The tablecloth dilemma

Tablecloths are something that we all need, be it as a household necessity to keep the dust and scratches off your polished mahogany table or even as a decorative piece all in and of itself. 

Different pieces of tablecloths are used to accentuate different occasions: high-end tablecloths made out of silk, satin or lace for special occasions and maybe plainer cotton tablecloths for everyday use. 

It is important to have certain knowledge about the fabric of tablecloths as not all fabrics can absorb stains properly. 

A silk tablecloth may be permanently damaged by a stain which would have been easily removed from a polyester tablecloth. So, while picking tablecloths for the required occasions, keep in mind the textures and the fabrics that best suit your needs. Certain tablecloths come with table settings, coordinating with placemats, napkins and table runners. They are of contrasting colours, which make the table look elegant. 

An added benefit of buying matching napkins is that it is more eco-friendly than paper napkins. 

There are plastic tablecloths which are quite cheap – stains on which can easily be wiped off. They are not that durable as they tear easily but are available for everyday usage and can be found at the markets in Town Hall and Krishimarket as well as Gulshan DCC market.  

For dinner tables, we all prefer the fabrics which are long-lasting and stain-resilient. The best fabric for this criterion is polyester. Its spandex-like quality makes the fabric durable and its texture renders it easy to use at outdoor events and other programs. 

When deciding which fabric to choose for decorating tables for a more formal occasion, generally linens and satins are the best. There are different types of linens depending on one's budget. They come in different designs and have a shimmer to them. Some people prefer using plain coloured linens which look both elegant and chic. They also come with matching lace embroidery around the edges with embroidery also done at the centre. 

The most widely used fabrics for tablecloths are cotton and cotton-polyester. We can find them in every house. Their specialty is they can be easily washed and ironed without the colour fading. Everybody has seen the red and blue, checked poplin popular at some of the most prominent Italian restaurants in the city. 

Check out Aarong for well-contrasted tablecloths. They have block prints on coarse fabrics such as khadi with colourful stiches. Batiks bring about an artistic touch to the room when set with the right decorations.  You can also find grameen check, pinstripes and single checker poplin with prices ranging from Tk300 to Tk2000. 

Jatra also has a huge collection of cotton and khadi tablecloths. Their colours speak more of our culture and show the brilliant work of our deshi weavers. The price here is a bit high, ranging from Tk1000 to Tk 3000. Other than that if one wishes to make their own set of tablecloths, they can buy separate pieces of fabric according to the right measurements and can do block prints and embroidery.  

Markets like Gausia and New Market have shops where you can tailor them according to your desire. They generally charge according to the size of the tablecloth and can range anywhere from Tk200 to Tk600.

It is astounding how much the right tablecloth can change the look of a room and perhaps even a dull dinner. 

By Mormee Mahtab
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed