Everything You Need to Know About Your Hotel Tablecloth Material

The hotel industry is big on perception. As a hotel owner, you want to capitalise on this to attract more customers.

A sure way is by paying attention to your table setting. Tablecloths can help you create the dining experience your guests expect.

They can transform your setting and make your hotel look like a stylish 5-star hotel. You want that!

But picking the right tablecloth is not an easy task. The market has lots of them in different materials. They are also in a variety of colours and patterns.

To buy the right tablecloths, note:

• Quality. Do not compromise on this one. Many people believe high-quality tablecloths are expensive. As a result, they shy away from buying them and opt for cheaper ones.

  High-quality tablecloths are durable. The value you gain in the long-run outweighs the initial cost of buying.

  You can save on the cost by buying from a commercial linen supplier. Australian Linen Supply is your sure bet.

  When you buy in bulk, you get a huge discount. And ALS stocks high-quality linen at an affordable cost.

• Size. Tablecloths are the building blocks of any setting. Picking the right fit is important.

  To determine the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length (L) and width (W) of your dinner table. Then add twice the desired drop to each figure.

  For formal dining, your drop should be between 20 to 30cm on all sides. Casual dining should have a drop of 15 to 20cm.

  If you have an elegant occasion, consider the puddle drop for your dinner tables. This is where the tablecloth drops all the way past the length of the table.

• Purpose. The purpose of the tablecloth determines what material is best to use. Are your tablecloths for everyday use or for special occasions?

  Your considerations will differ when buying tablecloths for daily use from special occasions.

  For example, tablecloths used daily need a fabric that can withstand daily washings. Cotton is a good choice.

  For special occasions, consider linen tablecloths

• Occasion. The occasion determines its level of formality. You need to figure out if it is a casual or formal setting.

  There are tablecloths that suit each setting. If yours is a formal and elegant occasion, materials such as silk and satin are best.

  Also, if the occasion has a theme, consider a tablecloth that will reflect the theme of the occasion.

All the above factors contribute to the choice of material for your tablecloths.

Each material has its unique advantages. Let’s explore them:

1. Cotton

A striped black and white cotton tablecloth. Image from samsungalbania

This is one of the most common materials for tablecloths.

It is a natural fibre and lends itself to easy-care through a regular machine-wash cycle. It is also affordable.

If you are looking for a fabric that can withstand everyday wear and tear, cotton is a perfect choice.

It is versatile and comes in different colours and patterns. Its patterns range from bold to subtle and large to small prints. This gives you a variety of options for different settings.

For example, when hosting a formal event at your hotel, use small patterns and subtle colours. If the event entails casual dining, go for bold colours and large patterns.

Often, you will find tablecloths blended with other materials to enhance certain properties. A blend of cotton and polyester fabric makes a tablecloth more absorbent. It is also wrinkle-resistant and durable.

One disadvantage of cotton is that it is prone to shrinking during washing. You can prevent this by washing your tablecloths on a delicate cycle and in cold water. Afterwards, air-dry them.

2. Polyester

Image from: WikiMedia

This is a synthetic fibre that comes in various colours.

It is like cotton but has a shiny appearance and is silky. This makes it ideal for formal settings such as weddings and corporate events.

Tablecloths made of polyester are usually durable and resistant to stains and spills.  This is because polyester doesn’t absorb liquids well.

Polyester tablecloths are great for buffet tables.

Since guests serve themselves, spills and accidents are almost guaranteed. Polyester tablecloths are functional for a buffet.

They are easy to clean and are durable. Also, they need no ironing because they are wrinkle-resistant.

Often, polyester and cotton blend to form a poly-cotton tablecloth. This gives you the benefits of both fabrics.

3. Satin

Image from: Occasions Event Center & Rentals

No other fabric screams celebration more than satin! This is a beautiful fabric usually made from either silk or polyester.

It has a shiny look on one side and a matte look on the other. This gives you different options of use depending on your setting.

Use satin on your table settings when hosting a wedding banquet or a cocktail party.

It has a shiny texture that radiates, especially in the evening. This creates an elegant and romantic vibe to the occasion.

4. Vinyl

Vinyl is a synthetic fabric often used as an outer material on a table. It is durable.

It is resistant to scratches and acts as a protective covering. This keeps your wooden tables long-lasting and always looking as good as new.

Use a heavy flannel material underneath to keep the vinyl in place.

Vinyl tablecloths are best for casual settings, as the fabric is cheap. To spruce up your tables, opt for a flowered vinyl tablecloth.

Vinyl tablecloths are easy to maintain. You only have to wipe them after meals and then you can reuse them.

They are also great for outdoor settings because the fabric is water-resistant. It is not prone to destruction from weather elements.

5. Linen

Add a dash of class to your dinner tables with linen tablecloths. This is a luxury fabric available in a variety of colours.

It is pricey but a worthwhile investment. Because its fibres are longer than cotton, it is more durable. It is also resistant to stains.

Linen tablecloths are elegant and soft. They are suitable for special occasions.

They need special attention when washing them. Use cold water on the delicate cycle and then iron them when damp.

Linen is often blended with cotton. This makes it less pricey and requires less ironing compared to a linen-only fabric.

6. Organza

This is one of those fabrics great for aesthetics. Organza is a translucent fabric and best for creating vibrant layers of colour.

It is a good choice for an overlay. Overlays add a touch of elegance to your tablecloths.

Watch this video to see how you can decorate your table with organza and lights.

You can place an overlay on a square or round tablecloth. But it looks especially nice on a round one.

Organza is a delicate fabric used for special occasions. It requires gentle care and is often hand-washed as opposed to machine-washed.

7. Silk

Image from: Occasions Event Center & Rentals

Silk tablecloths are elegant. 

They are also expensive. Many event planners and hotel owners prefer to rent the fabric rather than buy it.

Use silk tablecloths on special formal occasions, such as weddings. 

Often, they have embroidery, which adds a unique and classy touch to the occasion.

8. Damask

Image from: Occasions Event Center & Rentals

The origin of Damask fabric is Damascus, in Syria. This city was famous in the 12th century for its ornamental fabrics.

In the past, Damask tablecloths were only white and made of silk. They were a mark of class and reserved for the wealthy.

Today, polyester and blends of cotton and polyester make Damask tablecloths. These come in a variety of colours.

The fabric is glossy and exquisite in appearance. Some people call it an upscale linen fabric.

It has patterns formed by weaving. These make the fabric reversible, allowing you to use it on both sides.

Damask tablecloths are durable. They keep their colour and pattern even after undergoing several washings. 

Apart from tablecloths, damask fabric makes for great curtains.

Talk to the Linen Experts

Now you have some good knowledge on tablecloth material. Use these fabrics to enlighten your restaurant and transform your tables. 

Still unsure about what tablecloth material you need at your hotel? 

Turn to Australian Linen Supply. They are experts on linen matters and will answer all your questions.

Call them today!

Feature Image: Photosforyou