How to Drape Tulle & Other Material on Table Edges
Tulle and other lightweight fabrics are frequently used as decoration materials for formal events, such as wedding receptions, awards banquets, or even high school proms. In addition to draping long lengths of light fabric on the ceiling or on the walls, you can drape it on the head table, the buffet table and guest tables to soften the sharp edges. Although white and cream colors are most popular, you can add a few pieces of complementary colors for interest.
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Things You'll Need
- Tulle, organza, sinamay mesh or other lightweight fabric
- String
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
- Safety pins
- Table clips
Instructions
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Use tulle or another lightweight fabric, such as organza or sinamay mesh, that is twice as wide as the height of your table.
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Drape a string from one corner of the table edge to the other, leaving a low sag in the middle. Tape the ends of the string in place. This is to cover the front of a rectangular table with tulle. If you want to cover the two short sides as well, start the string drape at the back corner of one short side and drape it around the side, across the front, and around the opposite short side. In either case, tape the string in swags along the table’s edge. Each swag should be exactly the same width and depth. Mark the string at each point of the swags. Remove the string and measure it. Cut the fabric to the length of the string.
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Spread the fabric flat on the floor. Start at one side and fold it over one inch. Fold that inch under one inch. Continue folding over and under, creating an accordion fold until you have folded up half the width. Use your marked string to pin the accordion fold securely at each mark.
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Clip the fabric to the front edge of the table at each safety pin using table clips. Turn the fabric slightly to hide the pins. The fabric will drape in swags across the front of the table between the clips. The unfolded half of the fabric will hang down to the floor, hiding the table legs. Adjust the swags if necessary to be identical.
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Tips & Warnings
Add ribbon or silk flower accents at each table clip.
Place strings of tiny clear lights under the fabric on the head table to add to the atmosphere.
Use the same type of fabric bunched up as a table runner. Set candlesticks or other centerpieces on the runner to hold it in place. Arrange the fabric so that it is well away from any open flames.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
