarita glasses
• Pilsners
• Rocks glasses
• Ice bucket and tongs

(Optional)

• Coasters
• Can opener
• Small cutting board and knife to cut fruit
• Platter for bar condiments
• Serving bowl(s) for snacks

Do … serve dinner 20-30 minutes after your guests have arrived. If it’s a formal dinner, try to have the first course on the table when you call your guests to dinner.

Do … assign seats with place cards and direct guests to their seats. This avoids confusion on where to sit.

Personalize the place cards by taking a Polaroid photo of the guest upon entry, and use it as a fun, innovative place card. Or, place a small, inexpensive gift at each place setting for your guests to take home, like a scented candle or a small, individual floral arrangement.

Do … set up an easily accessible area for your guests to get their own food and dishes for casual parties.

Want a stylish, new way to display your flatware at a buffet? Try wrapping each set of knife, fork and spoon in a napkin, then tie it with a festive bow. Not only does it make an especially attractive presentation, but guests have an easier time helping themselves.

Don’t … forget the coffee! Here’s where the coffee maker comes in handy! Also, get out the ice cream and blender for specialized after-dinner drinks your guests are sure to love.

Don’t … spend the rest of the party cleaning up after everyone. LEAVE the kitchen and enjoy your guests. The dishes will still be there after your guests have left.

Create your own invitations

Tailor your invitations to fit your theme. Try creating your own on your home computer and dress them up with decorative paper and specialized stickers found in craft or scrapbooking stores.

Decorations

Have something appealing on the door or in the entryway, like wreaths, plants, garden tea lights or a holiday decoration. These welcoming signs always make guests feel at home.

Centerpieces

No table looks complete without some sort of centerpiece. This can be as elegant or as informal as your dinner party, but always follow one guideline: Your guests should be able to easily see each other above the centerpiece. So, keep those flowers or candles to a manageable height so your guests won't strain their necks attempting conversation.

Greeting your guests

Designate someone as the greeter. Their job is to greet and direct guests to the drinks and appetizers as well as a place they can store their belongings. This is a perfect task for kids.

Making specialty drinks, appetizers and desserts

Add a special touch to your party with some fun, easy recipes that center around the theme of your party. Feel free to experiment!