Buying guide for Best Thanksgiving tablecloths
Like many holidays, Thanksgiving is an occasion where food takes center stage. So when your family and friends gather around the table to give thanks and enjoy turkey with all the trimmings, it helps to have a lovely Thanksgiving tablecloth to make your meal feel more special.
Whether you’re serving Thanksgiving dinner buffet-style or as a formal sit-down meal, having a well-decorated table allows you to celebrate in style. Thanksgiving tablecloths range from simple and elegant to festive and whimsical. The tablecloths are also available in several materials, which vary in how easily they wrinkle and how much effort they take to clean.
When shopping for a new Thanksgiving tablecloth, start by determining the size and shape you need for your dining table. Next, decide what material you prefer, both for its appearance and its maintenance. Finally, select a color or pattern that best captures the holiday vibe and pairs well with the rest of your decorations.
Tablecloth shape and size
Square, rectangular, and round tables are most common, but you may have an oval or oblong table. Tablecloths are generally designed to fit a specific table shape, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your table.
If you want a more casual look for your table, opt for a tablecloth with a 6- to 8-inch drop from the table’s edge to the bottom hem of the tablecloth. For a formal look, choose a tablecloth with a 15-inch drop.
How to determine the right tablecloth size for your table
Measure your table’s length and width. Add twice the intended drop to each measurement. For example, if you have a table that’s 60 inches long and 38 inches wide and want a drop of 6 inches, add 12 inches to each side. Based on these calculations, you should look for a tablecloth 72 inches long and 50 inches wide.
For a round table, the diameter is the most important measurement. Add twice your desired drop to the measurement. For example, if your table has a 50-inch diameter and you want an 8-inch drop, opt for a 66-inch tablecloth.
If your tablecloth isn’t very thick, you may want to add a padded table protector beneath it. This helps prevent the tablecloth from shifting and protects the table from heat, spills, and scratches.
Staff
BestReviews
Tablecloth material
The most common tablecloth materials include the following:
Cotton
Cotton tablecloths have a crisp, elegant look. They are relatively easy to wash but wrinkle easily and require ironing. They can be somewhat expensive, too.
Polyester
Polyester is an affordable material that doesn’t tend to wrinkle. It’s easy to wash and doesn’t pill but is somewhat prone to staining.
Cotton blend
Cotton blend offers the best of both worlds with cotton and polyester tablecloths. It doesn’t wrinkle easily, but cotton-blend tablecloths aren’t as expensive as those made of 100% cotton. They have a heavier weight than polyester and drape well over a table.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a spill-resistant fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s easy to clean, too.
Vinyl
Vinyl offers an extremely casual look for your table, but it doesn’t stain or wrinkle easily. It can be wiped clean with a damp rag and is an excellent option for a kids’ Thanksgiving table.
What features do Thanksgiving tablecloths have?
Color
If you want a subtle look for your Thanksgiving table, choose a tablecloth in a solid color. You can still create a festive mood by opting for a seasonal color. Shades like orange, rust, maroon, red, yellow, and gold are perfect for the holiday.
The benefit of choosing a tablecloth in a solid color is that you can use it for multiple occasions, not just Thanksgiving. For example, if you select an autumnal color, the tablecloth could work for any dinner party you host in the fall. Depending on the colors in your home, you may be able to use it throughout the year as well.
Pattern and design
If you want to go all out with your Thanksgiving tablecloth, you can find many options with fun, festive patterns and designs. For example, you can find plaid tablecloths with autumnal colors such as rust, maroon, and gold. Many tablecloths feature autumn leaf patterns or designs that incorporate pumpkins. These patterns or designs are suitable for many fall occasions, which makes them quite versatile.
If you want a tablecloth with a turkey or pilgrim design, you can certainly find one. These choices typically only work for Thanksgiving dinner; they aren’t quite as versatile as other choices. Children may enjoy a tablecloth with a cute turkey design, so you may want to consider one for the kids’ table at your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ease of cleaning
Most Thanksgiving tablecloths are machine washable. You can usually toss them in the dryer, too. However, some tablecloths, including those made of vinyl and oilcloth, aren’t machine washable. These tablecloths require cleaning with a damp cloth after use.
Staff Tip
A Thanksgiving tablecloth with a white background stains more easily than one with a dark background. Note that a tablecloth with a pattern isn’t easy to bleach, so you may be stuck with stains.
Staff
BestReviews
How do you accessorize a Thanksgiving tablecloth?
Table runner
If you really want to dress up your Thanksgiving table, pair your tablecloth with a table runner. This piece of table decor is designed to run down the center of the table and is an excellent backdrop for your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
You could also use a table runner that matches your tablecloth on a nearby buffet or console table to tie the room together.
Placemats
Placemats aren’t technically needed when using a tablecloth, but you can really tie your Thanksgiving tablescape together by using them as place settings. Choose placements that go with your tablecloth but offer a slight contrast to give the table an interesting look.
Fall garland
You can decorate your Thanksgiving table or another area of your dining room with fall garland to create a fun, festive look. Some garlands feature lights with a soft, warm glow, but you can find many plain options that also work well.
You can use a Thanksgiving tablecloth to dress up other tables in your home for the holiday, such as a console table, buffet, or even a coffee table.
Staff
BestReviews
How much do Thanksgiving tablecloths cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable Thanksgiving tablecloths cost $12 to $25. These are typically smaller tablecloths made of inexpensive materials such as vinyl, polyester, or a cotton blend. You can find both solid and patterned tablecloths in this price range.
Mid-range
Mid-range Thanksgiving tablecloths generally cost $25 to $50. These are usually mid-size options made of higher-quality materials like cotton and microfiber. You can find both solid and patterned tablecloths in this price range.
Expensive
The most expensive tablecloths typically cost $50 to $75, though some options cost $100 or more. These tablecloths are often large or made of premium materials, such as heavy-weight cotton. You can find both solid and patterned tablecloths in this price range.
Tips
- Iron a cotton tablecloth before placing it on the table. You want it to look as polished as possible for your holiday dinner, so remove any creases or wrinkles first. If the tablecloth is dark, such as maroon, you should only iron the backside.
- Treat stains on your tablecloth right away. It’s unlikely you’ll get through your Thanksgiving meal without someone dropping gravy or cranberry sauce on your tablecloth. Treat stains right away to prevent them from setting into the fibers of your tablecloth.
- Use a vinyl tablecloth for the kids’ table. Children can be messy eaters, and you don’t want to worry about wiping up after them with every bite to prevent stains. A vinyl tablecloth is easy to wipe clean after the meal.
FAQ
Q. Do I need a special tablecloth for Thanksgiving?
A. You don’t necessarily need a special tablecloth just for Thanksgiving. If you prefer, you could use a tablecloth you already have in a neutral color such as white, beige, or tan.
Having a tablecloth designed with Thanksgiving in mind can instantly make your dinner feel more festive. A good compromise is to purchase a solid-colored tablecloth in an autumnal shade such as rust, maroon, or gold so you can make the table a little more exciting but also use the tablecloth on other occasions.
Q. What’s the best way to store a holiday tablecloth?
A. If you have room in a closet, the best way to store your holiday and everyday tablecloths is to hang them on a hanger. This helps keep them crisp and wrinkle-free. If you don’t have room to hang them, fold them as few times as possible when storing them on a shelf or in a drawer.
Q. How can I keep a tablecloth from sliding around the table?
A. There are a few ways to secure your tablecloth so it doesn’t move around during your dinner. You could layer a non-slip table protector under the tablecloth to keep it in place, or you could add double-sided tape on the bottom of the tablecloth to secure it. Table clips are another option.
