Linens Used in Table Appointments

Linen includes table covering and napkins of all types. Table linen should be durable and serviceable, attractive and suited to the other appointments, reasonably priced and easily laundered. Linen should always be spotless clean. Well-laundered linen can make a table attractive no matter how few and simple the appointments may be. Size is important because the wrong size will look awkward.

Types of linen size

Table cloth - 36 inches square for 4 people

- 45 “ to 54 “ square for 6 people

- 72 “, 86”, 90 “ long for 8-16 people

Placemats – 14 “ x 20 “ for each person Napkins

– 12 “ or 14” square for refreshments

- 22 “, 24”, or 27 “ square for dinner

- 18 “ x 20 “ - for lunch- 4” x 6 or 6” x 8” - for cocktail

Tablecloth – before shopping for tablecloth, measure the size of the table. For a formal tablecloth, add 16 “ to 24” to both the length and width of the table for a drop. An informal cloth needs less drop – usually to 10 – 15 inches. The only kind of tablecloth that should touch the floor is the banquet cloth. Hems should be narrow, with even, straight stitches. Handsew hems are more elegant than machine-stitched.

Place mats – Place mats should be large enough to hold the entire place setting, but they should never overlap. Mats range in size from 12 to 14 inches deep and 16 to 18 inches wide. They come in a wide range of colors, designs, materials, size and shapes, and are the most versatile of all table covers. They are acceptable for every occasion except the formal dinner table or a tea table.

Table runners – a newcomer to the table scene, they are found in a wide variety of fabrics and synthetics. Usually , runners are placed on either side of the table to hold numerous place settings, or they may be crisscrossed for four place settings.

Napkins – Napkins are often sold with tablecloths or placemats, but can also be bought separately. For elegant setting, they are sometimes arranged with napkin holders or rings in varied designs. Paper napkins are widely used for everyday meals and brunches and informal luncheons, but cloth napkins are a must for formal setting.