4 Types of Tablecloths Your Hotel Truly Needs

First impressions frame a guest’s outlook on your hotel. This can make or break your business.

From the moment your guests walk into a room, they are making judgements.

There are no second chances in making first impressions. You better get it right the first time.

A great impression attracts new guests and builds loyalty among existing ones. Every business owner desires that.

You can achieve it by setting the tone for the experience you would like your guests to have.

How? By using the right tablecloths for your setting.

But don’t take our word for it. 

We know thoughts of linen on tables unleash a torrent of nays and yeas from hotel owners. There are endless debates about whether tablecloths are necessary for a hotel. 

These sentiments can leave you confused. 

A study looked at how environmental variables impact restaurant diners. Different diners shared their experience.

Findings showed most diners perceived their food to taste better when seated at tables with tablecloths. 

Sounds unbelievable, right? Except facts don’t lie.

If you need more convincing, worry not. Here are more reasons tablecloths in hotels are indispensable:

• Protection. Imagine the sight of a beautiful table covered with stains and scratches.

  Change this unappealing image using tablecloths. Say goodbye to scratches and nicks.

• Ambience. Linen elevates the ambience of your hotel by bringing out an element of class. They make any diner feel special.
• Noise reduction. Silverware and glassware often clash with the surface when dining. To minimise the noise, lay tablecloths on your dinner tables. They absorb the noise.
• Aesthetics. Want to create a themed setting? Themed linens enhance the aesthetic value of the food and dining experience for your guests.
• Versatile decor. There are other ways to decorate tables apart from a paint job or refurbishing. Tablecloths come in a variety of colours and patterns. This gives you versatile ways to decorate your dinner tables.

Your choice of tablecloths is a big deal to your business. If done right, you can transform your premise and make it stand out. This means more guests and, therefore, more money for you.

But if you ask any hotel owner, shopping for the right tablecloth is hard. The market has many options to choose from. 

We’ve got you covered with a criterion to help you make an informed choice. Consider the following:

• Shape of your dinner tables 
• Choice of fabric
• Desired style
• Required accessories

Let’s get started.

1. Shape of Your Dinner Tables

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Dinner tables come in three shapes: round, square and rectangular. This informs the shape of tablecloths that are necessary.

Round Table: For this shape, round tablecloths work best. To get a one that fits, factor in the table's diameter.

When setting round tables for a cocktail party, adorn round tablecloths with a sash. Pick a size bigger than what you need. The sash will lift the bottom and exposes the legs of the table.

If you are setting up an elegant occasion, have both round and square tablecloths. The square ones act as overlays, as seen below.

Square Table. These are ideal for either a formal or informal dining. Square tablecloths or folded rectangular tablecloths will look good on square tables.

Rectangular Table: When you want to bring a sense of community to the dinner table, use rectangular tables. For decor, use a rectangular-shaped tablecloth or two square tablecloths. 

Australian Linen Supply stocks tablecloths in different shapes. Here are some samples.

Whtie Square Tablecloth

Black Round tablecloth

2. Choice of Fabric

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Choose your tablecloth fabric according to the occasion.

Cotton is ideal for everyday dining. The fabric is strong enough to withstand several washings and everyday wear and tear.

Since cotton comes in a variety of colours, you can get creative. Its patterns range from small and subtle to large and loud prints. This gives you a versatile way to set tables.

For wedding and outdoor dining, go for polyester. Polyester and cotton are alike, but the former has more shine.

To achieve a luxurious look for a formal and elegant occasion, pick silk. The shiny texture of the fabric radiates and brings a touch of class to your dining.

3. Desired Style

Move away from the traditional single-coloured tablecloths. Wow your guests with different styles of tablecloths for each setting.

Incorporate colour. Studies have proven that colour has a psychological effect on customers. This has a ripple effect on sales. 

Warm colours stimulate an appetite. Your guests will eat more and thus spend money. If the colours of your decor are relaxing, customers will want to spend more time at the hotel.

Other styles you can consider include:

• Rustic

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  This style allows you to bring the outdoors inside. You can do this with vintage French bistro chairs in your set up. 

  Drape your tables with a burlap tablecloth.

  Your brand will ooze elegance yet remain authentic to that rustic look. 

  Your centrepieces need to make a statement.

  Place twigs in a vase, then scatter some red petals on the table. They add a sparkle to the setting.

  Complete the look using a tea towel as a rustic napkin.

• Eclectic

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  Go bold or go home!

  Choose an eclectic style of tablecloth when you need to grab attention.

  Your informal dining will never have a dull moment.

  With the graphics and large prints, inspire your guests to embrace their artistic side.

• Seasonal

  

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  Different seasons demand a new dining experience. The style of tablecloths you choose can help bring out the theme of the season.

  Bold colour combinations work well during holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas. They brighten up the entire room.

4. Required Accessories

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!

Bring some interest to your decor using an accessory. A table runner is an easy choice.

Forget the same old way of laying table runners across a table. Have runners of different fabrics and colours.

Some dynamic ways to style using runners are:

• Cross two table runners. Take two runners and let them run across each other to form the letter “X”.
• Short table runners. Get a short runner and place it in the middle of a table. An eye-catching centrepiece on a runner is a must. It will turn heads and spur conversation among guests.
• Widthwise table runners. Let your runners lay along the width to create rows on long tables. The runners serve as placemats for each place setting.
• Using themed and seasonal runners. Bring a natural element of decor by placing succulents and green plants in line with the runner.

Overlays add a new dynamic to your decor. You can use them on tables of all shapes.

Make your setting stand out by picking coloured overlays. Contrast overlays with these white and black bistro table napkins. They create a stunning effect without being overpowering.

White with Black side stripes

White with Royal Blue side stripes

Time to Invest in Superior Tablecloths

Now you have some good knowledge about how you can transform your hotel with decor. To boost the appearance of your setting, always go for high-quality tablecloths.

Remember, image is key!

The initial cost of buying good quality cloth may seem high, but it pays off in the long-run because it serves you longer.

If you settle for cheap ones with low-quality materials, they won’t stand the wear and tear. You will end up paying more by replacing them all the time.

Australian Linen Supply has an extensive product collection of premium-quality linen. Guests will keep coming back for that five-star dining experience.

Make ALS is your go-to supplier.

Get our full range of durable table linen at an affordable price today.

 

Source: Pexels