Your Dining Table Is Falling Flat Because Its Missing One Special Touch

Whether you're throwing a special, friends-only dinner party or hosting a food-focused holiday like Thanksgiving or Easter, a well-curated dining table makes all the difference. Besides putting together each place setting with the right plates, utensils, and name cards, you need to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your presentation. In order to create a tablescape that not only impresses your guests but highlights your keen attention to detail, dress your dining table in quality linens, from tablecloths to napkins.

Apart from functioning as an added layer of protection for your table against potential burns and stains, linens make both fancy and simple meals feel more special and out of the ordinary. No matter the occasion, the right table linens effortlessly enhance your dining experience with ease. Simply follow Ina Garten's pro tip for creating a beautiful table setting by mixing and matching different fabrics for added intrigue. Luckily, when it comes to choosing the right linens for your table, you have plenty of options to consider.

For a visually appealing fabric that you can simply throw in your washing machine after dinner, opt for polyester or polyester blends. Meanwhile, vinyl tablecloths are especially useful for kids or buffet tables as they can be wiped clean fairly easily. You can also adorn your table in 100% cotton or linen as well as your grandma's vintage collection of tablecloths. However, keep in mind, these more specialized fabrics require a higher level of maintenance and care.

There are always special occasions that call for a more sophisticated table setting. If you've inherited your grandparents' vintage place settings, it's only natural to want to use them with pride. Yet, to preserve their color and quality, use them sparingly. The same goes for newer kitchen linens that are more expensive and made with 100% cotton or linen like the Solino Home Linen Tablecloth from Amazon.

More specifically, if you plan to serve oven-baked BBQ baby back ribs at your next summer potluck, err on the side of caution and use a vinyl or polyester tablecloth instead. These options are easier to clean, dry, and store. While 100% linen or cotton cloths can usually be machine-washed with cold water, to preserve their shape, they need to be air-dried to avoid shrinkage.

Conversely, vintage table linens should typically be hand-washed in soapy water to avoid extensive wear and tear. To get butter stains out of fabric or any kind of grease for that matter, use a gentle dishwashing liquid or cornstarch. Furthermore, you'll need to iron these older tablecloths, runners, and napkins to remove extensive wrinkles and folded creases. 

That being said, if you're willing to put in proper care, vintage table linens can be a special way to elevate your next tea party, family luncheon, or Sunday brunch. You can even use cloth placemats and napkins to take a simple at-home meal to the next level.