How To Choose A Tablecloth

Do you know how to figure out your tablecloth size?
Measure the width and length of your table. Add the overhang or drop, which is how long the tablecloth will hang over the side, typically the desired overhang is 10-12 to lap level on dining tables and 15 inches for banquet tables.

Once you have these measurements, add the overhang times 2 to each measurement of your table. You don't want the tablecloth to be too long. Your guests should be able to be able to sit and not have the tablecloth touch their legs, you don't want anyone pulling that tablecloth!!

Example: If your table size is 30x72 inches and the desired drop is 12 inches you would figure it this way:
12 inch (drop size) X 2 would be 24 inches
Add the 30" (from your table measurement) to the 24" (doubled desired drop) = 54 inches
Add the 72" (from your table measurement) to the 24" (doubled desired drop) = 96 inches

The perfect cloth size for your table would be 54 X 96 inches. Tablecloths typically come in standard sizes you would then select the size closest to those figures.

If your table is Oblong/Rectangle, your cloth should be approx...

Small - Seats 4 your cloth should be approx...70" Long
Standard-Seats 6 your cloth should be approx...80"-90" Long
Extended by 1 Leaf-Seats 8-10 your cloth should be approx...102"-108" Long
Extended by 2 Leaves-Seats 10-12 your cloth should be approx...124"-126" Long

If your table is oval and the size is

Small-Seats 4 your cloth should be approx...70" Long
Standard-Seats 6 your cloth should be approx...80"-90" Long
1 Leaf-Seats 8-10 your cloth should be approx...102"-108" Long
2 Leaves-Seats 10-12 your cloth should be approx...124"-126" Long
3 Leaves-Seats 12-14 your cloth should be approx...144" Long

If your table is round and the size is

Small-Seats2-4 your cloth should be approx...70"-72" Round
Large-Seats 6-8 your cloth should be approx...86"-90" Round
1 Leaf-Seats 4-6 your cloth should be approx...80"-90" Round
2 Leaves-Seats 6-8 your cloth should be approx...102"-108" Round
3 Leaves-Seat 10-12 your cloth should be approx...124"-126" Round

You can also use a square tablecloth on a round table or round tablecloth on a square table. The drop that this creates can have a different look for your table. Remember to "dress your table". Use your imagination and create a gorgeous tablescape.

To create a more attractive table, layer your tablecloths. You can also use 2 square tablecloths by setting the pointed corners on a angle. You can also use a smaller different color or pattern over a larger tablecloth, use a lace tablecloth over a bright red or green tablecloth for the holidays. The possibilities are endless......

I also love a tablecloth runner on a table, they create an elegant look for your decorated table.

I always start with a table pad and then add a solid linen tablecloth, beige as standard or red or green as the holidays dictate. I then cover the tablecloth with a smaller printed tablecloth and then add a runner. You could use a printed larger tablecloth and solid smaller tablecloth.

The choice is up to you just be sure that whatever you choose it matches your decor or holiday decorating.

You can also add in Tablecloth Weights which are not only functional but add a finishing touch to your table whether formal or informal.

Tablecloths date back to Midevil Times when people traveled from village to village and castle to castle. During these trips food items were carefully wrapped in cloth. Upon arriving at their destination, they would place the cloth on the table, unfold and prepare for their meal. The unfolded cloth now served as a napkin were the persons dinning would clean their hands and mouths during the meal. At the end of the meal, the remaining food items were re-wrapped in the same cloth.