A tablecloth sets the mood and the tone of whatever meal you’re serving and, as an added bonus, it helps protect the table. Shopping for tablecloths can be pretty confusing though. Often times trying to decide what size and shape to get is a difficult task. Here is a good way to calculate your perfect tablecloth no matter how small or large your table is.
Get Your Table Ready To Be Sized
If you have an extendable table with leaves make sure to extend or shrink your table to the size you will be using before you measure your table for linens. For a casual tablecloth this will probably be the table size you use most frequently. If you’re hosting a formal dinner, it will be the dimensions you plan to use for your special occasion.
Calculate Your Tabletop Dimension
Measure both table length and width. For either, this is most easily accomplished by measuring from the center of your table outward, then multiplying the measurement by two.
Factor In The “Drop” You Want
Determine the desired length of your tablecloth drop (how far over your table you want the cloth to hang. The standard is considered to be 10 inches. Anything less than 6 inches will make your table look out of proportion and your linens too small. You can also extend your drop for a more formal look, but if you do this, you should measure the difference between the table and the chairs to see what will look good when chairs are pushed under the table without gathering too much fabric or draping on your guests’ laps.
Do A Little Table Math
For a rectangular table, multiply your desired drop by two, then add on the actual measurements of the table. For example, if you are going for a 10-inch drop and your table is 68 inches long, your mathematical equation would be 10 (the desired drop, in inches) multiplied by 2 (to factor in both sides of the table) with 68 (the length of your table) added. Your desired tablecloth length would be 88 inches.
For A Round Table
For a round table, calculate the size slightly differently. You will want to multiply your desired drop by two, then measure the table through its diameter from one side to the other, adding that to the total number. For instance, if your round table has a 50-inch diameter and you want a 10-inch drop, your calculation would be (10×2) + 50, which equals 70. Your desired tablecloth size would be a 70-inch round.
If You Don’t Find The Exact Size
If you have a difficult time finding the exact size you want, then simply size up to the next available size.
Rectangular Tablecloth Size Calculator.
Table Length Tablecloth Size
62″ to 72″ 70″ x 90″
80″ to 92″ 70″ x 108″
96″ to 110″ 70″ x 126″
110″ to 126″ 70″ x 144″
Round Tablecloth Size Calculator
Table Size Tablecloth Size
42″ to 55″ Round 70″ Round
55″ to 70″ Round 90″ Round
©Tiny New York Kitchen © 2020 All Rights Reserved
Table Manners Dos and Don’ts
I believe it’s always best to start with the positive so let’s start with the “Dos.”
Table Dos
Do place your napkin in your lap, and use it to blot your lips and wipe your hands.
Do wait for your hostess to be seated before you start eating, unless requested to do so earlier.
Do cut food into manageable, bite-sized pieces, and swallow before you speak.
Do say, “Please pass the…” instead of reaching across the table and igniting yourself on an open flame.
Do place fork and knife diagonally across the upper right hand corner of your plate when you are finished eating.
Do remove hot or inedible substances from your mouth with your fork, not your fingers or napkin.
Do eat drink garnishes after draining your glass, not before.
Do use a fork when sopping up gravy or sauces with chunks of bread.
Do use finger bowls to clean fingers, and hot towels to clean hands and mouths.
Do refrain from making or receiving phone calls at the table.
Table Don’ts
Don’t grasp eating utensils as you would a garden trowel or hammer, or place used utensils directly on the table.
Don’t tuck your napkin into your shirt collar.
Don’t primp or clean your teeth at the table.
Don’t fidget or make loud noises while you eat (slurping, burping, lip-smacking).
Don’t slouch or otherwise lean on the table.
Don’t scoop ice from your water glass to cool hot soups or beverages.
Don’t season your food before you taste it.
Don’t push your plate away from you when you are finished eating.
Don’t leave your spoon in your mug while drinking from it, or wring tea bags with your fingers.
Don’t dunk donuts or scones into beverages.
“Work With What You Got!”
© Victoria Hart Glavin Tiny New York Kitchen
