Christmas tablecloths for holiday tables

How to choose a Christmas tablecloth

Start with the shape of your table. Round tables need a round cloth. Rectangular and oval tables need a rectangular cloth. A square cloth can work on a square table, and some square sizes also fit small rounds.

Next, think about the mood. A red and white stripe reads playful and casual. Wine red reads classic and warm. Khaki with a printed scene reads quiet and rustic. Plaid in red, green, brown and white reads traditional. A gold wreath on beige reads soft and formal.

Finally, think about the day itself. If you host a crowd with little time to clean, a wipe-clean plastic cloth is the easy pick. If you want a cloth that can go in the machine after dinner, choose a woven polyester.

Sizes and measuring

Measure your table first. For a rectangle, measure length and width. For a round, measure across the center. Then decide on the drop, which is how far the cloth hangs over the edge.

A short drop of 7.87 to 11.89 in (20 to 30 cm) per side sits above the lap and stays clear of chairs. That is the range the Wine Red Christmas Tablecloth size chart recommends. A longer drop looks more formal but can catch on knees.

Sizes on this page:

• The Striped Party Tablecloth: 54 x 108 in (137 x 274 cm), a long rectangle for big gatherings.
• The Wine Red Christmas Tablecloth: rectangle, sized by the drop rule above.
• The Khaki Christmas Scene Tablecloth: 60 x 60 in (152 x 152 cm), 70 x 70 in (180 x 180 cm) and 55 x 70 in (140 x 180 cm).
• The Christmas Plaid Tablecloth: round sizes are for round tables only.
• The Gold Wreath Christmas Tablecloth: 60 x 60 in (152 x 152 cm) round and 55 x 71 in (140 x 180 cm) rectangular. It fits tables 20 to 48 in (51 to 122 cm) round, or 28 x 43 in to 43 x 59 in (70 x 110 cm to 110 x 150 cm) rectangular, and seats 4 to 6.

If you are between sizes, size up for a longer drop or size down for a tidy, close fit.

Materials and what they do

Plastic is the practical choice for a party. The Striped Party Tablecloth is plastic at 125 g, so it wipes clean in seconds and shrugs off spills. It comes in red and white or black and white.

Polyester is the choice for a cloth you keep and reuse. The Wine Red Christmas Tablecloth is 100% polyester in a woven, plain matte finish, and it is oilproof. The Khaki Christmas Scene Tablecloth is 100% polyester twill weave, waterproof and oilproof. The Christmas Plaid Tablecloth is 100% polyester, also waterproof and oilproof. The Gold Wreath Christmas Tablecloth is 100% polyester in a printed weave.

A matte woven finish hides creases and reads calm under candlelight. A printed weave gives you pattern and detail without extra weight.

Care and reuse

Wipe-clean cloths need the least work. The Striped Party Tablecloth just needs a wipe with a damp cloth after the meal.

The Wine Red Christmas Tablecloth is machine washable and reusable. The Christmas Plaid Tablecloth is machine washable. For the Gold Wreath Christmas Tablecloth, machine wash cold, hang dry and use a low iron. Wash dark reds and greens with like colors, and skip hot water to keep the color deep.

A quick fold while slightly damp keeps creases soft. Store cloths flat or rolled, not crushed in a drawer.

Building the whole table

A tablecloth is the base. A runner adds a line down the center and gives candles and bowls a place to sit. Placemats protect the cloth under hot plates and mark each seat. Napkins finish the setting and can match the cloth or contrast with it.

For a plaid cloth, a plain napkin keeps the look calm. For a wine red cloth, a lighter napkin adds contrast. For a printed scene, keep the runner simple so the print stays the focus.

Curtains can carry the same color into the room. A soft red or green at the window ties the table to the space without matching it exactly.

A quick fit check

Before you buy, note three things: table shape, table size and the drop you want. Then match the cloth to the day. A long holiday dinner with many guests suits the 54 x 108 in (137 x 274 cm) stripe. A round kitchen table suits the 60 x 60 in (152 x 152 cm) round. A rectangular dining table that seats 4 to 6 suits the 55 x 71 in (140 x 180 cm) gold wreath. When in doubt, measure twice and pick the size that gives you the drop you like.