Let's talk about table linen. The size, color, and texture all set the theme of your entire affair. You can have a perfect centerpiece, but if it's paired with the wrong linen, the whole affair doesn't look pulled together.
Things to consider:
- Size of table
- Guest Count
- Formality
- Color
- Material
- Lighting
- Location/setting
Why do these matter? When done correctly, all of these together will help achieve an optimal outcome.
If you are putting together a semi-formal or formal event, you are more than likely going to want the linen to touch the floor or puddle at the bottom. To make choosing the size linen, I have put the following linen sizes below:
- 72" Round (Seats 10 people comfortably) - 132" Round
- 66" Round (Seats 8 people comfortably, 10 people max) - 132" Round
- 60" Round (Seats 8 people comfortably) - 120" Round
- 48" Round (Seats 6 people comfortably, 8 people max) - 108" Round
- 36" Round (Used most often as a cake or cocktail table) - 96" Round
- 30" Round (Used most often as a cake or cocktail table) - 90" Round
- 36" x 42" (Used most often as a high cocktail table) - 132" Round
- I recommend using a sash if you would like to pull the linen together
- 30" x 42" (Used most often as a high cocktail table) - 132" Round
- I recommend using a sash if you would like to pull the linen together
- 8' x 30" (Seats 8 people comfortably, 10 people max) - 90" x 156"
- 6' x 30" (Seats 6 people comfortably, 8 people max) - 90" x 132"
- 4' x 30" (Most commonly used as a sweetheart table, seats 6 max) - 90" x 132"
- 8' x 18" (Most commonly used as bar backs) - 90" x 132"
- 6' x 18" ((Most commonly used as bar backs) - 90" x 132"
- 4' x 18" (Most commonly used as bar backs) - 90" x 132"
Color and material should hold a lot of consideration - just to name a few: the time of year, theme, time of day, type of guest (adults only vs children), and food being served. For example, if you are hosting a tea party in the spring, you could use a lacey-floral pattern or even stick with a more brightly colored linen. However, if you are hosting a Halloween party, I wouldn't go with that lacey-floral pattern.
Lighting can be tricky. Some materials, such as a shiny crinkle linen, will look like different colors under different lights. This is why we encourage our clients to come in to the shop to see the difference can be in person vs online.
Location and setting go hand-and-hand with the overall theme of your party. Whether your party is at a ballroom vs a barn, the style, size, and material should be intentional.
My best advice would be to ask your wedding planner or our rental company experts on what size, color, and material would best go with your party. They will take all of these factors into consideration when helping you plan.