Are you on your way to a trade show? How about a fancy banquet? Do your wedding tables need a little something? If any of these sound like you, congratulations – you can use custom tablecloths.
It’s all about finding your perfect fit. This buying guide is here to help make sure you get table covers that wow all of your guests or visitors. Let’s get decorating!
What is a Tablecloth?
A tablecloth is a decorative piece of fabric that’s used to cover a table. You can buy rectangle, square, or round tablecloths with prices ranging from $6 to as much as $200, depending on the quality.
Why Do You Need Custom Tablecloths?
Table linens are a great way to decorate the table at parties, banquets, and weddings. They also add a professional touch to your display at a job fair, trade show, or fundraiser.
Use custom tablecloths if you’re part of any of the following:
Parties
Set up party tables and then spruce them up with custom tablecloths. You can stack one table with goody bags and gifts and another with plenty of food and drinks for all of your guests.
Banquets
Dinner is served! Banquets are large formal meals that are often part of charity events, award ceremonies, or live shows. The venue will look extra classy with elegant candles and personalized tablecloths on every table.
Weddings
Do you want the wedding of your dreams? It’s all about the right décor – something that will look amazing in pictures. Wedding linens, flowers, and centerpieces are all a great way to spruce up the ceremony and reception.
Restaurants
In an episode of “SpongeBob,” the title character works as a waiter who only knows two things: 1) fine dining and 2) breathing. You can achieve the “fine dining” part by laying out custom tablecloths. They add a nice touch to your restaurant and are sure to make every entrée taste like a five-star meal!
Job Fairs
Let’s face it – folding tables are super ugly! Hide them at your job fair with custom tablecloths in bulk. Your promotional swag and business cards will pop against a colorful table linen. Plus, you’ll look more serious about recruiting new hires.
Craft Fairs
Etsy is great, but sometimes you have to get out there to show off your art or craft projects. Display your work on tables that are covered in personalized tablecloths. People are more likely to be drawn to your display, which means more sales for you!
School Orientations
It’s a whole new year! Start it on the right foot with an awesome orientation day for your students. Tables with custom tablecloths can be set up by your clubs, sports leagues, and Greek organizations so they can recruit new members.
Picnics & Barbecues
Whether you have a company picnic around the corner or your town is throwing an end-of-summer barbecue, you can get a ton of use from custom tablecloths. A checkered pattern is a classic choice and will have everyone feeling hungry!
Trade Shows
Trade show booths can be expensive, which is why you should save money wherever you can. Cheap tablecloths are a good way to decorate your display without breaking the bank. Get table covers in your brand colors, stack a bunch of promotional products on top, and win over the crowd!
Conventions
Did you write and illustrate a graphic novel? Promote it at a comic book convention or host a book launch! You can stack all of your copies on top of a vibrant tablecloth, making you look just as legitimate as everyone else.
Fundraisers
You don’t want your fundraiser to look boring! Spruce it up with tablecloths, balloons, banners, and other décor that match your awareness ribbon colors. It reinforces your cause, while at the same time getting the attention of anyone who happens to be passing by.
Plain tablecloths are fine, but there’s something special about custom table covers. You can decorate them with your logo or any other design of your choosing. This adds an extra decorative touch and makes things feel a bit more personal.
Tips for Customizing Tablecloths
You can order custom tablecloths that look amazing and transform your event. Follow these design tips:
- Choose the right shape and size.
- Pick a color that works with your theme or logo.
- Print a good design.
- Store the tablecloths for next year.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Shape & Size
What Are the Different Tablecloth Shapes?
You need to buy custom tablecloths that fit the shape of the table. Before you place an order, make sure you know what tables will be at the venue.
Custom tablecloths come in all of the following shapes:
Rectangle Tablecloths
Rectangle tablecloths are usually 42 inches to 55 inches wide, but can be longer if you have a really big table.
Oblong (Racetrack) Tablecloths
Some tables are rectangular, but have rounded corners. In that case, you’ll need oblong tablecloths to lay on top. You can get away with using a rectangle tablecloth if you want drape, but oblong is better for a fitted look.
Square Tablecloths
Four people can comfortably fit around a square table, which is about 36 inches to 44 inches wide. A square tablecloth will likely have drape, but not so much that it skirts against the floor.
Round Tablecloths
Round tables are anywhere from 60 inches to 72 inches wide and can comfortably fit about 4 people. Choose tablecloths that are slightly wider, so you have some overhang.
Oval Tablecloths
An oval table can be as small as 36 inches or as big as 84 inches wide. It will accommodate 6 to 8 people. Keep in mind, it’s a little more difficult to find custom tablecloths for this shape, so do your research well before your event.
What Size Tablecloth Should I Use?
The size of your tablecloths depends on whether you want them to be fitted or to drape over the edges of the table. Start by using a tape measure to figure out the table’s dimensions. For a fitted look, shop for tablecloths that are the same size. If you want drape, shop for a size that’s 6 to 8 inches longer than the table.
Fitted tablecloths are best for professional events like:
- Trade shows & expos
- Job fairs
- Conventions
- Orientations
- Networking events
- Conferences
Draped tablecloths are best for fancy occasions and venues like:
- Banquets
- Luncheons
- Weddings
- Baby or bridal showers
- Parties
- Holiday dinners
- Restaurants
You can buy either draped or fitted tablecloths for events like:
- Family or class reunions
- School events
- Picnics
- Barbecues
- Fundraisers
- Craft fairs
Whether you’re going with a fitted look or drape, the last thing you want is for your tablecloth to be too short or too long. Get those numbers ahead of time, so you’re not stuck having to return your bulk tablecloths later.
Tip 2: Pick a Color That Works With Your Theme/Logo
What Color Should Tablecloths Be?
Tablecloths for a wedding or formal banquet look best if they’re white, cream, or ivory. For parties, trade shows, and other events, feel free to choose table covers that are more colorful.
Custom tablecloths come in all of these colors:
- White
- Ivory
- Tan
- Black
- Gray
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Burgundy
- Pink
- Gold
White Tablecloths
Ivory Tablecloths
Tan Tablecloths
Black Tablecloths
Gray Tablecloths
Red Tablecloths
Orange Tablecloths
Yellow Tablecloths
Blue Tablecloths
Green Tablecloths
Purple Tablecloths
Burgundy Tablecloths
Pink Tablecloths
Gold Tablecloths
Match your tablecloths to your theme or logo. For instance, McDonald’s could use red or yellow tablecloths for their indoor dining. A summer luau might use light green, sky blue, or pale pink tablecloths like a sunset. Brainstorm ahead of time so your tablecloths add a nice accent to your venue!
Tip 3: Print a Good Design
How Are Tablecloths Customized?
A logo or design can be heat transferred or screen printed on the front of tablecloths. With these imprint methods, you typically only get 1 ink color included in the cost.
The good news is that’s all you need. Just look at these martini glass tablecloths, which have a pink design that totally pops against the black. They look fun, but only use 1 ink color!
What Are Full Color Tablecloths?
Full color tablecloths include an unlimited number of ink colors at no additional charge. This is a better choice than heat transferred or screen printed table covers if you want a super colorful design.
What to Print on Tablecloths
Whether you use 1 ink color or 100, you can print any of the following on your custom tablecloths:
Company Logo
Your logo should always be printed on your marketing materials, and tablecloths are no exception. Make sure the logo is nice and big so people can see it from far away.
Photo
Think of your table covers as giant frames or canvases. You can print full color photographs on the front, whether it’s an advertising image, a stock photo, or a picture you took for social media.
Mascot
Food brands and schools use mascots to appeal to kids and families. If you have a mascot of your own, make sure it’s on your printed tablecloths.
Company/Event Name
Tablecloths are big, so you have room for not only an image but also text as well. Pair your logo alongside your name for a one-two branding punch!
Slogan
The best slogans are catchy and say something about your company. Feel free to include your business tagline if you have space on your tablecloths.
Website
There are over 1.3 million ecommerce companies in the United States. People like to shop online, so make sure they can find you by printing your website URL on custom table covers.
Services
Keep it simple! You don’t have to write a novel for customers to understand your company. A few bullet points listing your services can really work wonders.
Tip 4: Store the Tablecloths for Next Year
What is the Best Way to Store Tablecloths?
Your event may be over, but you should be thinking ahead to next year. Fold the custom tablecloths, place them in vacuum sealed bags, and put them in a cabinet or plastic storage bin for safekeeping. When you take your table covers out in the future, they’ll be clean and wrinkle-free!
Other Considerations When Buying Custom Tablecloths
You’re almost ready to buy custom tablecloths in bulk for your next event. Before you finalize your order, here are a few other things to think about!
Material
Promotional table covers are made from polyester, cotton twill, spandex, or polyester poplin. Research these materials ahead of time to see which are machine-washable and which are water-resistant if you’re hosting an outdoor event.
Open or Closed Back
Do you need to access storage under your table? An open-back is convenient and won’t have you pulling on the table covers. A closed-back, on the other hand, is a better option if people are going to see your tables from all angles.
Shipping Time
It’s crunch time, and you need your promotional tablecloths asap! Shop for items that are delivered via rush shipping to get them in record time.
Minimum
Unlike other promotional items, you don’t have to order table covers in bulk. The minimum is usually only 1 tablecloth at a time, which means it’ll cost more per item.
Price
You can get cheap tablecloths made of plastic if you’re on a budget, or splurge on beautiful linen tablecloths that look elegant and high-end. It really depends on your event and how much you have to spend.
What is the Point of a Tablecloth?
A tablecloth dresses up a table and protects it from any damage. Good linens are just as valuable as signs, balloons, streamers, and centerpieces when it comes to decorating a party or event.
Custom tablecloths add a little pizzazz to the tables and are sure to be noticed. Before you order, take the time to think about shape, size, color, and the design you want printed. Now that’s all set – have fun at your event!
Ready to order custom tablecloths? Quality Logo Products® has a ton of great options. Give us a call or shoot us an email!
The Bottom Line
You can’t just order custom tablecloths and nothing else! All of your guests or customers will want swag or party favors to take home. Custom tote bags, stress balls, and wireless chargers are all excellent choices. A little extra thought is ultimately what takes your event to the next level!
References
Inn Style. How to Buy a Properly Shaped Tablecloth. Retrieved from,
https://blog.innstyle.com/2015/03/how-to-buy-a-properly-shaped-tablecloth/
CV Linens. (2019, January 23). Does Your Rectangular Tablecloth Have Rounded Corners? Retrieved from,
https://www.cvlinens.com/blogs/product-101/rectangular-tablecloth-rounded-corners
Bassett Blog. (2019, November 12). Table Dimensions. Retrieved from,
https://www.bassettfurniture.com/blog/standard-table-sizes.aspx
Adams, K. Typical Dining Table Measurements. Retrieved from,
https://www.hunker.com/13403730/what-is-the-standard-height-of-a-dining-table
Stevanovic, I. (2020, February 13). How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in 2020? Retrieved from,
https://kommandotech.com/statistics/how-many-ecommerce-sites-are-there/
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