GoreDean Linens

Tablecloths date back to Midevel Times when people travelled from village to village and castle to castle.  During these trips food items were carefully wrapped in cloth.  Upon arriving at their destination, they would place the cloth on the table, unfold and prepare for their meal.  The unfolded cloth now served as a napkin were the persons dinning would clean their hands and mouths during the meal.  At the end of the meal, the remaining food items were re-wrapped in the same cloth. 

Tablecloths today are used as a covering spread over a dining table before the tableware is set.  Tablecloths serve to dress a table, and for protection from scratches. 

Whether you use a tablecloth or a placemat, it is the style and texture that determine its formality.

Tablecloths can be made of cotton, silk, linen and cotton/polyester blends. Cotton, Linen, and Silk tablecloths are machine washable, and require ironing, while cotton/polyester blends are easy-care (machine washable/no iron).  Cotton, Linen, and Silk tablecloths are typically used for more formal settings while cotton/polyester blends are used for casual everyday dining.

Tablecloths Shapes, Which One Is The Right One?

• Round table:        use a round or square tablecloth.
• Round table w/ leaves:        use an oval tablecloth.
• Square table:        use a square tablecloth.
• Square or Rectangular table with leaves:     use an oblong tablecloth
• Oval table:         use an oval or oblong tablecloth.

**When using an oval tablecloth, a template of the table must be followed to assure a proper fit.  You can either have a professional template made OR do what I do…..Lay a newspaper (or brown paper) accross the table until theentire top is covered. Tape the paer together aloung the seams to create one solid piece of paper. Cut along the edge of the table  (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Then roll the paer up end to end and secure with a rubber band or tape.  Sendit to us or bring it in.  We’ll do the rest.

Tablecloth Sizes, What Size Do I Need? 

Your tablecloth should be the proper size for the table on which it will be used. Here is an easy guide for selecting the proper cloth for your table.

• Measure your table as you intend to use it (with our without leaves).
• Add 20 inches (for a 10inch drop) and 30 inches (for a 15inch drop) to both the length and width. This will give you a drop of 15inches (if you added all around.  A 10 to 15 inch drop all round is recommended.

With all your fine linens always read the care instructions prior to laundering.