Holiday season is just beginning, and picking the right table linens is an essential step for all hosts. To help you make the perfect choice, we’ve broken down the five basic questions to ask before making your decision:

1. What material should I choose?

Because they are strong and absorbent, we recommend natural materials like cotton and linen.   But if you are short on time, there are great easy-care table linen collections available which are either stain-resistant or wrinkle resistant.

 

2. What size tablecloth should I buy?

For formal settings, we recommend that tablecloths should hang down 10″ to 12″ evenly around the table. In contrast, casual events call for cloths that have 6″ – 8″ drops.

To calculate the size of tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 48″ wide and 84″ long, and you would like a 12″ drop on each side, your tablecloth should be:
48″ + 12″ + 12″ = 72″ wide
84″ + 12″ + 12″ = 92″ long

For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 48″ round tables would require 70″ round tablecloths.

 

3. What shape should my tablecloth be?

On square and rectangular tables, we suggest using the same shape tablecloth. On round tables, either rounds or squares may be used, while on oval tables, either oval or rectangular tablecloths may be used. If you have several tables that you use often and your budget is limited, a nice alternative is to use placemats and napkins, which will work in any situation.

 

4. What should I consider in choosing linens for a special event?

There are several important factors to take into account when choosing table linens for a special event:

– Location: Choose colors to complement the existing décor of your dining room. For outdoor events, let the setting be your guide. Generally, bright colors look better in sunny locations, while pastels are wonderful in garden settings.

– Season: Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.

– Theme: Colorful linens are one of the most effective ways to set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.

 

5. Do I need a table liner?

Although designed to last a lifetime, fine table surfaces are often exposed to excessive wear and tear. To help protect your tables, thick felt table liners are designed to reduce noise and protect your tabletop against heat and scratches. Unlike ordinary liners, these are plush and generously sized (approximately 5″ larger than your table) to extend over the edge of your table in order to create a softer drape underneath your fine linens.  To read more, see Protecting Your Table with Felt Liners.

 

For more information on Choosing Table Linens, click here!

With the crisp autumn air reminding us that winter is on the way, now is the perfect time to prep for this chilly season. Using one of nature’s best insulators, down comforters and pillows are some of the warmest and most luxurious ways to snuggle up and stay warm all winter long. Here are the essentials every bed should have:

– Start with a mattress pad or featherbed; this will help keep you both warm and comfortable.

 

– Every bed should have a down comforter. Whether you live in the brisk northeast, or the sunny California shores, there are different weights for down comforters, so you’ll be sure to find a perfect one.

 

– Down blankets are the perfect way to keep cozy, and have a lighter weight than comforters. Fold one at the foot of your guest bed for extra warmth, or keep one in the living room for late nights by the fireplace.

 

– No bed would be complete without the perfect pillows. In a variety of sizes, and three levels of firmness, the right pillow will feel like a custom purchase, and will last you for years to come.

 

For more information on choosing the perfect down items for you, read our Down Guide here!

Hosting for the holidays? Now’s the time to start planning those parties. And because all custom table linens are made to order, it can take up to 10-12 weeks to complete production, so get out your measuring tape! As these orders cannot be changed or cancelled after they are placed, here are six helpful tips to ensure you order the perfect table linens:

1. Count your expected guests. You may need to add additional leaves to your table for these special occasions, so be sure to measure the fullest length you need. Ordering additional napkins can be a great way to ensure you’re prepared for anything.

 

2. Consider shape. If you have an oval table, both an oval or rectangular cloth will work. Take a look at Sferra’s Classico, which has elegant long corners draping from an oval table shape:

 

3. Calculate your desired drop. We recommend a 10-15 inch drop on all sides, so be sure to add 20-30 inches to both the length and width of your table. Casual settings typically require a shorter drop, while some formal linens may reach all the way to the floor.

Not sure how long your drop should be? Place one of your dining chairs at your table and measure the gap between the bottom of the table and the top of the seat, and use this as your guide.

 

4. Choose your material. While linen shows classic elegance and tradition, you may also consider an easy-care option if you need to use these cloths frequently in a short period of time. Options like Egyptian Cotton allow for a texture with a beautiful, subtle sheen, while a synthetic option may be the right choice for those who need to quickly wash and dry to prepare for the next event. Easy care materials require little to no ironing, but if you opt for linen, try ironing your cloth while it’s still damp, which makes wrinkles much easier to erase.

 

5. Remember, these may shrink! All of our custom tablecloths are made slightly larger to compensate for shrinkage. If you would prefer to have the cloth cut exactly to your specific dimensions, without any additional fabric, please feel free to indicate this in Special Instructions at Checkout.

 

6. Have fun! Don’t forget the reason for the occasion: the celebrate with the ones you love! If you want to bring life to a white or ecru tablecloth, try colorful dinnerware or vibrant seasonal flowers on your table. If you love bright linens, choose from over 100 colors in the aptly named Festival Collection. Please note that the Festival fabric cannot be cut in an oval shape, but looks beautiful in round or rectangle.

 

For all of our custom table linens, click here.

How will you make this Holiday Season shine?

Need a little pampering? Chances are, your girlfriends do, too! Catch up with friends while enjoying some downtime with a relaxing and rejuvenating spa party.

Indulge in comfort and luxury with soft bath robes. We love how Yves Delorme combines the silkiest materials with floral, feminine designs, perfect for girl time.

To view more party ideas, click here.

With proper care, your down comforters and pillows should last many years.

– Comforters should always be used inside a duvet cover.  For additional protection, pillows should be used with a pillow protector.

– Fluff your pillows and comforters every day when you make your bed.

– Comforters may be spot cleaned for spills and aired out occasionally.

– While frequent washing is not advised, down products may either be washed or dry cleaned.  Dry cleaning should only be performed by a company experienced with down products, as dirty cleaning fluid will cause the down to clump, lose its lofting ability and occasionally develop a mild odor.

– Wash in a front-loading commercial capacity washer.  Avoid machines with agitators, as these are too rough and can tear the baffles.

– Use a low sudsing detergent or a product specifically designed for washing down products (like Le Blanc Down Wash).  Do not use bleach or fabric softener.

– Run through the rinse cycle twice to remove all soap.

– Place in large capacity dryer on the lowest heat setting and dry for 3-4 hours. If you’d like, place a couple of clean tennis or dryer balls inside the dryer to help fluff the down.  Dry well beyond the point where the outer fabric feels dry, as you want to make sure that the down clusters are fully dry.

– Allow the comforter to air dry for an additional 24 hours before placing it inside a duvet cover.  If you notice any lingering odors or clumping, place it in the dryer again and continue to dry it.

– We do not recommend cleaning down more than twice a year.

Want to learn more?  Click here to view all our linen care products.  To shop for down, click here to view all our down products.

 

We have a kitchen shelf full of condiments, but the one I reach for most often is salt.  Now, if you’re ready to move beyond regular table salt for baking and kosher salt for cooking, here are the best finishing salts you need to own.  And remember, since they’re only used on finished food, a little goes a long way.

Maldon Flake Salt – loved by chefs around the world, Maldon flakes have a clean, fresh taste with no bitter flavors.  Amazing on cooked eggs and sprinkled on brownie batter, it brings an explosion of flavor to the mouth.

 

Fleur de Sel de Guerande – hand-harvested from pristine salt marshes in Brittany, France, this salt is unprocessed, so it’s moist and retains a complex flavor of the sea. Use it on leafy green salads, grilled fish, fruit, and caramel sauce.

 

Himalayan Pink Salt – hand-mined salt found deep within the Himalayan mountains, these beautiful salts are best appreciated on lighter-colored foods like fish or chicken.

 Truffle salt – sprinkled on fresh pasta with butter, roasted potatoes, and buttered popcorn, this packs a fragrant punch. The truffle aroma is super addictive.

 

Salts this beautiful should be served in the right container.  For casual meals I love this olivewood container from Williams-Sonoma …

 

… but for evening there’s nothing more stunning than silver next to candlelight:

Looking for one?  Click here to view all our condiment servers and butter dishes, and here to view more salt & pepper shakers.

 

It never rains in L.A. in August … except a couple of Sundays ago.  Which could have been a disaster, since we had planned a post-wedding garden brunch for 45 relatives.  At the last minute, we cleared the living and dining rooms to set up the party indoors, and the party turned out to be a big hit.  The smaller, more intimate space got people closer, the guests talked a lot more with each other, and everybody had a great time.  What could’ve been a two hour brunch lasted five hours until the final guest ambled out.

We spent the next few days thinking and talking about our guests and the party, what we learned and what we’d do differently, and here are some tips and lessons from our experience:

Put the Early Guests to Work

Somebody always shows up early.  Relax — they’re usually your best friends (or at least think they are), so put them to work setting out food and drinks or finishing up the decorations.  They’ll feel useful, and you’ll get some help.

Smaller Spaces Make It More Fun

Putting people a little closer makes it easier to talk, so use smaller tables and put some food in the kitchen to encourage mingling. If someone can’t chat easily with the person across the table, then the table is too large.

Make the Food Easy

The food has to be easy to serve, easy to keep, and easy to understand.  Everybody got the grilled vegetables and seafood paella, but the chilled peanut noodles (our personal favorite) was left behind.  The leafy salads also got soggy by the end of the party, so we’ll have to rethink that one for next time.  Avoid foods that require pan searing, deep frying, or chilling — they won’t look or taste so good after a while.

Have Different Food and Drink Stations

Keep people moving around with food and drinks in different places.  It’ll give everyone more chance to walk around, graze, and mingle with each other.

Plan for a Longer Party

A good party keeps itself going, so think about how everything would look if the party went on for longer.  Plan for more drinkware (people ended up using on average two glasses each, even after marking their glasses.)   Have more forks than the other flatware pieces available.  Use paper lanterns instead of balloons.  They can be set up a few days before and will last through the whole day.

 

Spontaneity Instead of Speeches

Ever sat through a speech or slideshow wondering when it’ll end?  It’s better when people are just having a good time chatting with each other.  Try to move your guests around if the conversation starts to flag.

Get Some Games Started

Checkers, chess, Scrabble, Monopoly, Pictionary.  Set them out, then start a game with a few guests.  If they’re in the mood for fun, they’ll pick up all on their own.  Unusual games (Chinese chess in our case) are especially good conversation starters.

Serve Some Sinful Desserts

When people are having fun, they break their diets, so make sure you have a few desserts they wouldn’t normally eat.  The tres leches cake, which we thought few people would touch, was gone before halftime.  Our guests then went on to polish off a full box of macaroons and half a box of tea cakes.  The fruit salad, on the other hand, was still plentiful at the end.

Have Lots of Trash Bins

Not glamorous but very useful.  Set one near every table.

Old Habits Die Hard

Since it was a brunch in the middle of summer, we’d only planned to serve cold drinks.  But old habits die hard, and guests asked for tea to go with their Chinese food.  Luckily, this was super fast to fix, but next time we’ll be sure to have both tea and coffee ready to go.

Do you have any party planning tips of your own?  We’d love to hear them!

The perfect rug will pull your room together, so many designers start rooms by choosing the rug.  To get you on your way, here are a few practical tips:

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

– Start by making a floorplan.  Measure your room and add all the furniture you’re planning to put in it.

If you’d like a smaller rug, center it under the dining table, coffee table, or main lighting fixture in the room.

If you’d like a larger rug, block out any areas that you know will get a lot of floor traffic and place it in the middle of the space that’s left over.  Sofas and chairs can be placed either completely on top of the rug,  just with the two front legs on the rug, or a mix of both.

– Allow one to two feet between the edges of the rug and the perimeter of the room. For example, if your room is 12 x 14 ft, and you want a large rug to cover the room, go with a 9 x 12 ft rug.  Let the floor frame your rug.

– Larger rugs will make rooms feel larger. They visually embrace the space better.

– Rugs typically come in the following standard sizes: 3 x 5 ft, 4 x 6 ft, 5 x 8 ft, 6 x 9 ft, 8 x 10 ft, 9 x 12 ft, 12 x 14 ft.

– Rectangular rugs look best in rectangular rooms, square rugs look best in square rooms, and round rugs look best in foyers and kids’ rooms.

– In bedrooms, place rugs either completely under the bed or have them cover the bottom 2/3 of the bed. Choose a rug that’s at least two feet wider than your bed so that you can step onto something soft when you get up.

– In kitchens, use 2′ x 3′ rugs in front of the sink.  In larger spaces, a runner can instantly warm up a room.

– In dining rooms, rugs, should always be centered under the dining table.

Choose the Right Material

– Entryways: in high-traffic entryways, choose a flat-weave rug that can easily be cleaned.  For more formal settings, a wool rug sets an elegant tone for the rest of the house.

– Hallways: synthetics and flat-weave rugs

– Living rooms and dining rooms: cotton or wool rugs

– Kitchens and outdoor: synthetics and flat-weave rugs

– Bedrooms: soft textures like wool and chenille

Choose the Right Design

– Solid rugs are more calming, and they work with either solid or patterned furniture.  Choose a color that complements other accessories in the room, like your artwork or your pillows.

– Patterned designs energize a space, and they look stunning with solid furniture.

– In colder climates, go with rich, saturated colors to create a cozy and intimate mood.  Warm colors like yellow, orange, and red add warmth to rooms with indirect light.

– Lighter colors open up smaller spaces and make them feel larger.  In warmer climates, use ivories, blues, and greens to create a soothing atmosphere.

Caring for your Rug

– Use a rug pad.  This will extend the life of your rug and make sure it does not slip around.

– Vacuum regularly.

– Rotate rug periodically to even out the wear.

– Trim any loose threads with scissors.

– Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel.  Test rug cleaners on an inconspicuous spot before using.

– Professional cleaning recommended on wool rugs.

Looking for a rug?  To view our entire selection of rugs, click here.

 

 

 

 

The key to creating a comfortable lighting environment is to use a mix of general lighting (also called ambient), task lighting (for specific activities, like reading) and accent lighting (to highlight objects or architectural features).

Ambient Lighting

What are recessed lights?

Starting from the ceiling, the most common type of lighting are recessed lights, which are usually installed by a contractor.  Also called can lights or downlights, they look clean overhead and they offer a practical and affordable way to light up a room, but don’t overdo it … you can always add task and accent lighting later.

What are ceiling mounted fixtures?

Ceiling mounted fixtures include chandeliers, pendants, flush mount fixtures.  They can cast light upward or downward, and they add an important decorative element to a room.

– Generally, chandeliers work well in large rooms with high ceilings.  They are perfect for larger spaces like entryways, dining rooms, living rooms.  If you do not have any furniture underneath your chandelier, remember to hang it up high so that the bottom is at least 6’6″ – 7′ from the floor.

 

Pendants are great for hallways, especially on the first floor.  They light your pathways and add visual interest to these spaces.  Pendants will also make a kitchen feel more like a living space.

 

Finally, flush mount fixtures are ideal for spaces with lower ceilings.  We love them in secondary bedrooms, mudrooms, large closets, and laundry areas.  But of course, they can look good anywhere:

Where do you use wall lamps?

Wall lamps are frequently used in pairs – to frame mirrors, console tables, and sideboards.  They look smashing in powder rooms and master bathrooms.

 

As they are installed closer to eye level, it’s a good idea to look for fixtures that look beautiful during the day.  We love ones with mirrored finishes!

 

Task Lighting

What are good task lighting fixtures?

For task lighting, the two most popular kinds of fixtures are floor lamps and table lamps.  If you are planning to install floor lamps in the middle of a room, remember to ask your electrician to install outlets nearby.  As for table lamps, this is a good way to bring in a bit of color into a room.

Accent Lighting

How do you light artwork?

The most common ways to light artwork is with track and recessed lighting because you have so much control over large areas and they are infinitely flexible.  But for lighting individual pieces, our favorite method is to use picture lights.  They can not only enhance the rest of the lighting fixtures in your space, but they will make your piece look precious.

 

Outdoor Lighting

What do I need to know about outdoor lighting?

Outdoor lighting is key in creating a welcoming environment as you come up to your home, but it also does something else: it adds an element of security.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

– Lead the way to your front door by using pathway lights that direct the light downward.  Do the same in the back as you move into your yard.

– Add bits of lighting around your flower beds.

– Welcome guests to your front door with a large ceiling mount fixture (pendant lamps are great for two-story homes) or sconces.

– Install sconces around your garage entrance and deck.

– Accent special trees or water features using spotlights.

– Use motion-sensor lights to increase security at night.

 

Energy-Efficient Lighting

What are LED lights?

LED (light-emitting diode) lights are super-efficient forms of lighting.  Compared to incandescent lights, they consume much less energy, last longer, and turn on more quickly.  As they are becoming the standard in residential lighting, you’ll probably be seeing them more frequently when you shop for lighting.

I’m confused by the kinds of LED lights available.  What should I get?

LED lights are available in different color temperatures so you can choose whether you’d like a warmer or cooler light.  The lower the number, the warmer the light.  Here are some suggested guidelines:

– 2700K (warm white) – ideal for homes, restaurants, and hotel lobbies

– 3000K (warm white, slightly cooler) – ideal for stores, offices

– 4000k (neutral white) – ideal for showrooms, offices

– 5000k (cool white) – ideal for museums, jewelry stores, hospitals

In the home, we usually recommend using 2700K throughout.  If you prefer a slightly whiter light for the kitchen, or if you have  a more modern style, then go with a cooler white.

And this is what they look like:

 

Lighting Placement

KITCHEN LIGHTING

I’m designing a new kitchen and I’d like to learn how to light it properly.  Where should I start?

The best kitchens have a combination of overhead lighting (such as recessed lights) and task lighting (like undercabinet lights or pendants above the island) so you can avoid having strong shadows.  Aesthetically, pendant lights work well because they fill up the vertical space between the island and the ceiling.

How many pendants should I hang over my island?

Pendants look best in odd numbers, approximately 4 feet are apart.  So, if you had a 6 – 8 ft island, you could hang two lamps above it, whereas for a 9 ft island and above, you’d be better off with three.   For a modern look, choose a cluster of smaller pendants (around 5 in diameter); traditional rooms look best with larger lamps (around 14 in diameter).  Remember to hang them approximately 30 – 36″ above the island so that you can chat comfortably while you are seated.

How many recessed lights do I need in my kitchen?

If there are no tall cabinets in the perimeter of the room, place them 2 feet away from the wall, and every 6 or 7 feet apart.

– You do not need any lights right when you step into a room, so the first one can be placed about 3 – 4 feet inside a room.

– For hallways that are 9 – 14 feet, you’d need two recessed lights; above that, you’d need three or more.  The smaller lights look more elegant, so we usually use 4 in – 5 in diameter lights.

If there are upper cabinets, move them farther away from the wall so they are not shining directly at the edge of your countertop.  We usually center them along the walkway, so they are 3.5 – 4 feet from the wall.

Where do I need additional task lighting?

Under cabinets (to illuminate your countertops) and above the sink.

 

 

DINING ROOMS

How do I light my dining room?

We prefer dining rooms to feel more relaxed, so we usually just go with one ceiling fixture (like a chandelier) and two sconces on the wall on either side of the buffet or side table.  We do not used recessed lights unless the room is very large (more than 18 ft along any edge).

BEDROOMS

How much light do I need in a bedroom?

To determine the total number of watts you need in the room, multiply the width of the room (in feet) x the length of the room (in feet) x 1.5.

So for a 14 ft x 14 ft room (14 x 14 x 1.5 = 294), you’d need approximately 300 watts.   This is a lot of lighting, but you would spread this over different lighting sources so you can layer the brightness.  For example in a bedroom, you could do a flushmount ceiling lamp (for general lighting, with 2 x 60 watt bulbs), two bedside lamps (60 watt each), and a desk or floor reading lamp (also 60 watt).  Instead of the ceiling lamp, you could also install recessed lighting.

What size chandelier should I get for my bedroom?

– Add the length and width of your room (in feet), and convert this number to inches.  This will be your diameter.

Example: for a room that is 20 ft long x 15 ft wide, you would need a 35″ rd chandelier.

– Measure the height of your room.  For every foot, allow 3 inches of height for your light fixture.  This will be your height.

Example: for a room that is 9 ft high, you would need a 27″ high chandelier.  But remember, when hanging your chandelier, leave approximately 6’6″ – 7′ clearance from the floor so that you and your guests have ample room to walk under the light fixture.

To view our selection of table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, ceiling lamps, bath lamps, and outdoor lighing, click here.

UPDATE: Based on your feedback, we’ve created a Tablecloth Finder to help you find the right sized tablecloth — try it out and tell us if you like it!

Table linens are essential for setting the right tone to your event and they can really transform a space.  Choosing a tablecloth is easy; here are answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Determining Quality

What should I look for in fine linens?

Fine linens are characterized by a combination of beautiful materials, expert construction, fine workmanship, and design. Most fine linens are made from linen or cotton because they are durable, absorbent, and soft.

What material should my table linens be made from?

Because they are strong and absorbent, we recommend cotton and linen. While they do require ironing, they are long-lasting and have the most luxurious feel and appearance.

For ease of care, there are high quality easy-care table linen collections available which are either stain-resistant or wrinkle resistant.

What is the difference between linen and cotton?

Both linen and cotton are natural fibers. Linen comes from the flax plant, which grows in the cooler climates of western and northern Europe. Cotton comes from the cotton plant, which grows in hot, humid climates throughout the world.  Both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable, and become softer with use.

There are some subtle differences, however. Linen feels lighter and crisper and becomes whiter with use. It is also highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton feels more substantial and is will shrink more than linen.

What determines quality in cotton fabrics?

Quality in cotton is primarily based on the length of the fibers. This is because longer fibers can be spun into smoother, stronger, and much finer yarns, which can then be woven to create fabrics that are softer and more durable.  In particular, Egyptian cotton is prized because the humid weather and rich soil around the Nile delta produce especially delicate and long fibers. Cotton grown in Egypt has a staple length of over 2 1/4″, twice the size of that in generic cotton and 60% longer than Pima cotton.

What determines quality in linen fabrics?

Like cotton, higher quality linen fabrics are made from longer fibers because these produce finer and stronger yarns. In addition, these fibers have a very consistent thickness with almost no coarse knots or uneven slubs, resulting in a smooth hand.  Irish and Belgian linen are widely acknowledged to be among the finest linen in the world.

Determining Size

What are standard table linen sizes?

Formal table linens are generously sized for elegant entertaining. Sizes will vary among different collections, but they are generally as follow:

Cocktail Napkin	6″ x 6″
Luncheon Napkin	18″ x 18″
Dinner Napkin	22″ x 22″
Placemat	14″ x 20″
Tablecloth	70″ x 90″ (seats 8)
Tablecloth	70″ x 108″ (seats 10-12)
Tablecloth	70″ x 126″ (seats 12)
Tablecloth	70″ x 144″ (seats 12-14)
Tablecloth	70″ x 162″ (seats 12-14)
Tablecloth	70″ x 180″ (seats 16-18)
Tablecloth	70″ round (seats 4)
Tablecloth	90″ round (seats 8)
Tablecloth	108″ round (seats 10-12)

For more information, view our basic chart of tablecloth sizes and the tables they would fit.

What size tablecloth should I buy?

For formal settings, tablecloths should hang down 10″ to 12″ around the table. More elaborate occasions may call for a drop of anywhere from 15″ to 30″ (all the way to the floor). The longer the drop, the more dramatic the effect. In contrast, casual events call for cloths that have 6″ – 8″ drops.

To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 48″ wide and 84″ long, and you would like a 12″ drop on each side, you would add 24″ to each dimension:
48″ + 24″ = 72″ wide
84″ + 24″ = 108″ long

For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 48″ round tables would require 72″ round tablecloths.

What shape should my tablecloth be?

Rectangular table – rectangular tablecloth

Oval table – oval or rectangular tablecloth

Square table – square tablecloth

Round table – round or square tablecloth

My table has several leaves. What size tablecloth should I buy?

If the table is extended and shortened often, purchase separate tablecloths to fit each size. If this is not possible, you can buy a cloth that fits the size of table that is used most often, and purchase more affordable banquet cloths for larger affairs. Another solution is to simply buy a cloth to fit the largest table, and use it at all times. A third possibility is to go with a nice set of placemats and napkins.

Are custom tablecloths available?

Yes. If you can’t find a standard size tablecloth that fits your table, we are happy to offer custom sizes in many collections.

Suggested Quantities

How many table linens do I need?

We recommend that a basic collection of table linens include the following items:

1 Formal Tablecloth
12 Formal Napkins (usually to match the tablecloth)
1 Casual Tablecloth
12 Casual Napkins
12 Placemats
18 Cocktail Napkins
1 Table Liner

Design Tips

What design should I choose for my table linens?

Generally, formal linens are either solid, woven with a pattern, printed, or embroidered. White and ivory are the most traditional colors.  Printed designs and more colorful embroideries, more suitable for informal settings.

What is a damask?

Unlike a print, a damask or jacquard refers to patterns that are woven into the fabric of the cloth, creating a subtle, yet elegant look.  Although it is a common misconception that the term “damask” refers to a heavy cloth, damask patterns may be woven into fabrics of any weight.

What colors should my table linens be?

White is the most popular color for table linens and it is always appropriate for formal dining. Ivory and off-white colors are a popular second, especially in rooms with warmer tones. Beyond these, colors are wonderful for highlighting special elements in your tabletop collections or to celebrate festive occasions.

What should I consider in choosing linens for a special event?

– Location: Choose colors to complement the existing décor of your dining room. For outdoor events, let the setting be your guide. Generally, bright colors look better in sunny locations, while pastels are wonderful in garden settings.

– Season: Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.

– Theme: Colorful linens are one of the most effective ways to set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.

Protecting Your Tables

Why do I need a table liner?

Although designed to last a lifetime, fine table surfaces are often exposed to excessive wear and tear. To help protect your tables, thick felt table liners are designed to reduce noise and protect your tabletop against heat and scratches. Unlike ordinary liners, these are plush and generously sized (approximately 5″ larger than your table) to extend over the edge of your table in order to create a softer drape underneath your fine linens.  To read more, see Protecting Your Table with Felt Liners.

What size table liner do I need?

We suggests choosing a table liner that is slightly smaller than your tablecloth (but larger than your table.) Following are our recommended sizes:

Tablecloth	Felt Liner
70″ x 90″	60″ x 82″
70″ x 108″	60″ x 100″
70″ x 126″	60″ x 118″
70″ x 144″	60″ x 136″
70″ x 162″	60″ x 154″
70″ x 180″	60″ x 172″
88″ x 106″	78″ x 96″
88″ x 124″	78″ x 114″
88″ x 140″	78″ x 130″
88″ x 160″	78″ x 150″
70″ round	60″ round
90″ round	80″ round
108″ round	90″ round

Caring for Table Linens

How do I care for my table linens?

Most fine linens can be laundered at home. Cottons and linens should be washed with like colors in cool water using a regular (non-bleach) detergent. Stains should be treated as soon as possible using a stain remover such as our LeBlanc Linen Wash. Bleaching agents such as chlorine, peroxide, or sodium carbonate should not be used.

Linens can be dried, but should be removed from the dryer while slightly damp in order to minimize wrinkles. They should then be spread on a large surface and pressed with a hot iron. When ironing embroideries, place them face down on a towel and press on the reverse side.

Taffetas, silks and laces should generally be dry cleaned, especially if the items are delicate or have decorative fringes.

Are there specialty linen cleaning solutions?

LeBlanc Linen Wash is a specially formulated cleaning solution for laundering fine linens. Its gentle, pH-balanced formula may be used on all natural fibers, synthetics, and blends. We particularly like it because it is concentrated, so it is effective on linens (including vintage linens) without the use of bleach, caustics, or phosphates. LeBlanc Linen Wash has been tested to remove lipstick, jam and jelly, fruit juice, coffee, tea, chocolate, red, wine, grease, cola, ink, and oil stains.

Do I have to iron my fine table linens?

For formal dining, we do recommend that you iron your fine linens. After washing, simply lay your slightly damp linens on your table over large towels or a felt table liner and press with a hot iron. Of course, you may also have your linens professionally pressed for a small charge.

How do I store my table linens?

Preparing linens for storage is easy. Make sure linens are completely clean and dry. Avoid starching them prior to storage. Fold items gently and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Do not store linens in plastic bags or cedar chests or in basements, attics, or garages to prevent large fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Check your linens periodically to ensure that they are clean and dry.

To view all our collections of table linens, click here.