From tablecloths and drapes to napkins and runners, linens play a big part in the decor of an event. The right tablecloth can take your event from a casual backyard barbeque to a sophisticated high-society banquet. With the stakes so high, it’s natural to want all the information you can about renting linens before you dive in headfirst. We get a lot of questions every day about the rental process and choosing the right linens, so here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to help inform you on your journey.

What size tablecloth do I need?

Tablecloth sizing is pretty straightforward. For a floor length tablecloth, the size is calculated by adding the size of the tabletop to two times the height of the table. Why two times the height? Think of the tablecloth as going up the height of the table, across the length of the table, and back down the height of the table. Most standard banquet tables (including the ones we rent) are 30” tall. So, for instance, if you need a tablecloth for a 60” round table, you would need a 120” round cloth. If you are working with standard table sizes, refer to the sizing guide below to find the size you need. If you need a tablecloth for a non-standard table, like a dining table or bar, you will need to take your own measurements. For round tables, measure the diameter and the height. For rectangle tables, measure the length, width, and height. If you’re still not sure what size you need, give us a call. We’d be happy to help you find the right size.

How early do I need to place my order?

As with everything, the earlier you reserve your items the better, as this ensures we have the right cloth in the right quantity available for your event. We do keep a large stock of both neutral and colorful solids in house that are available to rent same-day, depending on availability. If you have fallen in love with some of our premium cloths that we don’t keep in-house, we ask that you give us a minimum of two weeks’ notice so we can have them shipped in for you.  

Do I need to wash the linens?

Our cloths come pre-washed and ready to use, and along with them you will receive a cloth laundry bag. After your event, there is no need to wash the cloths. We just ask that you shake them free of any food debris, then load them in the provided bags and return them to us. Upon return, we will wash, dry, and press them for you so they are ready for the next customer. 

How do the linens come packaged?

Our cloths come washed and pressed, so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles, but they may have crease lines from being folded. Delicate tablecloths like satin or dupioni come draped on hangers. Sturdy tablecloths like polyester, cotton, or velvet come folded and wrapped in plastic to keep them clean in transit, though they can be hung upon request to reduce crease lines. Similarly, napkins come pressed, folded in half, and wrapped.

What if the linens get damaged?

Whether it’s a wine spill or a toppled candle, we get it. Stuff happens. In the event that a cloth is burned, ripped, stained, or otherwise damaged, we will assess the extent of the damage and determine whether it can be repaired. Our linen prep team is amazing at removing stains and conducting minor repairs, and most minor damages like lipstick stains and split seams can be corrected at no cost to you. However, if the damage takes extensive time to repair or cannot be repaired at all, the cost of replacing the cloth will be charged to your damage deposit.

Will staff help set up the linens?

While our delivery crews are happy to help set up large equipment like staging, dance floors, and tents, they are not decorators. Our drivers have multiple stops to make in a day, and many of them include moving equipment through grass and dirt. In an effort to keep them clean and event ready, your cloths will arrive folded or hung, wrapped in plastic, labeled, and neatly stacked for quick and easy installation. 

What if the tablecloth I want is out of budget?

Sometimes you fall in love with a premium cloth, but dressing your entire reception in it just doesn’t agree with your budget. Don’t worry! You can still achieve the look you want without breaking the bank. Instead of draping every table in the premium cloth, consider using a simpler coordinating cloth on most of the tables and using the premium cloth as statement pieces on your head table, cake table, or buffet. Also, keep in mind that most of our premium cloth patterns are also available as runners or napkins, which are great options to get that luxury look without paying luxury prices. 

What if you don’t have the colors I need?

If you’re needing a specific color for your event and you’re just not finding the right shade in our in-house stock, we can order it in for you! We have swatch books for almost every fabric type and color you can imagine, and we’d be happy to help you find just the right one. Once found, special orders can be in-house and ready for you to pick up within two weeks!