Linen Hire: Quantities, Sizes and Colours Explained

This guide covers the essentials of linen hire for events in England and Wales. It details sizing requirements, quantity calculations, and colour selection for your catering setup.

Choosing the right tablecloth size

The correct tablecloth size depends on the table type and your preferred drop. A standard drop is 30cm, which hangs to the lap of seated guests. Floor-length cloths require larger dimensions.

Calculating napkin quantities

Always order more napkins than the number of confirmed guests. A 10% buffer accounts for dropped items or spills during service.

• Calculate based on the total guest count.
• Add 10% to your total order.
• Round up to the nearest pack size.

View our full range of linen hire options here.

Selecting colours

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

• White and Ivory: Standard choices for weddings and formal dinners.
• Black: Used for corporate events to hide stains and create a high-contrast look.
• Pastels: Suitable for themed events or seasonal styling.

Stick to one colour for a uniform look. Mixing colours can make a setup look cluttered unless managed by a professional stylist.

Floor-length vs standard drop

The standard 30cm drop is practical and allows for easy movement around the table. Floor-length cloths look more formal but can be a trip hazard. Use floor-length options for cake tables or top tables where the legs remain hidden throughout the event.

Delivery limitations

Expo Hire delivers event equipment exclusively to locations in England and Wales. We do not currently service Scotland or Northern Ireland. Confirm your postcode during the checkout process to verify eligibility.