Category Archives: Tablecloths

Questions to consider when getting your tables prepared for the festivities this holiday season

So, you have a big event coming up and your “to do” list is running you ragged.  It seems the only mantra running through your head is “too many things to do, so little time.”  We have all been there, and it often seems the faster we go, the further behind we get.  When planning an event, no matter how big or how small, there are inevitably a host of details to which you have to attend. If just one thing falls through the cracks, that might make you feel everything is falling to pieces. Well, technically, it isn’t, but if we can help with at least one of your “to do” items simply, effectively and at a great price, then Annie’s Home Store would love to be of assistance.

For example, let’s say you are planning a holiday gathering. At the moment, you are probably primarily focused on the guest list, the menu and the libations. You probably aren’t even thinking about tablecloths, as in the moment, that might seem a bit trivial by comparison to everything else you have to do. However, how the tables at a fun holiday party are covered are important, as they play a major role in how the overall design of the space looks. Let us take a bit of the load off for you and steer you in the right direction to make sure all of the tables at your event dressed just as beautifully as everyone else…. except, of course, if you are hosting one of those “ugly Christmas sweater” events. Annie’s Home Store prides itself on producing the best-looking tablecloths, perfectly made for each and every occasion.  Ugly Christmas sweater not included with your order! You’re on your own there!

First of all, you have to know the sizes of the tables you will use. This may come down to semantics.  Some folks might say it’s a 60-inch round table; others may say, “Well, the table seats up to six people;” while others still may just say that it is a five-foot round table.

The most important question to answer when preparing to dress those tables is this:  What is the shape of the tables you will be using? Square? Rectangle? Round? A combination of all three shapes? Once you have that pegged, you then need to know the width, diameter (if round) and height of the tables that will be used. You want to make sure you have the right tablecloth fit for your table. After all, if you get something too big, it could not only fall clear to the floor but also create a hazard for people if they can easily trip over it.

Other questions to consider:  What type of material is best for the party style or theme?  Will you want or need table overlays or runners?  How about cloth napkins?  Do you prefer chair covers and sashes to coordinate with the tablescape design? From casual to sophisticated, Annie’s Home Store can get your tables dressed in time.

Once you have the logistics figured out, the remaining choices in terms of aesthetics are pretty much up to you. Do you prefer a full drape or a half-way drop? Do you want something dramatic or simple without much fuss? Do you want prints? Embroidery? Special patterns?  Just let us know. The tablecloth experts at Annie’s Home Store are ready to assist!

What to know Before Buying a Tablecloth?

Many of us have found ourselves staring at kitchen linens in a store, thinking “oh, how I would love to dress up that ugly table or piece of furniture that our family has scuffed with knives, marked with markers, and put a number of dings on, but what is the most functional, lasting table linens that I can buy?”

To me there is nothing worse than loving a fabric, but after using and washing it for the first time it is a wrinkled mess or choosing a wrong look completely. If this is you then we have some helpful tips on what to look for when purchasing your table linens.

Fabric Choices:

Actual Linens or Cotton Fabrics are readily available in stores and online, which are beautiful, but after each use these table linens will of course require washing, but also it will require ironing and sometimes dry cleaning, which can become a real hassle. I have stuffed many linen/cotton tablecloths in my closet to rarely ever be used again. These are a beautiful choice, but know there will be some care and time that will go into having these kinds of tablecloths and table linens.

Newer Polyester and Synthetic Fabrics are readily available as well and have come a long way from the polyester that we remember from long ago. There are polyester’s that have been spun and look and feel like cotton, but are much easier to care for. The beauty of their appearance, texture, and durability is a winner in our book. These fabrics can be washed and dried and have minimal pressing, if any at all. If taken out of the dryer when done they usually don’t need much of anything other than being thrown back on your table. For everyday use, care, and ease of use these are our go to fabrics. We always use these for any party or events we may throw, as these fabric are easy care and more resistant to spills and messes and easily treatable with pre-washing treatments.

Color Choices:

For everyday use we would suggest going with a neutrals, such as Ivory or beige or we suggest staying with the classic white. These colors go along with most home decor or table setting choices you may have. If you like a more traditional look there are many Damask or printed tablecloths that will enhance your theme. By choosing a darker tablecloth or table linen you will get a more dramatic effect. Many chose our dark browns, grays, or classic holiday colors to provide a pop to their room during the holidays or in a room that they want to provide an impact too.

Fitted, Overlays, Shape, Size:

Want a standard, casual look for your kitchen or dining room which may be used often then we suggest a tablecloth with a 8″ – 12″ drop on all sides. One could choose to go with as little as a 6″ drop on their tablecloth, but we wouldn’t recommend going any smaller as you will want it to lay nicely over the edge.

Tablecloths needed for formal events such as weddings, holidays, and corporate events should have a drop of 15″ to the floor. Many times hiding the legs of the table looks a lot classier and formal and going to the floor may be favored. Fitted tablecloths that go to the floor are the best looking tablecloths for party events. We suggest fitted for a classier, streamlined look.

If you want a fresh look go with a square tablecloth as an overlay or go with a extra long table runner that you can tie a piece of rustic string or ribbon around. So many things that can be done just to make your table a little more you!

There are so many fun things that can be put together. We can help you! If you need a custom size or a custom shape. We can help you by making the size or shape that you need. We can also talk to you about what may or may not work for you.