How to Keep a Tablecloth in Place

Keep a tablecloth from blowing away or shifting on the table.

Tablecloths can add vivid colors and textures to your tables. Whether you are decorating an indoor or outdoor table for eating or just for show, a tablecloth adds a pleasing decorator touch. An unfortunate challenge of tablecloths is their tendency to shift or move. A moving tablecloth can be especially problematic outdoors. Keep a tablecloth in place neatly to prevent accidents and an unsightly table.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler or tape measure
• Hook and loop fastener circles (self-adhesive)
• Pencil

Instructions

Tablecloth Clips

1. Measure the edge of the table with the ruler or tape measure to find the depth of the table. Purchase tablecloth clips designed to hold a tablecloth securely to a table. Most tablecloth clips will fit a table with a depth between three-quarters of an inch and 2.5 inches -- the plastic of the clip expands around the edge of the table.

2. Purchase enough clips in a width that will fit your table to place about them every 3 to 4 feet around the table perimeter.

3. Position the tablecloth on the table, arranging the drop of the fabric evenly around the entire table.

4. Attach the tablecloth clips to the table over the tablecloth, spacing them evenly around the edge of the table.

Hook and Loop Fasteners

1. Separate one hook and loop fastener circle so you have the hook side and the loop side apart. Remove the adhesive backing and place the hook side of the circle onto the table, either on top at the outer edge or on the vertical side edge of the table. Repeat this process to place the hook circles about every 2 to 3 feet around the table edge.

2. Place the tablecloth on the table and arrange it so the fabric drops evenly on all sides.

3. Lift up the tablecloth carefully to expose the underside of the fabric at the points where the fabric meets the hook circles on the table. Make tiny pencil marks at these points on the underside of the tablecloth.

4. Remove the tablecloth from the table and place it onto a flat surface with the underside facing up.

5. Place the loop sides of the circles at each pencil mark.

6. Turn the tablecloth over and place it onto the table. Align each loop circle on the tablecloth with the hook circles on the table. Press the two sides together firmly with your fingers to secure the tablecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the hook and loop fasteners when you desire an invisible solution. The tablecloth clips will be visible around the table edges.

References

• Premier Table Linens: Tablecloth Clips
• "What to Expect the Second Year"; Heidi Murkoffa, et. al.; 2011