Yahoo Finance Best tablecloth for your dining room and garden
Entertaining at home has grown to new heights post-pandemic. What better way to show off your home improvement projects and enhanced cooking skills than by inviting friends and family over for a dinner party or BBQ?
Laying on a spread is all well and good but to really score style points, presentation is everything. In tablescaping terms, it begins with a tablecloth.
As well as protecting your table’s surface from stains and spills, a great tablecloth forms the backdrop of everything that you’ll place on top of it. They come in every conceivable theme, and sizes to fit square, oval, rectangular and round tables.
They say you eat with your eyes first, and our edit of stylish tablecloths will certainly create a visual feast to whet the appetite.
It sounds obvious, but before you buy, take the time to measure your table properly, including how far you want the fabric to drop on either side or all the way around. Shorter drops are good for families with small children while longer ones give a sense of luxury and will help make your setting look posh and restaurant-worthy - without the hassle of booking.
From easy-clean waterproof vinyl designs for your BBQ fiesta to dainty styles fit for VIP dinners only, we’ve rounded up the best to make shopping for one as easy as possible.
See our edit of the best tablecloths below
Monsoon Lemon print tablecloth
Measurements: 42 x 42cm
Perfect for summer, this cheerful lemon-print tablecloth is a perfect square, measuring 42 x 42cm, which means it will sit well on both square and circular tables. It’s just begging for sharing bowls of pasta and freshly baked focaccia to be placed on top of it. Made from a cotton, viscose and linen blend, machine washable.
Summerill & Bishop Marché aux Fleurs Linen Tablecloth Small
Measurements: 250 x 165cm
If it’s bold prints you’ve got your heart set on, Liberty has it in spades. Summerill & Bishop’s tablecloth is exclusive to the iconic London store and is inspired by the blooms in England and Europe. It’s got more pansies, buttercups, hollyhocks, cosmos, pink daisies and forget-me-nots than your average RHS Flower Show display. The kaleidoscopic tablecloth is 100 per cent linen, making it ideal for the summer months.
Also available in medium (300 x 165cm, £325) and large sizes (380 x 165cm £375).
Also available at Summerill & Bishop
Next Pom Pom Tablecloth
Measurements: 137 x 229cm
A clean, plain white tablecloth is upgraded with the simple addition of a pom pom trim. It works nicely on its own, or layered on top a more colourful cloth for extra impact. The 100 per cent cotton rectangular cloth is super light with the feel of a bed sheet, which means ironing it takes no time at all. Also available in XL, which measures 150 x 250cm.
Celia Digby Welsh Meadow Water Resistant Garden Outdoor Tablecloth
Measurements: from 140cm x 140cm
Channelling the awe-inspiring beauty of Welsh nature, this outdoor tablecloth is just the ticket for creating a gorgeous alfresco dining scene. It’s made from waterproof fabric, so will be able to withstand downpours and protect your table should the heavens open (this is England, after all). While you can wipe it clean, it’s also machine-washable for more thorough maintenance. Available in a selection of sizes and you can request a central hemmed hole to accommodate a parasol.
H&M Home Block-patterned tablecloth
Measurements: 140 x 180cm
Feel transported to the Med thanks to H&M’s blue and white block patterned tablecloth, which offers a Moorish vibe. The cotton weave design is finished with tassels at each corner.
£20 | H&M *On sale from £20.99
La Redoute Perfect Time Patterned Tablecloth with Anti-Stain Treatment
Measurements: from 150 x 150cm
Simple, cheerful and with an anti-stain finish, this dotted tablecloth is a great all-rounder for all kinds of occasions. Add gold-coloured cutlery to pick up the pattern’s mustard hues
Avenida Home Paisley Linen Tablecloth
Measurements: 150 x 200cm
Make plain white tableware pop with a retina-searingly bright linen tablecloth courtesy of Avenida Home. Sporting a bold paisley, peacock and crane print, it offers a thematic aesthetic that is perfect for maximalist hosts.
Rosalind Wheeler Acosta Porcelain Tablecloth
Measurements: from 90 x 150cm
There’s no need to sacrifice style when it comes to PVC tablecloths. They can look as chic as this version from Rosalind Wheeler. The PVC coating on cotton means it is unhemmed, but the finish stops the edges from fraying so you could even trim this water-resistant cloth to size if any of the three dimensions offered aren’t quite right.
Graham & Green Mexicana Tapestry Print Tablecloths
Measurements: from 150 x 150cm
A treasure trove of interiors gems, Graham & Green has cool and quirky homewares by the bucketload. This square tablecloth is a steal at just £25. With its Mexican-themed pattern, it’s the perfect setting for Taco Tuesdays. Made with 100 per cent cotton, it’s dry clean only and also comes in rectangular shapes to best suit your table.
Zara Striped Tablecloth
Measurements: from 150 x 150cm
Keep things looking ship-shape with a nautical-inspired cotton tablecloth from Zara Home. Low cost but high quality, it's been made using renewable energy in the dyeing and washing processes, which helps cut CO2 emissions. Also available in a larger size (150 x 250cm), suitable for up to eight diners.
Eleanor Bowmer Sunset Palms Oilcloth Tablecloth
Measurements: 180cm x 140cm
Lay this PVC oilcloth over tables when it’s dinner time to protect your surfaces, or use it to keep mess to a minimum when doing arts and crafts or baking. It’s full of tropical vibes thanks to the pattern of hand-painted peach-coloured palms set over an olive green background.
Lily Manor Lansdale Strawberry Thief Tablecloth
Measurements: from 132 x 132cm
William Morris’ classic Strawberry Thief print is on call to bring your dining table to life with it’s jewel-toned riot of colours. The hemmed design is made from 100 per cent cotton, so should fare well in the washing machine - but be sure to run an iron over it before throwing it over your tables. Multiple sizes available.
Canora Grey Bopp Tablecloth
Measurements: 150 x 215cm
This contemporary patterned polyester tablecloth is a lovely choice to roll out for special occasions, like birthdays and get-togethers. It’s easy to take care of too, just sling it in the washing machine to keep it looking like new.
Next Gingham Table Cloth with 4 Napkins
Measurements: 137 x 229cm
Trends may come and go, but gingham is forever. The classic summertime check is the perfect pattern for simple, wholesome family dinners and will add a splash of sunshine yellow to your table. Best of all, it comes with four matching napkins. Smart casual in tablecloth terms.
Verdict
Easy to use for elevating everyday dining, Monsoon’s cheerful lemon tablecloth is our top buy. If you’re prepared to make the investment, we adore Summerill & Bishop’s Marché aux Fleurs Linen Tablecloth for it’s stunning Kew Garden-esque feel.
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