Table Linen & Accessories

Can I purchase table linen and accessories at Spotlight?

Yes, you can. Table linens are essential for setting the right tone for your event and they can really transform a space. Table linens can be used not only in the dining room, but in the kitchen, on the patio, and even on occasional tables or to "dress" a table when it is not being used for meals. Our collection includes tablecloths, table runners, place mats and coasters, napkins, and wipe-clean and party table covers too.

What is the best table covering for me?

That very much depends on the occasion and the surface of your table. Some formal occasions like dinner parties demand a formal tablecloth, ideally with matching cloth napkins. For more informal gatherings, a table runner and/or place mats can be perfect to set the right tone. Kids parties, BBQs and other outdoor gatherings may require a wipe-clean PVC table cover or even a disposable paper one.

Another factor to consider is the surface of your table. Wood surfaces often need to be protected from hot dishes and or liquid spills which can leave lasting marks on the surface. A good idea is to protect your table surface with a liner underneath the decorative cloth, or to add melamine table mats or trivets to place hot pots and pans on.

What size tablecloth should I buy?

For formal events, tablecloths should hang down 10&Prime - to 12&Prime - around the table. More elaborate occasions may call for a drop of anywhere from 15&Prime - to 30&Prime - (all the way to the floor). This is also a good idea if you have a buffet table for your event. The longer the drop, the more dramatic the effect. In contrast, casual events call for cloths that have 6&Prime - - 8&Prime - drops.

To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 120 cm/ 48&Prime - wide and 210 cm / 84&Prime - long, and you would like a 30 cm / 12&Prime - drop on each side, you would add 60 cm / 24&Prime - to each dimension: 120 cm / 48&Prime - + 60 cm / 24&Prime - = 180 cm / 72&Prime - wide, and 210 cm / 84&Prime - + 60 cm / 24&Prime - = 270 cm / 108&Prime - long.

For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 120 cm / 48&Prime - round tables would require 180 cm / 72&Prime - round tablecloths.

How can I protect my table linen?

Table linens will inevitably get stained by foods or drink during meal times. Most table linens can be laundered at home. It is advisable to treat stains with a specialist stain remover before putting the table linen in the washing machine for best results. Never use bleach on coloured table linens. Cotton and Linen table cloths can be washed on a higher temperature than synthetic materials, and some table runners made from taffeta, bamboo or other materials may not be able to be washed, so always check labels or product packaging.

If your table is being used by kids for craft projects, or for tasks such as making preserves or polishing silver, protect your table surface or tablecloth by covering the table with a PVC table covering. We have many attractive designs available by the metre.