Table cloth
Every great table setting starts with a great table cloth. Not only are table cloths a must for protecting your table against inevitable spills and stains, but the right choice of table cloth will set the foundation for your table décor.
We recommend buying fabric rather than a ready-made table cloth as this option is often much cheaper and always ensures the right size for your table.
Our Christmas
PVC table coverings are a great table cloth alternative as not only are they festive themed, but easily cleaned so can be used time and time again. If you prefer the look of a cotton table cloth we have hundreds of beautiful patterns to choose from also. Of course, you don’t have to opt for a festive themed covering if that’s not your thing, plain colours can look equally Christmassy when paired with festive decoration.
Making a simple table cloth from
Christmas cotton fabric
Remember, your table covering will set the tone for your table, so it’s important to choose a design you love. If you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to festive patterns, a simple plain red or green will provides an easy and Christmassy canvas to build on.
To make sure you order the correct fabric size, first measure the width and length of your table. Then, decide how much drape you want your table cloth to have. A 10cm drape is usually sufficient but you may want to go longer for a more dramatic look. When ordering, pay attention to the width of your fabric. If the width of your table exceeds the width of your fabric, account for this when choosing your length. For example, if your table is 200cm wide and the fabric is 114cm wide, you would need to add at least an extra metre when ordering your fabric length. Then, once you’ve ordered your fabric, you can cut it to your desired length.
Once you’ve chosen your fabric, cut it to size and fold each raw edge of the fabric about 1cm inwards - onto the wrong side of the pattern and secure with a single straight stitch.
Table runner
Now you have your table cloth ready, it’s time to choose a table runner. Table runners are a great to refine the table’s look and highlight the centrepiece. Choose a contrasting, yet complementary colour for your runner. We think these
glitter fabrics are a great choice for creating a festive look. As with the table cloth, we recommend creating a table runner from fabric for an accurate measurement (and generally cheaper price). To measure the correct size for your table runner, take the length of your table and add on your desired drape length. Table runners typically have a longer drape than table cloths, we recommend adding at least 30cm to either side of the table – 60cm in total. Once you have the fabric, you can cut it to whatever width you prefer, but as a general guide, runners usually take up one – two thirds of a table’s width.
Place settings
To create the perfect place setting, start with a charger or placemat in a colour or pattern which complements your table cloth. If you’ve opted for a patterned table cloth, we recommend a plain placemat. In contrast, if you opted for a plain table cloth, now is your opportunity to get creative with pattern and print. For a quirky look, use a different coloured place mat/charger for each place setting, or an alternating colour for each person. Just be sure to choose colours which are complemantary to each other as well as the table cloth or your table will look less ‘quirky’ and more ‘haphazard’.
Once the place mats or chargers are laid, it’s time to build on each your place setting with crockery. Start with the dinner plate, then salad plate and finally soup bowl. Then, place a bread plate to the top left of each place setting.
If you want to make your guests feel extra special, you can choose to give them a personalised place card too.
Napkins can also act as table decorations and are an effortless way to make your table look more put together. If you’re particularly handy when it comes to napkin folding, you may want to create a design with your napkin, however if you’re not, napkin rings are an easy option and just as formal.
Finish off the look by adding a Christmas cracker to each place setting.
