Transform Your Table This Easter With a Terrific Tablecloth
With a lovely tablecloth, any table can rise to the occasion
Laying on a tablecloth is an instant way to inject character and colour to any space, or to add a touch of festivity if that’s what’s required. There’s no limit to how much choice tablecloths provide – from granny chic featuring florals or lace, to classic and neutral linens. Tablecloths are traditional but they’re also much in vogue, as the many tablecloths featured on Houzz attest to. Aside from their obvious functionality – protecting your table from spills and marks – they’re beautiful and you can even build up a collection so that you’ll always have one on hand, whatever the occasion. Here are some tips for using – and buying – tablecloths.
Take it outside
When the season allows, a tablecloth is a simple way to lift an outdoor space.
See more Easter tablescapes
When the season allows, a tablecloth is a simple way to lift an outdoor space.
See more Easter tablescapes
A large white tablecloth – or even a sheet – can give your outdoor space a charming rustic feel.
With colourful fabrics, you can easily turn an ordinary outdoor table into a festive space, whether it’s for a celebration or a simple al fresco lunch.
Keep an eye out
Tablecloths are fun to buy. You can scour vintage stores for granny chic or head to a high-end French homewares shop for more pricey linen. Look out for quality materials in 100-per-cent linen, and cotton. These will wash well and last a long time, making their price tag well worth it. Patterns are often a good choice as they show less mess and dirt, while crisp whites and warm creams are more classic and formal.
Tablecloths are fun to buy. You can scour vintage stores for granny chic or head to a high-end French homewares shop for more pricey linen. Look out for quality materials in 100-per-cent linen, and cotton. These will wash well and last a long time, making their price tag well worth it. Patterns are often a good choice as they show less mess and dirt, while crisp whites and warm creams are more classic and formal.
Tip: When you spot a tablecloth to buy on a whim, check the size. You don’t want it too small, though too large can be okay. In fact, an over-sized tablecloth that hangs to the floor can look stunning and formal, but it’s also okay to have it going only halfway to the floor. What you don’t want is a too-small cloth, unless it’s really a table runner or it’s to layer over another cloth.
Collect them
Find a space at home where you can collect all your lovely linens and even put them on display.
Tip: Take care when storing linens. Ensure they’re thoroughly clean and dry before you put them away. Fold lightly and store in an airy cupboard or even fold them and hang them on hangers.
Find a space at home where you can collect all your lovely linens and even put them on display.
Tip: Take care when storing linens. Ensure they’re thoroughly clean and dry before you put them away. Fold lightly and store in an airy cupboard or even fold them and hang them on hangers.
It pays to shop around charity shops and vintage stores for good linen. Even if you just find a large piece of beautiful fabric, consider whether you could turn it into a stunning or just an everyday tablecloth.
Handy tips for a forage-free (and fragrant) linen cupboard
Handy tips for a forage-free (and fragrant) linen cupboard
Use (almost) anything
Don’t think your tablecloth has to actually be a tablecloth for you to use it as one. It can be any piece of material that fits over your table – anything that does the job and delivers the look you want. Consider using beautiful coloured linen sheets, quilt toppers and blankets. If you’re out and about, at the beach, or having picnic, a Turkish towel or even a sarong can stand in for a colourful table cloth.
Don’t think your tablecloth has to actually be a tablecloth for you to use it as one. It can be any piece of material that fits over your table – anything that does the job and delivers the look you want. Consider using beautiful coloured linen sheets, quilt toppers and blankets. If you’re out and about, at the beach, or having picnic, a Turkish towel or even a sarong can stand in for a colourful table cloth.
Even blankets can work, as in this photo – and it sets a theme too.
Hit the floor
For a formal look or for parties, have your tablecloth almost skim the floor.
Tip: If you’re having a large party, tablecloths can transform the cheapest of trestle tables – either bought from hardware stores (or hired if you’re not likely to use them often). Simply cover each of the tables with matching (or not) large tablecloths to create a festive look.
For a formal look or for parties, have your tablecloth almost skim the floor.
Tip: If you’re having a large party, tablecloths can transform the cheapest of trestle tables – either bought from hardware stores (or hired if you’re not likely to use them often). Simply cover each of the tables with matching (or not) large tablecloths to create a festive look.
Go classic
If the occasion calls for it, or if it’s more to your style, opt for neutral fabrics in hardwearing fabrics, such as linen. Remember that quality fabric will last a lifetime.
In days gone by, when formal dining was more usual, tablecloths and matching napkins were widely used. It’s worth asking relatives if they have any stashed away – you never know, your mum or granny might be hoarding hundreds of them in their cupboard and don’t get around to using them. They could be happy to pass them on or even delighted that they’re being put to good use.
If the occasion calls for it, or if it’s more to your style, opt for neutral fabrics in hardwearing fabrics, such as linen. Remember that quality fabric will last a lifetime.
In days gone by, when formal dining was more usual, tablecloths and matching napkins were widely used. It’s worth asking relatives if they have any stashed away – you never know, your mum or granny might be hoarding hundreds of them in their cupboard and don’t get around to using them. They could be happy to pass them on or even delighted that they’re being put to good use.
Lovely lace
You might think of lace tablecloths as old-fashioned or chintzy but take another look – they can be stunning in a modern home against a backdrop of all white and hints of colour.
You might think of lace tablecloths as old-fashioned or chintzy but take another look – they can be stunning in a modern home against a backdrop of all white and hints of colour.
Keep a fresh collection of tablecloths on hand in different styles and fabrics so you’ve always got one ready – it’s an easy and flexible way to change the look of your place in a flash.
Go gingham
Another simple but classic look for an everyday look is a fresh gingham fabric on a round table. This one adds a touch of green in a mostly white kitchen.
Another simple but classic look for an everyday look is a fresh gingham fabric on a round table. This one adds a touch of green in a mostly white kitchen.
Layer it
For a big festive occasion where you really want to make a statement with the table setting, how about a large, white, to-the-floor underlay with colourful runners draped across the table?
For a big festive occasion where you really want to make a statement with the table setting, how about a large, white, to-the-floor underlay with colourful runners draped across the table?
Run with it
A less formal look for a table is a simple runner along the middle of the table.
A less formal look for a table is a simple runner along the middle of the table.
As with tablecloths, you can fashion your runner out of any material that takes your fancy. It could just be a big, bold piece of fabric cut to size or how about this for rustic charm? A low-cost converted hessian sack is just perfect for the French Provincial look.
Tell us
Are you a fan of tablecloths? When do you use them at home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Browse more home design photos
Tell us
Are you a fan of tablecloths? When do you use them at home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Browse more home design photos
A lovely tablecloth can help set the tone for an occasion. Pair with other festive decorations such as lights, flowers, candleholders and table decorations.