Selecting the correct linen for a cocktail table requires considering the height of the table and the size of the table top. You must consider the height of the table and the size of the table top in order to determine how the linen will hang from the cocktail table. If you choose the correct linen for your cocktail table, they will look finished and intentional.
Many people notice the linen hanging on cocktail tables and the way that the linen dont hang correctly on cocktail tables. Cocktail tables tends to be standing height. Because most cocktail tables are standing height, you can use a specific formula to determine the length of the linen to be order for those tables.
How to Choose the Right Linen for Cocktail Tables
The formula require adding twice the drop length of the table to the size of the table top measurement. This calculation will show whether the linen will reach the floor or stop at lap height. Using this formula prevent the host from having to guess the length of the linen that is need for each cocktail table.
The host can choose the length of the drop according to the type of event and the type of look desire. A floor-length drop will add to the formality of the event. A floor-length drop is often chosen for weddings and other formal evening events.
A drop at lap height indicate a more casual event. A drop at lap height is best for events with chair for the guests. A café drop is a short drop for the linen.
A café drop is used for more casual events during the daytime. Each drop length change the mood of the event, but the drop length does not change the physical look of the table. Another factor to consider when purchasing linen for cocktail tables is the type of fabric.
One of the most common type of fabric is polyester. Polyester does not readily take wrinkle and can stand up to being use often. Spandex is another popular fabric for linens because spandex linen will stretch and create a smooth surface.
Satin and lace are two type of linens that add some shine to the cocktail tables. It is important to understand how each of these type of fabrics will behave so that there are no surprise at the event. Color choices for cocktail tables are important as well.
The color of the linen should reflect the theme of the event. Colors such as white and ivory are safe choice for linen for cocktail tables. White and ivory linen choices is versatile and can stand up well to many different type of lighting.
Navy and charcoal colors are dark colors that people often choose for corporate event. Colors such as blush and sage green are light and soft colors that are use for daytime events. A color chart can be used to match the linen color with the colors of the existing event theme.
You should not purchase the same size linen for all of the cocktail tables in your event. Cocktail tables are different than banquet table in terms of their size. Cocktail tables are standing height, but banquet tables are at seated dining height.
Because banquet tables are at seated dining height, the linen for those tables must accommodate the number of place setting for the guests seated at the tables. Farm tables are also different from cocktail tables. Linens for farm tables are often runner and not full linens.
The runner allow for the wood of the farm table to be seen. You should not purchase the same size linen for all table type. Each type of table is of a different height.
Another option for linens for cocktail tables is the purchase of fitted spandex cover. Fitted spandex covers eliminate the need to choose an overhang for the linen for the cocktail tables. The spandex create a clean line from the cocktail table to the floor.
The linen will not create any overhangs. The downside to using fitted spandex covers is that the measurement of the tables must be accurate. The spandex allow for minor variation in size of the cocktail tables.
An alternative to fitted spandex covers is the purchase of traditional draped linens. Drape linens allow for more forgiveness in case the tables are of different size or if the cocktail tables have been repaired. An additional factor to consider when purchasing linens is the care instruction for the linen.
Machine-washable linen will allow for the linen to be easily clean. Linens made of satin and lace will require dry cleaning or gentle hand washing. It is important to inspect the care symbol for the linen prior to purchase to ensure that you know the type of cleaning that are required for the linen.
In order to have an event that reflect the theme and the hosts personality, every table in the room should wear the right size of linen and each cocktail table should wear the right drop length. To achieve this, the host should measure each cocktail table once and apply the same measurement to each cocktail table for the event. Using the appropriate measurement for each cocktail table will allow the host to create an intentional and organized event.
