Can You Put a Table Overlay on a Tablecloth That Doesn't Go to the Floor?

A table overlay can be the same color as the primary tablecloth.

A table overlay is a tablecloth that is less than 12 inches larger than the top of the table. You can add an overlay to bring a second color to a table, to cover table skirting or for quick linen changes between dining guests without disturbing the longer tablecloth. Overlays are less expensive and easier to launder and fold than larger cloths. The flexibility of this type of two-layer tablecloth allows you to change your table decor more frequently.

Skirting

Table skirting is a fabric curtain that fits around the sides of a table to hide unattractive table legs. Skirting is usually designed to attach to the tabletop using plastic clips. A skirt can fall to the floor or to the lap of guests. Because a skirt does not cover the table surface, a table overlay is commonly draped over the table. The overlay will usually hang from 6 to 12 inches over the sides of the table and completely hide the top of the skirting and the attachment clips. It may be the same color or a different color from the skirting, and sometimes it is swagged with pinned flowers or bows as a further decorative element.

Tablecloths

Event tables are available in a lot of sizes and configurations. In general, if the tables are rented, the rental company will also have cloths designed to fit the tables. These cloths may be floor-length fall or lap-length fall. Usually the rental companies do not want the cloths to be so long that they touch the floor as this will result in people walking on them or grinding them into grass or dirt at outside settings. Commonly the cloths are several inches short of the floor. Usually the rental cloths are plain. To dress up the event table, a more custom and fitted top overlay is commonly positioned to add style to the table. In this way the generic table cloth is not the cloth used for the service.

Multi-use Dining Cloths

Restaurants frequently look for ways to turn a table over quickly during the bustle of a full restaurant. By using a lap-length tablecloth covered by an overlay, the service personnel can quickly remove the overlay between guests. In this way the tablecloth is only removed when it becomes noticeably soiled while the service cloth is changed between each guest. In restaurant settings the tablecloth is more appropriately lap length so that it doesn't become dislodged by persons backing away from the table with chairs.

Sizing Your Overlays

Your tablecloth should fall evenly on all sides of the table, which is also true for your overlays. When possible, have the cloths custom fit for your table's precise measurements, which will produce the most pleasing visual effect. If your table is round, use a round cloth; if your table is rectangular, use a rectangular cloth. Add trims and edge treatments to your overlays as these will be the service cloth of the table. Also look at upgraded fabrics, patterns and colors. Your tablecloths should coordinate well with your service plates, stems and silverware.

References

• Dress My Chair: Tablecloths Overlays