Linen Hire: Quantities, Sizes and Colours Explained

This linen hire guide quantities colours covers the essentials for events across England and Wales. It details sizing requirements, calculation methods, and styling choices for your catering setup. You can view live prices and stock levels directly on our website.

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Choosing the right tablecloth size

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The correct tablecloth size depends on the table type and your preferred drop. A standard drop measures 30cm and hangs to the lap of seated guests. Floor-length cloths require larger dimensions. Pair these with our table hire options to complete your dining layout.

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Table Type	Cloth Size (30cm drop)
5ft Round	90" Round
6ft Trestle	90" x 132"

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Calculating napkin quantities

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Always order more napkins than the number of confirmed guests. A 10% buffer accounts for dropped items or spills during service. Every order includes a free minor damage waiver to cover accidental snags or minor burns.

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• Calculate based on the total guest count.
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• Add 10% to your total order.
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• Round up to the nearest pack size.
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View our complete selection of linen hire options here.

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Linen hire guide quantities colours and styling

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We supply linen in white, ivory, black, and a selection of pastels. Your choice should reflect the formality of the event.

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• White and Ivory: Standard choices for weddings and formal dinners.
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• Black: Hides stains and creates a high-contrast look for corporate events.
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• Pastels: Pastels suit themed events or seasonal styling.
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Stick to one colour for a uniform look. Mixing shades can make a setup look cluttered unless a professional stylist manages the layout.

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Floor-length vs standard drop

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The standard 30cm drop remains practical and allows guests to move around the table without restriction. Floor-length cloths look more formal but present a trip hazard. Use floor-length options for cake tables or top tables where the legs remain hidden throughout the event. Consult this linen hire guide quantities colours when planning your final layout.

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Delivery limitations and ordering

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Expo Hire delivers event equipment exclusively to venues throughout England and Wales. Delivery starts from £40 ex-VAT and calculates automatically based on the road distance from your nearest depot. We do not require a security deposit for your order. Stock levels update in real time. Select your hire dates to check availability and confirm your booking online without needing to call.

Napkin quantities and folding

Order one napkin per guest, plus 10% for service drops and late additions. For a banquet with multiple courses, some venues use a fresh napkin for each course — in that case multiply by the number of courses. Most events use one per cover throughout. Read the full linen hire guide for drop measurements and table size reference tables.

Chair covers

Chair covers fit over the seat and back of standard banqueting chairs. They are most commonly used with a sash or tie for weddings and formal galas. Expo Hire supplies chair covers in white and ivory. Order one per seated guest with 5% extra for fitting errors.

Colour combinations that work

White linen with coloured napkins is the most flexible base. The napkin colour can match the event palette without committing the entire table to a strong colour. Ivory linen suits cream, gold, and burgundy napkins better than it suits white or black. Black linen is strong for awards nights and product launches — use white crockery and silver cutlery for maximum contrast.

Save the Date

Enter the dates and postcode of your event to view personalised pricing and stock availability

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Collection Date

eg. B40 1NT

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