Thanksgiving and fall tablecloths

How to size a Thanksgiving tablecloth

Measure the tabletop first, with any leaves in that you plan to use on the day. Add the drop you want twice to the width and twice to the length, then pick the nearest size. A drop of 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) clears laps and keeps the hem away from plates; anything shorter looks like a topper. A 36 x 72 in (91 x 183 cm) table with a 9 in (23 cm) drop needs about 54 x 90 in, so the 55 x 87 in (140 x 220 cm) cloth fits with 9.5 in at the sides and 7.5 in at the ends.

For a round table, add twice the drop to the diameter. A 48 in (122 cm) round with an 8 in (20 cm) drop takes a 63 in (160 cm) round cloth, and a 60 in (152 cm) round with a 9.5 in (24 cm) drop takes 79 in (200 cm).

Adding a card table for extra guests? Measure the two tables as one surface when they stand together, or dress each one on its own if there's a gap between them.

Rectangle, square or round

Most rectangular cloths here are 55 in (140 cm) wide, which suits tables 34 to 40 in (86 to 102 cm) wide. The Farmhouse Ruffle Tablecloth is 59 in (150 cm) wide for a deeper drop. Lengths run from 55 to 138 in (140 to 350 cm), enough for a table seating 12. An oval table takes a rectangular cloth of the same length; the corners fall into soft points at the ends.

The Round Tassel Tablecloth comes in 35 to 79 in (90 to 200 cm) for kitchen and dining rounds up to 60 in (152 cm). For a square table, the Crochet Lace, Embroidered Leaf, Sage Woven and Water-Repellent tablecloths all come in 55 x 55 in (140 x 140 cm), and the Crochet Lace also comes in 71 x 71 in (180 x 180 cm), which dresses a 48 in (122 cm) round with pointed corners.

Fabrics and finishes

• Cotton-linen and polyester-cotton blends have the dry, matte look of linen with a softer hand. The two gingham cloths and the Round Tassel Tablecloth are woven this way.
• Water-repellent finishes make spilled gravy or wine bead up long enough to blot. The Water-Repellent Tablecloth is coated so it also wipes clean, and the Embroidered Leaf Tablecloth has a water-repellent finish too.
• Polyester holds its color, creases less and needs little ironing. The Sage Woven and Farmhouse Ruffle cloths are polyester.
• Crochet lace is open, so wood or a solid cloth shows through. Layer the Crochet Lace Tablecloth over a solid cloth for a two-tone table.
• Embroidery, woven patterns and tassel edges hide small marks better than a plain solid, and tassels add weight that helps the cloth hang straight.

Colors for a fall table

Oat, stone, beige and coffee sit well under copper, wood and white plates and let flowers and food lead. Wine red and dark coffee set a warm table on their own. Sage and army green look good next to pumpkins, and brown and green gingham suit a farmhouse or casual meal. If you're mixing tables, one neutral cloth on each with a colored runner down the center ties them together; our table runners sit on top of any of these cloths.

Getting it ready for the day

Wash a new cloth once before the dinner to relax the fold lines, then iron it while slightly damp or hang it so the creases drop out. Lay a felt or vinyl pad underneath if you want extra protection for a wood table. Keep candles in holders and away from tassels and lace.

Ordering for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November. US delivery takes 8 to 23 days, so order at least 23 days ahead and leave a few more for washing and pressing. If a size doesn't work out, you can return it within 30 days.