What is table linen?
Table linen is a fabric piece intended for repeated use and can include items such as tablecloths, napkins, placemats, napkins, etc. With these items, you can decorate your dining table to your liking, don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and create a loving, festive look any time.
When it comes to decorating your table, it can be overwhelming because there is the possibility that you don't know where to start. Since there are many options, it's an ongoing process, and choosing the perfect set can be difficult. So, whether you're looking for something festive or want to add a pop of color to your everyday table, there's a chance you might find one.
What is unique about linen table textiles, and why is it so popular?
It's a known fact that linen is one of the oldest fabrics in the world. Linen has been loved for decades and is one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world.
The biggest question that often occurs for everyone: why linen table textiles are unique and popular? Well, it's not only because of its beauty but also because of these:
The lifespan of linen. Linen is considered one of the most potent natural fibers in the world. Compared to another popular natural fabric, cotton, linen is 30% stronger and more durable. Linen table textiles can be challenging to get rid of because they won't tear and wear down quickly. That is why the such fabric is passed down from generation to generation.
The health of the linen. The flax plant has a natural barrier and antibacterial properties. When the flax plant fibers are made into the fabric, it doesn't lose this factor, and the cultivation process doesn't need chemicals or pesticides. Therefore, it is safe to use this fabric for dressing up tables.
The friend to the planet. From the growing and cultivation process to your table, linen is one of the greenest fabrics in the world. The whole flax plant is used, meaning it's zero waste. And when you want to change your linen table textile, it's biodegradable and recyclable.
Naturally, Linen Tales™ wants to bring that luxury to you, so in our Table linen collection, you can find these pieces:
Linen coasters. The smallest piece of table linen. These linen coasters are meant to put your cups, glasses, or bottles on top. This way, you can protect your table.
Linen napkins. The small piece of table linen. The purpose of linen napkins is self-explanatory - to wipe the mouth and cover the lap to protect the clothing. Linen napkins can come in different styles, colors, and sizes.
Linen placemats. Unlike tablecloths, this table linen is used for individual place settings. Usually, linen placemats are bigger than napkins; on these, you put tableware and glasses.
Linen table runners. Linen table runners can highlight the centerpiece of the table. The table runner is considered to a longer length-wise than its wider width. You can mix and match linen table runners with tablecloths or use them without a tablecloth underneath.
Linen tablecloths. The traditional piece of table linen that everyone knows. Linen tablecloths are used to cover the table's surface to provide some protection from scratches and stains.
How to decorate your table with linen?
Linen Tales™ ultimate goal is to spread the love from us to you throughout our made linen pieces. One of the best ways is by decorating tables for different occasions.
Decorating your dining table or preparing for a casual dinner with your loved ones is one of the best ways to show that you care. We encourage you to experiment and decorate the table with fantastic linen pieces.
To spark your creativity, we compiled a few options on how to create a different atmosphere for your events using extra pieces and colors:
Classic white table
You can never go wrong with classics. The white table setting gives a sophisticated, elegant look and feels luxurious.
To create such a setting, you can use white linen table pieces. Lay down the white linen tablecloth with fringes on the table; this piece is sophisticated yet fun because of the details. On top of the tablecloth, you can place a linen table runner. To make the table stand out more, you can choose a table runner in natural linen color; this way, the contrast will bring more of a luxurious feeling.
Since this is more of a classic look, when you add the tableware, ensure that you also have napkins. With a setting like this, we suggest you use white linen napkins. Check out our blog if you want to improve your napkin folding techniques.
Add a statement color or pattern to the table
Statement colors or patterns are one of the ways when you want to elevate the look of the table. So, for a casual dinner or lunch with your friends at your house, you want to dress your table. You can dress your table like this:
Use a linen table runner with a pattern, natural linen placemat, and natural linen napkins. The linen table runner will be the perfect centerpiece; on top, you can add other decorations to complete the look. To protect your table from scratches from tableware, you can use natural linen placemats. To complete the individual setting, add natural linen napkins.
Use a black linen placemat and linen napkins with the pattern. This setting is minimalistic, meaning it looks and feels effortless. Also, this setting with black linen placemat and linen napkins with a design is perfect for a romantic dinner date.
Colorful party
There's a vast misconception about colors, and some are afraid to use colors. But here's the thing the colors bring everything to life. If you want to enlighten your classic table setting or want to add a pop of color to another table setting:
Light-colored linen table textile. Give a little tint of color, this type of linen brings attention to it, and it will add more comfort. Choose from colors such as natural or sage or other light linen table textiles.
Bright, vibrant-colored linen table textile. Bright color linen will give you a focal point, make a statement on the table, and bring your table a little character. You can pair bright yellow and blue, or go deep red to get your table to life.
Linen table textile with patterns. The answer is patterns if you don't want monochrome linen pieces to decorate your table. Patterns are a fun way to bring some character to your table. Choose from traditional patterns like grids or stripes or more fun patterns with floral elements or seasonal patterns at Linen Tales™.
How to care for your table linen to last a long time?
The biggest myth about linen textile is that it is hard to care for. It's quite the opposite of complex. Of course, you will need to follow a few instructions, but these steps are super easy.
If you follow and care for your linen table textiles properly, you will have these pieces for a long time. Here are a few things you need to know:
Pre-treat the stains
When it comes to table linen, stains are the one thing that happens all the time. So, removing any stain before you put it in the washing machine for the main wash is a must.
To treat the different stains mainly, you can use dishwashing soap, white vinegar, and water. Of course, the method of removing the stain will depend on the source of the stain. If you want more precise instructions on removing any stain from table linen, find them here.
Washing
The washing process of the linen table textile is simple - like for every other linen piece you own. The main things you need to consider:
- Detergent - you can use detergent for linen table textiles but don't overuse it. It is best to use a soft, natural liquid detergent made for delicate fabrics; this way, you won't damage the fibers in the linen piece.
- Bleach - use bleach only on white table linen. Don't bleach colored table linen. We recommend using oxygen-based bleaching agents.
- Washing settings - since linen doesn't like hot water, it's best to put the setting on lukewarm water, which mostly goes for the temperature of 40°C / 100°F. It's best to wash the linen table textile separately from other fabrics.
Drying and ironing
To dry your table linen, you can get it in two ways - machine dry or hand-dry. Machine drying can, over time, damage the fabric, so if you don't have the opportunity to hand dry the pieces, make sure that your dryer is on a low setting and remove when it's 95% dry.
Hang-drying table linen can help prevent unnecessary wrinkles, even though linen fabric is naturally wrinkly. If you have white linen table textiles, hang-drying them in the sun can help you whiten them naturally.
As for the ironing process, use the highest temperature on the iron with the steam to smooth out the wrinkles. But we encourage you to embrace the natural wrinkles of linen because you can create a more relaxed, effortless look on your table.