How to figure tablecloth sizes

"What size tablecloth do I need for that table?" Another frequent question we receive. We usually answer "It depends". Most tables can properly take 2 sizes of tablecloth, some, even more. Our usual follow up question is "How formal is your event?" The formal it is, the more you're going to want to completely cover the legs of the table. Once we know how much of the table leg our client would like to cover, the rest of the answer is math. For round tables, it's pretty easy. You take the diameter of the table in inches and add the double the number of inches of table leg you want to cover (I know it sounds complicated, but it's really not). Let's take an example of a 60" round table. You're having a casual party and you only want to cover the table half way down. Standard seating height for tables is 30". So, half of that covered is 15". We double that, 30" and add the diameter of the table (60") and the sum is 90". A 90" round table will cover the 60" round table half way to the floor. If you want it to the floor, you need 120" round cloth.

Rectangular tables are computed the same way, you just need to compute 2 dimensions. For an 8' x 30" table, a tablecloth that comes half way down needs to be 60" (30" width + 2 *15" down) by 126" (96" length + 2 *15" down). But you can't get a 60x126, only a 60x120. That's okay, for a casual look, 12" drape will be adequate for the ends of the table. If you want to cover the table to the floor (very common for all buffet tables, even in casual events), you need a cloth that is 90x156. Keep in mind that these cloths usually have rounded corners. That's so that the extra fabric at the corner doesn't drag on to the floor. A dressier look for the table would be to use skirting. For a discussion about skirting, see the article "What is Skirting?"