Getting the right tablecloth size, colour, and quantity for your event takes some planning. This guide covers what to order and how to work out quantities.
Getting the right tablecloth size, colour, and quantity for your event takes some planning. This guide covers what to order and how to work out quantities.
Linen hire covers tablecloths, napkins, table runners, and poseur covers. Getting the right cloth size, colour, and quantity for your event takes some planning. This guide covers what to order and how to work out quantities.
Tablecloths come in round and rectangular sizes to match the tables you are hiring. The standard rule is that the cloth should overhang the edge of the table by 30 to 45cm on all sides. A full floor-length drop looks formal and hides table legs. A 30cm drop is more casual and suits buffet tables where catering staff need access to the shelf underneath.
For a 5ft (60-inch) round table, you need a 120-inch (305cm) round tablecloth to achieve a mid-length drop on all sides. For a 6ft (72-inch) round table, a 132-inch round cloth gives the same result. If you want a full floor-length drop on a 5ft round, a 132-inch cloth is the size to order.
For an 8ft x 2ft 6in trestle table, a 90x156-inch rectangular cloth gives a mid-length drop on all sides. A 90x132-inch cloth works if you are happy with a shorter drop at the ends, which is common for buffet tables.
Fitted poseur covers wrap around a poseur table and fasten underneath, giving a clean, snug appearance. They are available in black and white and suit cocktail receptions and corporate events where the underside of the table needs to be hidden.
White and ivory are the standard choices for weddings and formal dinners. White reads as crisper and more modern. Ivory is softer and works well with warm lighting and floral centrepieces.
Black linen suits corporate events, awards evenings, and branded dinners where the scheme calls for a dark base. It pairs well with coloured napkins or runners to add an accent without switching the base cloth colour.
Coloured tablecloths are available for themed events. If you have a specific colour scheme, let us know when you enquire and we will confirm availability.
Napkins come in white as standard. They can be folded flat, or rolled and tied with a napkin ring for a dressier look. Order one napkin per guest as a minimum and add 5% to the total to cover guests who drop or soil a napkin during the meal.
A table runner is a strip of fabric that runs down the centre of a rectangular table or across the middle of a round table. It adds a colour accent or texture over the base tablecloth. Runners work well on long trestle tables where a plain white cloth can look sparse, and on round tables as a decorative layer between the cloth and the centrepiece.
One tablecloth per table. One napkin per guest, plus 5% spare. One runner per table if you are using them. One poseur cover per poseur table.
If you are running a buffet alongside a seated dinner, the buffet trestle tables also need covering. Budget for one cloth per buffet table in addition to your dining table count.
Linen hire works best when ordered alongside the rest of your table dressing. We hire crockery, cutlery, and glassware as part of the same package. A complete place setting includes a dinner plate, cutlery set, and wine glass per guest, placed on a dressed table. Ordering everything together means one delivery, one collection, and a confirmed quantity match across all items.
Send us your guest numbers, table types, and colour requirements to get a linen hire quote. We deliver to events across England and Wales. View our linen hire range or request a quote.
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