The Hostess on the tablecloth question

Afternoon, readers.

As promised last week, here you have my response to Mrs. C's etiquette challenge question on table coverings.

Do chime in!

Best,
Catherine

Dear. Mrs C.,

The rule of thumb, traditionally, is that round tables take round cloths. The length of said table cloth depends on the event or regular purpose of the table:

- informal use: 10" drop from table edge to hem
- formal use: 15" drop from table edge to hem

However, I have a 48" round in the kitchen and the thing makes me perfectly mad. I cannot stand cleaning around the two year old's chair when the 70 is on the table - far too long for a family and I do not like the look of a short cloth because the legs are not pretty.

I use my Grandmother's beautiful square when the protocol is not important. When it is, I found a beautiful fabric at a local fabric store that was 60" width and cut and hemmed my own round out of it: Really easy and some solids will run to 72" widths - under both of these is a vinyl liner for the art projects and to act as a silencer for the glass noise during meals...




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Photo credit: countryliving.com

Etiquette Challenge Workshop: The Table Covering Debate

Dear Blushing Hostess,

I have found and purchased, after two years of looking, my dream kitchen table. The tabletop has been well-loved, and will eventually be refinished. Now, I prefer to enjoy glitter glue sessions with my 4-year old with nary a concern about the already damaged finish and enjoy life. In fact, I already miss the green glitter glue marks on the old table that we deemed “Tinkerbelle’s footprints”. Mr. C has suggested that we purchase a tablecloth in the interim. As I don’t plan on fretting over PB & J stains on any of the old white linen damask for the next 10 years, any table linens I currently own are too large, too high maintenance for daily use, and generally out of the question.

On to my question- the table is 48” round. I’ve never owned a round table, and have a sneaking suspicion that a round tablecloth is well, not to be done? Should I look for 70” x 70” square or is round acceptable? Should I just scrap the tablecloth idea and use place mats as I have been, as it is necessary to sponge off the table after every meal?

Thank you,

Mrs. C

Kind readers, I am looking forward to your thoughts in the comments below and I will post the response I wrote to Mrs. C next week.



If you have an etiquette question with which we can help, please email your dilemma to me at catherine@blushinghostess.com.

Blushing tip: Find my favorite guide to folding round table cloths for storage here.

Photo credits: Southern Living, Southern Accents

DBD 2009 - School of Visual Arts

When I had dinner at Daniel Craig's, it totally looked like this.


I'm just pulling your leg - I never have dinner.


This is the first dining room I have ever called sexy. Mark it down.

The Polished Table

"White damask tablecloths and starched napkins - rarely is there an easier way to display luxury. They signal a house where everything is properly run and there's a great attention to detail."
- William Yeoward's Party Pointers, Southern Accents, November/ December, 2008

This is recent evidence that crisp white linen damask is still the most elegant and handsome holiday table covering. As one considers where to begin a holiday dinner or party, the first order of business is how to dress and set the table. The right tablecloth makes a statement and speaks louder than a wealth of other tabletop errors and evils. This seems a fine place to begin decor considerations. Not only because you will need to figure out what goes atop this textile, but also because you will want to have the appropriate tablecloth-saving tools on hand.

The Hostess has mixed feelings about the color white for a tablecloth because it can often lead to impossible-stain heartbreak. I understand and adore tables cloaked in white damask: Linen damask sparkles entirely on its own. It makes every pattern laid atop it look swank and dressy even when they are poor, abused, unpolished silver plate. White linen damask is often considered the gold standard in table covering in well appointed homes because it is unrivaled in textile simplicity and dimension all at once.

If it is the top notch, The Hostess is also attached to the potential silver standard: The colored linen damask cloth. Ages ago, Martha Stewart Living did a piece on turkey red damask for the holidays as collectors pieces: I have to agree that red cloths, both tonal and multi, have a certain warm and glamorous style. It is a blessing of this cloth group that the color disguises many stains as well. I have looked literally everywhere for them since and not found one of the quality that article identified, including a new search for this post. When I do locate a red which can dual with these magnificent weaves below, you will be the first know.

In the meantime, while I know these are costly, you will probably only ever need one if you take care of it. And handle it lovingly you will, because once you find the enchanting damask for your holiday table, it will become a piece you look forward to seeing and handling again and again. I promise you, laying it in a place of perfect honor whenever the occasions merits something magnificent coming to the center of the holiday gathering will never grow old.



Chrysanthemum, Double Damask, Thomas Ferguson Fine Irish Linens


Scroll, Double Damask, Thomas Ferguson Fine Irish Linens


Medici, Gracious Style Fine Linens. 100% linen and machine washable and dry-able!
Floral Essence, Schweitzer Linens