Table linens are essential for setting the right tone to your event and they can really transform a space. They will add a touch of elegance and class to your table setting. A backyard picnic, teatime on a terrace, weekend breakfast or formal dinner – all feel more special, more festive and elegant when clean and crisp cloth tablecloths, napkins, runners are used.
Choosing table linen is a serious undertaking and an investment – you pay not only for a piece of cloth but for your mood, the atmosphere and this classy feeling you get when the setting for the mealtime is so elegant.
Table linens should be made of soft, natural fibres – linen or cotton. You can purchase synthetic ones but the feel to the touch and overall impression is far from the best possible. Table linens made from linen are very absorbent and also long-lasting and have the most luxurious feel and appearance. Linen fibre does not become shiny when exposed to an iron’s heat. Linen and Egyptian cotton are widely considered the finest materials for table linens because of their long, durable fibres. Fine linens are characterized by a combination of beautiful materials, expert construction, fine workmanship, and design.
Both linen and cotton are natural fibres. Linen comes from the flax plant, which grows in the cooler climates of western and northern Europe. Cotton comes from the cotton plant, which grows in hot, humid climates throughout the world. Both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable, and become softer with use.
There are some subtle differences, however. Linen feels lighter and crisper and becomes whiter with use. It is also highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton feels more substantial and is will shrink more than linen.
When decision of the material is made, think of the colour of your tablecloth and other table linen pieces. Should you like more formal look, choose plain white, off white or ivory table linen. If you’d like to go with colour, choose a set that goes with the décor of your place but doesn’t overwhelm it. Think of your plates and dishes – coordinate the colours!
I certainly would recommend choosing table linen set made of linen. The look of the table dressed with pure linen tablecloth is remarkable. The fabric itself creates luxurious atmosphere. And if several linen runners and linen napkins are added – you get a royal table and festive atmosphere at once!
Linen table linen in not only durable, absorbent, easy care – it is also so gorgeous! Thanks to modern technologies, the fabric is prewashed during production process and make extremely soft and nice to touch linen napkins, tablecloths, runners etc. The colours are exquisite – all shades are to fall in love with – from pale pink to vivid aqua.
Please feel free and do not hesitate to contact me for advice or questions.
Linen care
- Act Fast
The quicker you can treat a stain the better the chance you have of getting it out. Timely treatment will prevent stains setting into the fibres of your linen. Use a suitable enzyme-based spot treatment and apply gently to the mark, without rubbing. Don’t be tempted to use chlorine bleach as this will damage the fabric and can cause yellowing. It is useful to test a new product on a hidden area of your linen to check that it doesn’t remove the colour or cause unsightly marks.
- Soak
Fill a large pan with hot water, or put the linen into your washing machine and allow it to fill with hot water, and soak overnight.
- Wash
Being mindful of your item’s care instructions, wash on a short cycle in the machine, or gently hand wash if it is not machine-washable.
- Dry
Line drying is best if you can, as the sun will add its bleaching power. Remember to dry shaped items flat to prevent them being stretched. Tumble drying, if your care instructions permit, is fine but can cause any residual stain to be fixed in by the heat.
- Store
If you like your linen napkins crease-free, resist the urge to iron them now. They are better off being rolled and stored, then swiftly ironed before use. Store linens flat if you can, rather than folded. Ironing can be useful if there are candle wax stains that haven’t come out: once you’ve scraped off as much wax as possible, blot with blotting paper and iron over the top to remove any leftover wax. If you are storing precious family heirloom linens, secure in a sealed bag and throw in a lavender pouch to keep them fresh.
Now all you have to do is set a beautiful table, rustle up some delicious food and get ready to share a meal with some loved ones or new friends.
‘The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen and heard and loved.
It’s about declaring your table a safe zone, a place of warmth and nourishment.’
-Shauna Niequist-
