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Tablecloth Size Guide

Elegance and Functionality for Your Table

2024/08/23

What is the right size for my table?

Choosing the right tablecloth is not just a matter of aesthetics but also practicality. The tablecloth size should fit your table perfectly, offering a harmonious drape that contributes to the elegance of your dining room. In this guide, we will explore tablecloth sizes for rectangular, square, and round tables, and see how to choose vis-à-vis runners for a touch of style.

 

Choosing the right tablecloth requires a combination of precise measurements and an eye for detail. Whether you are preparing for a formal dinner or an informal meal, the right tablecloth can make a significant difference.

 

For rectangular, square, and round tables, make sure to consider the table dimensions and the desired drop. For an extra touch of elegance, vis-à-vis runners can add an additional dimension to your table.

La tovaglia deve avere una caduta di circa 25-30 cm per essere perfetta sul tavolo

Rectangular or square tables

For rectangular tables, the tablecloth should cover the entire table surface with an adequate drop on all sides. The ideal drop varies between 20 and 30 cm for an elegant and neat effect. 

 

Here's how to calculate the tablecloth size:

1. Measure the table: Take the length and width of the table.

2. Add the drop: Add 40-60 cm to the length and width of the table to include the drop on both sides.

 

Example:

- Rectangular table 120x220 cm

- Rectangular tablecloth 170x270 cm  (tablecloth with a 25 cm drop on each side)

La misura per un posto a tavola è compresa tra 60-80 cm

La caduta della tovaglia deve essere abbondante su ciascun lato

Round Tables

For round tables, it’s important to measure the table's diameter and add an even drop all around. Here's how to proceed:

 

1. Measure the diameter: Take the table's diameter.

2. Add the drop: Add 40-60 cm to the table's diameter.

 

Example:

- Table diameter: 120 cm

- 170 cm diameter tablecloth (Tablecloth with a 25 cm drop on each side)

Note: For a round table, a square tablecloth with a side longer than the table diameter by 15-20 cm can also work well!

Runners or Vis à vis

Vis-à-vis runners are an elegant choice to add a touch of style to your table without covering it entirely. These runners are placed opposite each other, creating a refined composition. 

 

To choose the right runners, consider the following guidelines:

 

1. Runner length: It should be equal to the table length, with a drop of 15-25 cm on each side.

2. Runner width: It generally varies between 30 and 50 cm, depending on the table width and the desired effect.

 

Example:

- Table size: 90x120 cm

- Runner 45x170 cm (Runner with a 25 cm drop on each side)

What did other readers ask?

How do you set the table correctly?

The pieces you will use to set the table include a tablecloth, placemats, serving plates, any soup or broth bowls, bread plates, napkins, forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert or ice cream spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses…

Discover the tablecloths

How do you place napkins and cutlery on the table?

Cutlery at the table follows these rules: knife and spoon to the right of the plate, forks to the left. Above the plate go the fruit cutlery and dessert spoon, if provided.

The spoon is on the right, outside the knife, because it is usually used first. Today, this arrangement can vary for left-handed people.

Knife and fork are positioned to minimize movements: knife on the right with the blade towards the plate and fork on the left.

The napkin is always placed to the right of the plate, next to the cutlery, to be easily picked up and placed on the lap without moving anything else.

find out the napkins

How to arrange glasses at the table according to etiquette?

According to etiquette, glasses are placed on the right, above the tip of the knife and spoon. The wine glass should be placed on the outside, while the water glass should be placed more inward. Traditionally, up to five glasses can be used per place setting, but today the essential thing is to have at least one glass for water and one for wine.

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