Choosing table linen for restaurants and events
Table linen does something the rest of your linen does not: it sits in front of the guest for the whole meal. A cloth that hangs unevenly or a napkin that will not hold a fold undermines the table before the first course arrives. The notes below cover sizing, colour and care.
Getting the drop right
The drop is how far the cloth hangs below the table edge. Too short looks mean, while too long becomes a trip hazard and catches under chairs. For most restaurant service, a drop that reaches roughly to the chair seat is right. Banqueting and events usually call for a fuller drop that reaches close to the floor.
The rule: measure the table top and add twice the drop you want to each dimension. For a round table, take the diameter and add twice the drop. If you are between sizes, size up, because a slightly generous cloth hangs better than a tight one.
| Your table | Look you want | Tablecloth |
|---|---|---|
| 30" square | 12" drop, restaurant service | 54 x 54" |
| 36" square | 9" drop, cafe or bistro | 54 x 54" |
| 60" (5ft) round | 14" drop, restaurant service | 88" round |
| 60" (5ft) round | Floor length, banqueting | 118" round |
| 72" (6ft) round | Floor length, banqueting | 130" round |
Sizes we stock
All our tablecloths and napkins are 100% polyester, which holds its colour, resists creasing and comes back to size from the laundry.
| Product | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Square tablecloths | 35 x 35", 45 x 45", 54 x 54", 63 x 63", 70 x 70", 90 x 90" |
| Oblong tablecloths | 54 x 70", 54 x 90", 70 x 108", 70 x 144", 90 x 144" |
| Round tablecloths | 70", 88", 108", 118", 130", 135" |
| Napkins | 20 x 20" in seven colours, white also 22 x 22" |
| Satin band napkin | 22 x 22" |
Choosing napkin colours
| Colour | Reads as | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| White | Formal, clean, neutral | Fine dining, hotels, banqueting |
| Ivory | Softer and warmer than white | Weddings, country house venues |
| Black | Modern, hides marks | Bars, contemporary restaurants, evening service |
| Burgundy, red, gold | Warm, traditional | Seasonal service, events, function rooms |
| Light pink | Soft, celebratory | Weddings, afternoon tea, spring events |
| Satin band | Finished, occasion-led | Weddings, private dining, celebrations |
Darker napkins hide marks better between washes, which matters for evening service. White and ivory show everything but photograph best and remain the default for formal dining.
Folding and presentation
A napkin only holds a fold if the cloth has enough body. Over-washing at high temperature and heavy softener use both soften the fibre until structured folds collapse. If your napkins have stopped standing up, the laundry process is usually the cause rather than the napkin.
Caring for table linen
- Treat food and wine marks quickly. The longer a tannin or oil mark sits, the harder it sets.
- Wash table linen separately from kitchen cloths, which carry grease that will transfer.
- Go easy on softener so napkins keep enough body to hold a fold.
- Press while slightly damp for the crisp finish table linen depends on.
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