Round tablecloths should be used for round tables. Tablecloths in general are so elegant and welcoming that they’re worth whatever trouble it takes to keep them clean and fresh and ready to drape over the table when those unexpected guests arrive. A round tablecloth should have an overhang of at least eight inches on all sides, and a formal tablecloth should have at least a 24 inch drop. Some people use tablecloths that not only drape all the way to the floor, but puddle there in a dramatic way.
Round tablecloths can be very inexpensive or cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the fabric, whether they’re hand embroidered, hand-painted, or edged with handmade lace. They can be bought at flea markets, fire sales, antique stores, department stores and bedding stores.
How to Store Round Tablecloths
Most people fold up their tablecloths when they’re not in use and put them in the linen closet. Then, when it’s time to put
Round Tablecloths
them on the table they’re full of creases that have to be ironed out. An ingenious way to store a round tablecloth or any sort of table cloth is to roll it up on runner. This is simpler than it sounds. That roll that the Christmas wrapping paper came on might be perfect. Wrap the roll with acid free tissue paper, then roll the tablecloth around the paper. It may need to be folded lengthwise to fit, but that’s only one crease as opposed to a lot of them. Then, the cloth should be covered with acid free tissue paper and stored horizontally in the linen closet. Or, a tablecloth can be hung from a hanger, with another sheet of acid free paper covering the rod and a layer of tissue paper over the tablecloth. They can also be stored in garment bags as long as they’re not made out of plastic. Plastic will cause linen to yellow.
For a round table that seats four people, the tablecloth should be 60 inches round. For a round table that seats six, it should be 70 or 72 inches round, and for a table that seats six to eight people, the tablecloth should be 90 inches round, or longer.
Round tablecloths can be made of all sort of fabrics. Cotton is one of the best fabrics. It’s durable, beautiful, soft and can be dyed all kinds of colors and have all manner of patterns. Cotton can tolerate repeated washings. The tablecloth can be tossed into the machine and then into the dryer. However, it’ll probably have to be ironed before it’s stored.
Many fabrics are called linen, but linen is specifically a fabric made from flax. It’s very strong and lustrous, but expensive. It can be put in the washer and dryer, but it needs to be ironed, even more than cotton. Lawn is a lightweight fine linen, and can also be made of highly polished cotton yarn.
Synthetic fibers like polyester are long lasting and don’t need much maintenance. They lack the sensuous feel of cotton or linen. They too can be put in the washer and dryer, but they don’t need ironing.
Round tablecloths are a must for anyone — with a round dining table! — who wants to add a touch of elegance to any meal.