How to Place Banquet Linens on Tables

Table linen can set the tone for a banquet's decorations.

A table linen on a banquet table should match the tone of the banquet or party. A casual event would benefit from a brightly colored linen or even a checkered one for a vintage look. A formal event should incorporate more muted, solid colors, such as earth tones or a simple black or white. You can also layer the linens for an added effect.

Things You'll Need

• Banquet table
• Table linens

Instructions

1. Lay a circular or oval table linen on similarly shaped banquet table. Linens should traditionally fall approximately 15 inches below the edge of the table. In a different color than the first linen, lay a square-shaped linen over the first, to add a unique geometrical touch and a pop of color.

2. On a long banquet table, place several doilies down the center of the entire table. These can be of different shapes or details or of complementary colors to the overall color scheme. They can also be uniform.

3. Lay a runner down the center of the entire table. If for a holiday banquet, choose a festive color like red or green for Christmas. For an added touch, lay two runners down the table in differing colors, if desired.

4. Lay a solid-colored table linen over the table, such as white. Lay a colored runner over the linen down the center of the table. Choose a bright, contrasting color such as red or gold for the runner.

5. Choose a patterned linen for a casual event. This could be a checkered linen for a vintage look or a floral linen for a feminine event like a bridal shower.

References

• Home Furnish: Banquet Table Linens