Registering For Table Linen
Tablecloths, place mats, and napkins, oh my! Linens are one of those essential items any new home needs, yet often get overlooked in the china and kitchenware craze. To make sure your house isn’t a wash-out, read on about what you need, want, and simply dream about.
Table of contents.
It’s a smart idea to invest in a few different tablecloths for various levels of formality. (When in doubt, get more—you’re never going to fret over having too many napkins.) For starters, you’ll probably want a formal tablecloth that’s monogrammed and only for very special occasions. Linen and lace are pricy and beautiful. For formal tablecloths, neutral shades of white are best, and easiest when combining colored china. For other linens, go crazy with colors or patterns. Cotton is affordable and easy to clean, and the tablecloth you’ll use most often.
The rule of thumb regarding tablecloths is that they should extend eight inches below the edge. This is simply for practical purposes: You don’t want people accidentally using your tablecloth as a bib, and you want to make sure it covers the entire table. Measure your table before registering, so you know what to ask for.
As for napkins, you’ll also want a few different styles. Usually sold in groups of four, monogrammed napkins are elegant and gorgeous, and a wonderful way to celebrate those anniversaries. Formal napkins should match the tablecloth in style and color; in other words, linen napkins with that linen cloth. (Damask is another popular option.) After the initial set, it’s a good idea to pick up a solid color to go with a patterned tablecloth and a patterned color to go with a solid tablecloth. Once again, cotton is the most sensible material to purchase.
Setting the table.
In addition to being extremely practical for spills, place mats accentuate your table settings perfectly. Granted, linen place mats are more decorative than functional, but plastic (even cork) place mats are durable, inexpensive, and can be a lifesaver when the red wine tips over. You don’t need that many place mats—two different sets are recommended—and, since they are cheaper than other linens, they’re a nice registry item for your friends on a tight budget. Once you have your linens sorted out, plan that perfect dinner and watch your table of contents spill out in perfect harmony.