Table Linens Buying Guide

Table linens include tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and runners. These are an important component of a meal. They may be used for either formal occasions or to elevate a holiday display, or to protect a table during everyday use. That is why the table linens should match not only the décor of your house and kitchen but also be appropriate for the event you are celebrating.

The key things to consider are as follows:

Decide on the drop of your tablecloth. This is how far you want the linen to fall from the edge of your table. For casual dining, the recommended drop is about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm), while 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm) is appropriate for a formal occasion

Determine the size of your tablecloth. To make sure you have the right size tablecloth, use the measurements of your table, then multiply the desired drop by 2 and add it to the appropriate measurement.

Select napkin sizes based on your event. Dinner napkins are traditionally 24 inches (61 cm), lunch napkins are 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm), and cocktail napkins are 6 inches (15 cm).