Nothing elevates a dinner table from everyday to elegant like crisp, clean linens. If you’re looking to freshen up your tablescape, we recommend the Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkins and Tablecloth. Made from 100% tight-weave cotton, these are the best-quality table linens we’ve found for the price, and they are available in the widest assortment of sizes and sets. The napkins are soft and absorbent, and the thick tablecloth looks smooth and elegant.
Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkin
The best cloth napkin
These soft and absorbent dinner napkins are finished with deep hems and clean stitching.
Williams Sonoma Hotel Tablecloth
The best tablecloth
This well-made tablecloth is available in eight sizes, and features a tight weave that gives it a structured drape.
The Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkins and Tablecloth are as beautiful as they are functional. Crafted from thick, tightly woven cotton, these high-quality table linens will maintain their elegance year after year. Both the napkins and the tablecloth feature deep hems and mitered corners, providing your table setting with a polished and seamless look. The dinner napkins are available in sets of 12 and come in eight stunning colors, while the tablecloth is offered in five sizes—including a 90-inch round—and is available in most of the same colors as the napkins. Elevate your dining experience with these exquisite linens that combine style and durability!
Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Napkins
Textured cotton napkins
These textured cotton napkins come in sets of twelve in two colors—warm white and black.
Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Tablecloth
A more relaxed vibe
This not-quite off-white tablecloth has a textured cotton weave that lends a warm and easygoing—yet still polished—feel to your dinner table
Pottery Barn’s Entertaining Essentials Napkins and Tablecloth are quality, 100% cotton table linens that cost slightly less than our top pick. Because of their thick, textured weave and warm, creamy white hue, the Entertaining Essentials pieces can easily be mistaken for flax linen (a plus in our book). Compared with our more-refined and buttoned-up top pick, the Pottery Barn linens feel more farmhouse-chic and cozy. The tablecloth is available one size (70 by 108 inches) and only in white, and the 12-piece napkins set comes in two colors: black and white.
Crate and Barrel Aspen Napkin
Value napkins in lots of colors
These soft, drapey napkins are sold open stock, so you can mix and match.
Crate & Barrel’s Aspen cotton napkins are thin yet highly absorbent, available in several vibrant color choices. However, unlike our other picks, there isn’t a coordinating tablecloth to create a matching set. These napkins provide an inexpensive way to inject a punch of color into your table setting, especially when entertaining a crowd. The vibrant colors should coordinate well with our tablecloth selections. While white can be a bit trickier, the Aspen white napkin serves as a decent match with our top-pick Williams-Sonoma tablecloth, allowing for a cohesive and stylish dining experience!
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Napkin
The best linen napkin
Smooth and absorbent, this luxurious napkin is perfect for those who love the soft and relaxed texture of 100% linen.
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Tablecloth
The best linen tablecloth
Nothing comes close to the soft, relaxed drape of this 100% linen tablecloth. Yes, it’s expensive, but this tablecloth will last you a lifetime.
For those who love the luxurious look and feel of Belgian linen and don’t mind investing in quality, we believe the Rough Linen Smooth Napkins and Tablecloth are a fantastic choice. These exquisite table linens are equally beautiful whether rumpled for a casual family dinner or crisply pressed for special gatherings. Among all the linen napkins we tested, these are the softest and most absorbent. The substantial fabric, deep hems, and expertly sewn mitered corners give the tablecloth a fluid and seamless appearance when draped over your table. With proper care, we are confident that these heirloom-quality linens will bring warmth and beauty to your meals for decades to come.
The research
Why you should trust us
Who should get this
A table linen glossary
How we picked
How we tested
Our pick: Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkin and Tablecloth
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Runner up: Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Napkins and Tablecloth
Also great: Crate and Barrel Aspen Napkins
Upgrade pick: Rough Linen Smooth Napkin and Tablecloth
How to keep your linens looking like new
The competition
Why you should trust us
In addition to covering table linens for Walletrays over the past three years, I also have a background as a food stylist. During that time, I collaborated closely with prop stylists to select the tableware that best evoked a particular mood. I honed my skills in draping, folding, and rumpling napkins and tablecloths under the guidance of some of the most talented professionals in the industry. This experience has given me a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for how the right linens can enhance the overall dining experience!
For this guide, we also consulted textile experts Preethi Gopinath, an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Shannon Maher, chairperson of Home Products Development at FIT. To gather the best cleaning and stain-removal tips, we reached out to Jolie Kerr, host of the podcast Ask a Clean Person and author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. Their insights provide valuable expertise, ensuring that you have all the information needed to care for your table linens effectively!
Who should get this
Whether you’re a dinner party pro or hosting a holiday meal for the first time, selecting a well-made and versatile set of table linens will elevate both last-minute gatherings and special occasions. A quality cotton or linen tablecloth paired with a set of napkins adds a warm and welcoming touch that instantly enhances the style of any table setting. Cleanly pressed white cotton table linens evoke the elegance of a fine-dining restaurant, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. On the other hand, a slightly rumpled linen tablecloth fosters a warm and casual vibe, perfect for a cozy night in with friends. Investing in beautiful table linens ensures that every meal feels special!
A well-made and versatile set of table linens will elevate both last-minute gatherings and special occasions.
Practically speaking, a tablecloth is a simple way to hide an old, beat-up tabletop. Linens are also a great way to easily and affordably change up your setting to match the occasion or your current mood. And cloth napkins aren’t only a nice detail, they’re a reusable alternative to paper that you can use every night of the week.
A table linen glossary
If you’re new to the expansive world of tabletop goods, we’ve compiled a concise glossary of terms to help you shop for napkins and tablecloths like a pro. Understanding these key terms will empower you to make informed decisions and elevate your dining experience with the perfect linens!
Table linens: Fabric napkins and tablecloths are called table linens. This term has nothing to do with the fibers used to make these goods, so a table linen can be made from cotton, linen, or synthetic fibers like polyester.
Drape: The drape describes how a tablecloth hangs from the edges of the table or the way a napkin settles in your lap. Crisp, tightly woven cotton cloth will have a stiffer drape that looks refined and formal. Linen has a more relaxed, natural drape that lends well to casual and comfortable settings.
Drop: The length of the tablecloth that hangs down from the edge of the table is the “drop.” Your preferred drop length is personal taste, but we don’t recommend going shorter than 6 inches.
Mitered corners: A mitered corner is a 45-degree-angle seam where two sides of a napkin or tablecloth meet. Mitered corners have less bulk than standard overlapping hems, which gives them a sharp, clean look, and also allows them to be ironed relatively flat.
The mitered corners on Williams-Sonoma’s Hotel napkin give a clean, crisp finish.
Puckering refers to the appearance of small ripples along the hemline, commonly noticed after washing and drying linens. This happens when the fabric and thread shrink at different rates, the stitch tension is too tight, or if the fabric wasn’t pre-laundered before sewing. After testing, all our linens experienced some degree of puckering, but the worst offenders emerged from the wash with rippled, fluttering hems that were nearly impossible to iron flat. Ideal for home or travel, this effect can be minimized with proper fabric care, storage, and the use of portable steamers or organizers in your laundry process.
Warp and weft: If you picture a loom you’ll see the threads run in two directions. In the simplest terms, the warp of the fabric is the lengthwise threads that are stretched taut on the loom. The weft is the crosswise threads woven in and out of the warp, and not attached to the loom at all. You can’t tell which is the warp and which is the weft of a fabric just by looking, but because of the difference in tension when it’s woven, the fabric will shrink more in the direction of the warp (about 5%) than the weft (about 3%).
How we picked
From left: Williams-Sonoma Hotel, Crate and Barrel Abode (now discontinued), and Rough Linen Smooth sets.
How you decide to set your table is mostly personal taste. Table linens are as subjective as any other design element in your home—to a point. No amount of ornate prints or embellishments can make up for cheap materials or bad workmanship. We looked for linen sets with tight weaves, attractive hems, and straight, even stitching. Tablecloths had to be available in at least three sizes, and napkins should be large enough for good coverage on your lap. We limited our search to linens available in white because it’s versatile and looks good with most decors. In all, we sought out sets with the following criteria in mind:
Material
It’s important to remember that dining at a well-appointed table is a feast for all the senses. For this reason, we immediately ruled out linens made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, as well as poly-cotton blends, because they aren’t pleasant to wipe your face with or touch. While synthetics are more resistant to wrinkles and stains, we prefer table linens made from cotton or linen because these natural fibers feel good and absorb messes quickly. But the two fabrics have different qualities, and you may prefer one or the other depending on your needs.
No amount of ornate prints or embellishments can make up for cheap materials or bad workmanship.
The most common and affordable natural-fiber table linens are made from cotton. Prices vary depending on quality of the fiber, construction, and sometimes name brand. Cotton linens generally have the smooth, polished look of a fine-dining restaurant.
Linen, made from the fibers of the flax plant, is absorbent and has a more relaxed drape than cotton. Threads spun from flax fibers are thicker than cotton, and the result is the distinct visible woven texture that linen goods are known for. For more information about linen, see our guide to the best linen sheets.
Durability
Table linens are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. Most people need to wash napkins and tablecloths after each use because of the inevitable spills and drips, and all those trips through the washer can cause poor-quality table linens to fray at the seams. We looked for clean hems and consistent stitching, and avoided linens with loose threads or visible raw edges.
Sizes
Cloth dinner napkins should be generously sized to cover your lap. We found that napkins in the 19-to-20-inch range are ideal. Since dining tables vary widely in size and shape, there’s no general “sweet spot” for tablecloths. Instead, we focused our search on table linen sets that offered the most tablecloth size options.
To find the right size tablecloth for your dining table, you can reference this chart from Williams-Sonoma. Keep in mind that all table linens made from cotton or linen will shrink after laundering, around 5% in length and 3% in width. When buying a tablecloth, do the math so you don’t have any surprises after wash day.
Aesthetics and design
Table linens come in countless colors and patterns to suit every taste. Tabletop aesthetics are entirely subjective, and it would be impossible for us to find something to suit everyone. We decided to focus on well-made napkins and tablecloths in white because they’re neutral, and look clean and polished in any setting. But most of our picks are available in other colors.
Hems with clean, straight stitching and minimal puckering are a sign of a well-made product. Deep hems that measure at least 1 inch, and mitered corners on square or rectangular linens add weight to the drape and give tablecloths a polished drop. But round and oval tablecloths should be finished with a narrower hem, about a ¼ inch or ⅜ inch, to avoid puckering.
Shrinkage
You should expect your table linens to shrink after washing and drying (even after following the care directions on the label). A square napkin won’t come out of the wash a perfect square, since the warp yarns shrink more than the weft. As long as you can still neatly fold the napkin corner to corner without any overhang, you won’t notice the slight discrepancy in dimensions. A problem arises when the napkin is cut “off-grain” (meaning the cut and hemlines don’t follow the fabric grain), and you end up with a wonky-shaped napkin.
As we stated above in our sizes section, a tablecloth will shrink more lengthwise than widthwise (around 5% in length and 3% in width). For example, a rectangular tablecloth measuring 70 inches by 144 inches will probably shrink 2 to 3 inches in width, and 6 to 7 inches in length. Some companies oversize their tablecloths to accommodate for loss after washing, but there’s no way of knowing this unless you measure the cloth yourself before buying.
How we tested
Since 2014, we’ve spent more than 100 hours researching hundreds of napkins and tablecloths. For this update, we tested more sets from the company that makes our top pick (Williams-Sonoma), a couple of budget-friendly cotton options, and 100% linen sets.
Since your table linens will probably have to be washed after each use, they need to be able to stand up to the rigors of your washer and dryer. To test durability, we laundered the napkins and tablecloths five times and pressed them with a steam iron. We examined the fabric for pilling and the hems for puckering and fraying. We also measured each piece to gauge shrinkage after laundering.
We dabbed our faces and wiped our hands with each napkin to assess their softness and ability to quickly absorb moisture. We also draped the tablecloths over countertops, desks, and tables to examine the drape and drop of each one.
In the past, we performed stain tests, soiling each napkin with red wine, coffee, blood, greasy turkey drippings, and melted chocolate, but we found this test told us more about laundering techniques than about the products themselves. Below, you can learn more about our tried-and-true tips for keeping linens looking their best.
Our pick: Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkin and Tablecloth
Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkin
The best cloth napkin
These soft and absorbent dinner napkins are finished with deep hems and clean stitching.
The Williams-Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkins and Tablecloth are excellent-quality table linens made from thick, tightly woven cotton that’ll look great year after year. They’re soft and absorbent, and they evoke the beauty and polish of a fine-dining restaurant. The Williams-Sonoma Hotel table linen set held up to repeated laundering without excessive shrinking or becoming misshapen, and its deep hems with mitered corners pressed flat with minimal puckering. Dinner napkins are available in sets of 12 in eight colors, and the tablecloth comes in five sizes (including a round option) and up to six colors (depending on size).
The 1-inch hem and mitered corners on the Hotel napkin.
Of all the cotton napkins we tested, the Williams-Sonoma Hotel napkins had the thickest weave and felt the smoothest against our skin. They’re substantial, absorbent, generously sized, and a suitable barrier between small dinner-table mishaps and your outfit. In our tests, we found the 20-inch-square napkins shrink to measure 19½ by 18½ inches—which is normal for cotton. Unlike the cheaper brands we tested, the Williams-Sonoma Hotel linens maintained straight hemlines after laundering and shrinking, allowing us to make neat, corner to corner folds.
The matching Hotel tablecloth is made from the same cotton as the napkins, and the rectangular tablecloths have similarly deep hems and mitered corners. The round and oval tablecloths have a narrower hem, about ⅝ inch. Our 70-by-90-inch tablecloth showed normal shrinkage and measured 68½ by 84 inches after laundering.
With proper care and storage, the Hotel table linens will serve you well for years to come. For stain removal, laundering, and storage tips, check out How to keep your linens looking like new.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Since this set is made from 100% cotton fabric, it will wrinkle after laundering. Ironing is an unavoidable task when using natural-fiber table linens. If you love to iron, great! If you hate ironing with a passion, take your linens to get laundered and pressed by a professional. We think this is a small price to pay for soft cotton table linens.
Runner up: Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Napkins and Tablecloth
Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Napkins
Textured cotton napkins
These textured cotton napkins come in sets of twelve in two colors—warm white and black.
Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Cotton Tablecloth
A more relaxed vibe
This not-quite off-white tablecloth has a textured cotton weave that lends a warm and easygoing—yet still polished—feel to your dinner table
If you want table linens that look like linen but don’t cost nearly as much as our upgrade pick, check out the 100% cotton Pottery Barn Entertaining Essentials Napkin Set and Tablecloth. Since the Pottery Barn linens are more textured and warmer-hued, they’re less buttoned-up and lean more toward the cozy, casual side than our top pick. The warm white color is detectable even when we’re not comparing it side-by-side with a true white—but it’s not warm enough to call it ecru or ivory. Pottery Barn’s linens proved to be absorbent and sturdy, and they showed little shrinkage after several rounds through the washer and dryer.
The Pottery barn napkins are woven with thick yarns that mimic the texture and drape of linen. They’re finished with mitered corners and 1-inch hems. Measuring 20 by 20 inches after laundering, these napkins provide good coverage and lay comfortably in the lap. Compared with the Williams-Sonoma napkins, which maintained straight lines after washing and drying, a couple of the Pottery Barn napkins morphed into a slight parallelogram after emerging from the dryer. But we don’t think that’s too big of a problem, and the slight wonkiness is undetectable when the napkin is folded. The dinner napkins are available in sets of 12 in two colors (white and black).
Made from the same cotton as the napkins, the Entertaining Essentials tablecloth has a nice weightiness that creates a lovely drape off the corners of the table. It’s finished with a deep 1½-inch hem and clean, mitered corners. Out of the dryer, the fabric is a little puckered—reminiscent of seersucker. Aside from having to iron out a few creases along the hem, we found this tablecloth is low maintenance.
Unfortunately, the tablecloth is only available in one size: 70 by 108 inches.
Also great: Crate and Barrel Aspen Napkins
Crate and Barrel Aspen Napkin
Value napkins in lots of colors
These soft, drapey napkins are sold open stock, so you can mix and match.
The Crate & Barrel Aspen Napkin is inexpensive and super soft, and sold open stock, so you can buy individual napkins. It’s absorbent and has a tight weave and soft feel. But compared with the Williams-Sonoma napkin, the Aspen is much thinner, and it has a limper drape, even when folded.
Unfortunately, the line is being phased out (replaced by the Aspen Organic Cotton Napkins, which are a different material, and faded unevenly in our tests). But at the time of publication, you can still get the original Aspen napkins in a few colors.
The Aspen napkins have a shiny, sateen-like look and feel when new. It’s worth noting that that sheen diminishes after the first wash, and becomes more matte with subsequent launderings. We don’t consider this a mark against the Aspen napkins, and for those who prefer a more matte look, it may even be a plus. They’ll also become more absorbent each time you wash them.
Sadly, there’s no matching tablecloth. But if your aesthetic is more “mix it up” than buttoned-up, these punchy-hued napkins can add vibrant life to your table.
Upgrade pick: Rough Linen Smooth Napkin and Tablecloth
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Napkin
The best linen napkin
Smooth and absorbent, this luxurious napkin is perfect for those who love the soft and relaxed texture of 100% linen.
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Tablecloth
The best linen tablecloth
Nothing comes close to the soft, relaxed drape of this 100% linen tablecloth. Yes, it’s expensive, but this tablecloth will last you a lifetime.
We found that the Rough Linen Smooth Napkins and Tablecloth are great for anyone who loves the look and texture of linen, and who doesn’t mind paying for outstanding quality. They’re very expensive, but the 100% Belgian linen fabric and thoughtful finishing touches place these above and beyond anything we tested. Rough Linen’s napkins and tablecloth have a relaxed drape with just enough structure, giving your table setting a seamless look that’s appropriate for both formal and casual occasions. Even though a set of Rough Linen is a big investment, with proper care and storage, it will likely last a lifetime and beyond.
Rough Linen’s cloth is the most beautiful, absorbent, and luxurious of all the 100% linen napkins we tested. Despite the name, the Rough Linen is soft to the touch and lays comfortably in the lap. It features the deepest hem of all the competition (just under 2 inches), and it pressed perfectly flat and puckered the least after laundering. Other little details like double-stitched hems and expertly sewn mitered corners with perfectly symmetrical seam allowance set this napkin apart from the competition.
The visible smooth weave of the Rough Linen tablecloth shows the natural texture of the fabric.
Our 24-inch-square napkin measured 22½ by 23¾ inches after five trips through the washer and dryer. The Rough Linen Smooth napkins are sold individually and come in two sizes (20-inch and 24-inch squares), and eight colors.
The Rough Linen tablecloth offers a beautiful, relaxed drape with a generous 3-inch hem and elegant, pointy mitered corners. Unlike other linen tablecloths we tested, which were so thin you could see the details of the table underneath, Rough Linen provides the most opaque and seamless coverage. After laundering and ironing, our 60-inch square tablecloth shrunk slightly to 57 by 59 inches, maintaining its durable quality. Available in three sizes (60-inch square, 72 by 118 inches, and 90 by 144 inches) and eight colors, it’s perfect for home dining, outdoor gatherings, or travel. Ideal for storage in a linen bag or organizer, it’s a great addition to your kitchen essentials.
Although linen is known for wrinkling easily, we had no trouble pressing these tablecloths with a steam iron. For a more relaxed, casual look, you can also smooth out creases using a portable clothing steamer—perfect for travel or outdoor events. The white linen offers a warm, soft hue, making it ideal for home use, but if you prefer bright-white linens, our top pick would suit your needs better. Easy to store in an organizer or linen bag, this versatile tablecloth is a great addition to your kitchen or dining essentials.
How to keep your linens looking like new
We consulted Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha, for expert tips on removing stubborn stains and keeping your linens bright and beautiful for years. Whether for home use or outdoor gatherings, her advice ensures your linens stay fresh and long-lasting. Using the right cleaning products and techniques, along with proper storage in a linen bag or organizer, will help maintain the beauty of your tablecloths, napkins, and kitchen essentials for years to come. Perfect for both everyday use and travel.
Stain Removal
The best first step in defending against stains is water. Begin by running the stained area under cold tap water to flush out as much of the discoloration as possible. Then, treat the stain using the appropriate solution for the type of stain. Whether at home, outdoors, or during travel, having the right stain remover in your first aid kit or linen organizer can save your linens. Keep your tablecloths and napkins in top condition for every use by following these simple steps, ensuring they remain bright and beautiful over time.
Grease Stains
Turkey drippings, butter, vinaigrette, or any oil-based food can leave behind a stubborn grease stain. Start by treating the spot with dish soap, liquid hand soap, or liquid laundry detergent, adding a few drops of water to help the solution penetrate the stain. After laundering, always air-dry the item—never use a dryer, as heat can permanently set the stain. As Jolie Kerr advises: “Don’t even take the risk of putting it in the dryer, because a wet item can obscure a lingering grease stain.” Her tip: “Air-dry, then check to see if the stain is gone. If not, retreat it and sometimes a second wash is all it takes.” Keep these essentials in your laundry kit or travel organizer for quick, effective stain removal at home or on the go.
The best line of defense against stains is water.
Tough Grease Stains
For large or stubborn grease stains, a degreasing solvent is your best option. Jolie Kerr recommends using Lestoil or Pine-Sol, both of which contain pine oil, a powerful degreaser. If you prefer a less acrid scent, Citra Solv, an orange-scented alternative, works just as well. Apply your chosen solvent to the stain, let it sit for up to an hour, and then launder in cold water. Keep these products handy in your home cleaning supplies or travel organizer to tackle tough stains and keep your linens looking fresh, whether at home or outdoors.
When treating grease stains with one of these solvents, we highly recommend using the “extra rinse” option on your washing machine, as the products tend to have a strong scent. For extra assurance, consider running a second full cycle without soap to eliminate any lingering residue. Whether you’re washing linens for home use, outdoor events, or storing them in your travel organizer, this additional step ensures your items stay fresh and free from unwanted odors. Perfect for maintaining your tablecloths, napkins, and kitchen essentials in top condition.
Blood Stains
Blood stains can be easily removed, but it’s crucial to use cold water, as hot water can set the stain. Apply a generous amount of hand soap to the spot, and rub vigorously until most of the stain is gone. Then, launder in cold water and air-dry to prevent setting. Whether at home, camping, or traveling, keeping a basic stain-removal kit in your organizer or first aid bag ensures you’re always prepared to tackle unexpected stains on linens, clothing, or outdoor gear.
Red Wine, Coffee, Tea, and Berry Stains
For small spots and splatters, spray the stain with Wine Away and let it sit for at least five minutes before laundering in cold water. If the stain remains, repeat the process or move to the next step of treatment. Whether at home or during outdoor events, having a stain remover like Wine Away in your laundry kit or travel organizer ensures you’re always ready to handle spills on tablecloths, napkins, or linens. Ideal for quick stain removal while preserving the beauty of your kitchen and dining essentials.
For large or stubborn stains, prepare a soak with oxygenated bleach like OxiClean and hot tap water. Let your soiled linen soak for at least one hour, then launder in cold water and air-dry.
Lipstick Stains
To treat lipstick stains, dab the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol. This may take a few passes, but the color will gradually lift. Afterward, rub the area with liquid laundry detergent before laundering in cold water. Ensure the stain is completely gone before tumble-drying, as heat can set any remaining residue. Keeping isopropyl alcohol and laundry essentials in your stain-removal kit or travel organizer will help you tackle unexpected lipstick mishaps on tablecloths, napkins, or other linens, ensuring they remain bright and beautiful for all occasions.
Wax Stains
Removing candle drippings from your tablecloth can be a different challenge altogether (pun intended!). Jolie Kerr recommends both hot and cold methods for effective wax removal. For the hot method, place a brown paper bag or a cloth over the wax and use a warm iron to melt it away, allowing the wax to absorb into the paper. For the cold method, place an ice pack or a bag of ice over the wax to harden it, making it easier to chip away. Keeping these techniques in your stain-removal kit or travel organizer ensures you can tackle wax stains on tablecloths and linens effectively, preserving their beauty for all your home and outdoor gatherings.
Hot Method for Wax Removal
For the hot method of wax removal, use an iron set to the lowest heat and a brown paper bag. Lay the paper over the wax and gently apply the iron. The heat will melt the wax, allowing it to be absorbed by the paper. As you work, rotate the paper once the section you’re treating becomes saturated. If the wax isn’t melting adequately, you can increase the heat slightly. This technique is a great addition to your stain-removal kit or travel organizer, ensuring you can effectively tackle wax stains on tablecloths and linens, keeping them beautiful for every occasion at home or outdoors.
Cold Method for Wax Removal
For the cold method of wax removal, you can freeze the waxed item by placing it in the freezer or applying ice cubes or ice packs directly to the wax. As the wax freezes, it will contract, making it easy to pop off the textiles using a fingernail, spoon, or a butter knife—avoid using anything sharper, as it may nick the fabric and cause holes. This method is perfect for maintaining the integrity of your tablecloths and linens while effectively tackling wax stains. Keep these techniques handy in your stain-removal kit or travel organizer to ensure your kitchen essentials remain beautiful for any occasion, whether at home or during outdoor gatherings.
Keeping Your Whites Bright
Maintaining the brightness of your white table linens is all about product moderation. Most laundry detergents today are highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount to effectively clean your linens. Additionally, since high-efficiency machines use less water, the risk of residue buildup increases. Jolie Kerr recommends using the extra rinse function on your washer: “The great thing about the extra rinse is that many people don’t realize how much product buildup affects the look, leading to dinge. The extra rinse is what’s going to keep your whites white.” Incorporating this tip into your laundry routine, along with proper storage in a linen bag or organizer, ensures your tablecloths and kitchen essentials remain bright and beautiful for all occasions, whether at home or during outdoor gatherings.
Storage
To ensure your linens stay in pristine condition, store them in a dark, dry place, such as a linen closet or drawer. For added protection, consider wrapping your napkins and tablecloths in acid-free tissue paper and storing them in archival boxes. Avoid using plastic or cardboard for storage, as compounds from these materials can migrate to the fabric, leading to yellowing over time. By following these storage tips, you can maintain the beauty of your linens, ensuring they remain bright and ready for any home or outdoor occasion. Keeping your linens organized in a dedicated storage bag or organizer will further enhance their longevity and usability.
The competition
Crate & Barrel’s Organic Cotton Napkins are the perfect replacement for the original Aspen napkins we recommend. They feature a rougher, more rustic texture compared to their sateen-like predecessors, yet remain comfortable and come in a beautiful array of hues. However, after several washes, we noticed that some of the napkins developed faded patches, resembling sun fading from shelf storage rather than bleach stains. This raises concerns about quality control. For optimal care, ensure proper storage in a dark, dry place and consider using acid-free tissue paper to protect their vibrant colors. These napkins are a great addition to your home dining essentials, ideal for both everyday use and special outdoor gatherings.
We were eager to try Loom & Table, a company that promises quality table linens in custom sizes at an affordable price. However, upon receiving the Premium Cotton Napkins and Tablecloth, we noticed issues such as crooked stitching, loose threads, and a frayed corner. After laundering, some sections of the skinny ¼ inch hems began to fray, and the tablecloth turned into a lint magnet, attracting fuzz balls from nearby upholstered furniture. Additionally, we discovered that the linens are made from a cotton-poly blend, contrary to the website’s claim of 100% cotton. One fellow Walletrays staffer remarked, “it looks more like a bed sheet than a tablecloth.” For those seeking high-quality, durable table linens for home or outdoor use, these concerns suggest that further consideration is needed before purchasing.
The Crate & Barrel Marin Dinner Napkin and Tablecloth are made from 100% linen and are significantly more affordable than our luxury picks from Rough Linen. These items feature deep hems and mitered corners for a polished look. However, they have a stiffer drape and a slightly scratchier feel, with the fabric being so thin that you can practically see through it. That said, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly linen set that’s less than half the price of Rough Linen’s options, this could be a suitable choice. Just be aware that you might be sacrificing longevity for cost savings, which is an important consideration for both home dining and outdoor events.
KAF Home offers affordable, basic cotton table linens with six sizing options for tablecloths, which is a definite plus. However, the quality leaves much to be desired. We noticed that the napkins and tablecloths are not the same shade of white, a difference that is just noticeable enough to be annoying. Additionally, one of our napkins emerged from the laundry so misshapen that we couldn’t fold it neatly. While these linens are budget-friendly, it’s important to weigh the low price against potential quality issues, especially if you’re seeking durable and cohesive table settings for home or outdoor use.
The Williams-Sonoma Hemstitch Napkin (note that the tablecloth is currently unavailable) is crafted from the same cotton fabric as our top pick. However, we noticed that the hems on these linens tend to pucker after washing, causing the edges to flutter. While they offer a classic look, this issue may detract from the overall presentation, especially for home dining or outdoor gatherings. If you prioritize aesthetics and durability in your table linens, it’s essential to consider how these characteristics might affect your table settings over time.
The Williams-Sonoma Linen Double Hemstitch Napkin and Tablecloth puckered even more than the cotton hemstitch linens from the same brand. This excessive puckering can affect the overall appearance, causing the edges to flutter and detracting from the elegant look you might expect from quality linens. While these pieces are made from linen, which typically offers a luxurious feel, the puckering issue may not make them the best choice for home dining or outdoor events where a polished presentation is desired. Consider these factors when selecting table linens to ensure they meet your expectations for both aesthetics and durability.
The Sur La Table Herringbone Napkin and Tablecloth have a look and feel reminiscent of the kitchen towels used in restaurants. The napkin is quite thin, and after just five trips through the washer and dryer, the tablecloth began to pill. While these linens may offer a casual aesthetic, the durability issues could be a concern for those seeking long-lasting quality for home dining or outdoor gatherings. If you prioritize sturdiness and a polished appearance in your table settings, it might be worth considering alternatives that offer better resilience and longevity.
H&M Home applies the company’s budget, fast fashion approach to table linens. We examined both the cotton and 100% linen napkins and tablecloths in-store and ultimately decided against testing them. The $18 cotton tablecloth comes in six colors but is only available in one size (57 by 98 inches). The ones we observed had loose threads and uneven hems, raising concerns about quality. Meanwhile, the 100% linen options were thin and translucent, and like their cotton counterparts, appeared hastily assembled and sewn. If you’re looking for durable, high-quality table linens for home or outdoor use, these may not meet your expectations for both aesthetics and longevity.
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