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24 choice tablecloths for the festive season
The wonderful thing about a tablecloth is you needn’t know what’s underneath it – it’s the flattering and forgiving smock dress of the table world. You could have the cheapest, worst dining table in the world under there and it will look dressed to perfection when hidden beneath some beautiful table linen and topped with a candlestick or two.
Quality linen will only get better with age and use, so it’s the perfect thing to shop for in charity shops, brocantes or on eBay. If you do accrue the odd stain here and there, just see them as fond mementos of a great meal but try using baking soda or a mix of water and white wine vinegar to remove the mark while it’s still fresh.
What is the best tablecloth drop?
Size matters, so choose a tablecloth that will have a drop of at least 15cm (anything between that and the floor is great and entirely down to personal preference). You also shouldn’t feel like you need to shop in a linen department specifically – with a quick and easy hem, any favourite fabric can become a tablecloth as long as it’s wide enough. We love to liven up a room with inexpensive Indian block printed cotton table linen from Etsy or a cheerful gingham check, which is of-the-moment but also an enduring classic that won’t date.
See below for our edit of the best table linen to smarten up your space and transform those ugly duckling dining tables. From rich autumnal tones to festive prints, many of our picks are particularly suited to this time of year, when many of us are hosting dinner parties and entertaining more than usual.
Best brands to shop at:
- The White Company - A high street failsafe for reliable quality and pared-back products.
- John Lewis - If you're after something simple but pretty, John Lewis is where to head. Their linens have that lovely rumpled, casual quality to them that reminds us of tables, covered in fresh pastries, set for long lunches on holiday.
- Soho Home - Soho Home's tablecloths provide a blank canvas for interesting plates and cutlery but their range doesn’t eschew attention to detail. It's the style set's go-to for a reason.
- LaDoubleJ - They know their way around a tablescape, so choosing from their collection is a kid-in-a-candy-shop situation. There are many colours to pull out and play with, though their Jungle Book print is always a winner in our eyes.
- Polkra - Deliciously decadent, Polkra's tablecloths are perfect for special occasions.
- La Redoute - We'd opt for La Redoute's linens. They're available in an impressive array of sizes.
- Late Afternoon - Late Afternoon is a relatively new small brand with a well edited selection of cushions, table linen, glassware and ceramics all made for them by artisans in Europe.
- The Sette - The Sette have one of those heavenly websites where you simply want to buy everything. Their new collection is packed with prints and colours that'll make you swoon.
Tablecloths
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Looking for some more tableware to pair with your new tablecloth? Have a look at our guide to the best napkins, or head over here to see our round up of the best glasses. To take your tablescape to the next level, do have a nosey at our round up of the loveliest candles and candlesticks.
