TableclothsFactory Blog

Ways to Reuse Old or Ruined Tablecloths

Jun 29, 2012• Table Linens

Tablecloths are a lifesaver; they keep our tables protected from messes or scratches. They also are a great way to add some style and sophistication to any event, perfect for holidays or dinner parties. However, since they do take such a beating, they don’t always last as long as we would like. Some get stains on them that you can’t get out while others get tears or pulls. Either way, a number of tablecloths often end up in the garbage or in the donation pile. Don’t let your old or used tablecloths go to waste. We have some wonderful and creative ways to breathe new life into your old tablecloths. Tablecloths can easily be reused as picnic cloths outdoors, or kept in your car in case you need to change a tire, even for beach trips to lay all the food out on. Simple uses for tablecloths with a pair of scissors and some thread include cleaning rags, kitchen dishtowels, napkins, place mats, pot holders, even curtains or valances for small windows. If large enough, they can even be used for the backing of a quilt, or just pieces of a quilt. If you start thinking creatively and are more experienced with a needle and thread, you could even make a purse, apron, reusable grocery bags, or even baby bibs. If you like to craft, you can use your old tablecloths to make small embellishments like flowers, or even use them to cover the front of journals, scrapbooks or photo-albums. You can even take your holiday tablecloths and turn them into a brand new stocking. You can treat tablecloths the same as any piece of fabric you would have around the house to create clothes, house items, decorations and more. Make the world a greener place by keeping unwanted tablecloths out of the landfills and save yourself money by creating new items out of an old tablecloth. Your imagination is your only boundary when it comes to the many ways to reuse your old tablecloths. What have you ever made out of an old tablecloth?

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Tips for Removing Stains in Tablecloths

Jun 22, 2012• Table Linens

Tablecloths can take a beating, especially those that are used day in and day out. But even holiday tablecloths can be ruined in a moment with the spill of a glass of red wine. Don’t let a simple accident ruin a family heirloom or beloved tablecloth. To keep your tablecloths lasting as long as possible, we have some great tips for removing stains on tablecloths. There are many different products that can be used to help remove stains, our tips use general household ingredients, no fancy products. Before washing, be sure to remove any excess liquid or food from the tablecloth. Then clean it by hand with a mild detergent to see if the stain can be removed. Let it air dry, do not dry it in an electric dryer, as it will allow the stain to set in. If the hand wash showed some progress, you can repeat the process to hope for further results. The second step if the stain is still visible after two hand washings, is to soak the stained section in bowl of white vinegar. The white vinegar bath would consist of 1 tablespoon of vinegar for every quart of warm water. Soak it for one hour, but check the stain every 10 minutes to prevent damaging the tablecloth permanently. If step one and two are still not effective, you can move on to more evasive measures.  Use a similar mixture as step 2, but replace the vinegar with bleach. Use this mixture only on the area of the stain. Then place it flat in the sun to assist the bleaching process. Check on the stain’s progress about every 15 minutes. The sun can discolor the other parts of the tablecloth, so be sure to keep a close eye on it. These tips are especially helpful on antique tablecloths in which the stain may have already set in. If the last and final step does not completely remove the stain, and if is still pretty visible, you may want to find a way to reuse the tablecloth for other items in your home. Visit out blog next week for some easy and creative ways to reuse old or ruined tablecloths! How do you get stains out of your tablecloths or other linens?

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How to Add Color to Your Wedding

Jun 15, 2012• wedding

Bright and bold color combinations have been a huge trend for the 2012 wedding season. The key to perfecting this trend is by using the colors you have chosen in strategic and small places. You don’t want the colors to be overwhelming to guests or to be taking away from the overall décor instead of adding to it. There are numerous ways to stylishly and effectively add color to your wedding. Ceremony: Flowers are an obvious way to add colors easily, but you can also have accents on the ribbons on the ring bearer’s pillow and flower girl’s basket. Aisle runners can easily incorporate your wedding colors by being embroidered. Finally, wedding programs and fans allow you to tie the colors into your various stationary items as well. Attire: Colored bridal sashes have become very popular in many weddings, especially brightly colored ones. The bride’s heels and groom’s sock are very small places to not only add color to the wedding, but also to show off their personalities. Reception: Wedding table linens or chair sashes are the perfect opportunity to add that pop of color. Napkins or coasters are another inexpensive way to add color. The centerpieces, flowers, and other decorations should also have accents of your color scheme. Even your cake and cake topper can incorporate the colors of your wedding. Now remember, when adding these pops of color, do them in moderation. You want your wedding to look fun, modern and inviting, but not too loud to be distracting from the actual event. Choose up to three colors to use as accents throughout your wedding, and have fun with it. Use the colors in any place you can imagine, as long as it’s still stylish. Other than that, enjoy your day and make it “pop” in guests’ minds! How did you incorporate your colors into your wedding?

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Win $100 Gift Code for TableclothsFactory.com!

Jun 11, 2012• Savings

From party planning to event catering, TableclothsFactory.com has you – and your tables – covered. We love making the perfect party a reality, which is why TableclothsFactory is  giving away a $100 shopping spree his month. Up for grabs to one lucky individual! Simply enter the Rafflecopter form below to be entered. Our only mandatory form of entry is to visit the site and let us know your dream shopping list – and share as much of your dream list as you want! Just the details on the contest: The contest will run from now until midnight at June 30th. There are 35 entries to be earned, so make sure you enter them all! Winner will receive a $100 gift code to spend at TableclothsFactory.com. We love reading event planning blogs, venue and wedding blogs, even giveaway blogs which is why we’d love to give you a bonus! When you share our contest on your blog, you get an extra 25 entries! Don’t forget to remember to comment below for an additional entry. We’d love to hear what your favorite type of event is, and why.  Feel free to share stories of a favorite event in the past as well. We want to make your event even planning simpler and easier with all your tablecloth and table linen needs in one easy location. So for an additional entry, let us know what you’d like to see on our site that you don’t see already! Enter now! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tablecloths to Silverware, How to Set the Perfe...

Jun 08, 2012• table decoration • wedding

In today’s busy world, we barely have the time to sit down and eat, let alone set a formal dining table. It may not be needed as everyday knowledge, but whether you are setting your own table or attending a formal event, it will be important to know how to set the perfect table. As for a formal event, the setting and décor will be much different than a more casual lunch or breakfast, so keep that in mind. As for a formal event the table setting will follow the following order from left to right. Beginning on your left side you have your napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, and dessert fork. You will then set the dinner plate with the soup bowl or salad plate on top. After that, you will have the dinner knife, the teaspoon and finally the soup spoon. Above this line of silverware and dinnerware you will have the bread and butter plate along with the butter spreader above the forks. On the right side, above the knife and spoons will be your water goblet, red and white wine glasses. They will be arranged from left to right, beginning with the largest, the water goblet to the smallest, the white wine glass. This is not the only way that a formal table can be set; there is a number of additional silverware or dinnerware pieces that can be added. However, this is a simple guide that covers most of the needed items. As for the table linens, tablecloths, such as linen tablecloths, are almost always suggested for formal dinners, with matching cloth napkins if possible. After that, you can add unique touches to the table, including fresh flower centerpieces or candles. Even place cards for guests are an option and a nice touch to welcome guests. If setting your own table, make it a reflection of you. What occasions do you set your table with table linens?

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Creating the Perfect Wedding Table

May 24, 2012• event decor • Table Linens • wedding

Creating the perfect table setting for a wedding may be a work of art. You must carefully coordinate colors, have arrangements that are properly sized for the table and encourage conversation. Here’s a few tips from TableclothsFactory.com to make your perfect setting a reality! Picking out your Tablecloths Begin making the perfect wedding table by adding tablecloths to the tables. Some couples prefer to use white tablecloths in conjunction with colored cloths. You may also choose to use one color for the bottom layer and a contrasting color that runs in a different direction. Long rectangular tables may benefit from the addition of colorful table runners. The centerpieces should be proportional to the size of the tables. For example, if the tables are short, the centerpiece should also be short. Longer tables can handle taller centerpieces, such as topiaries. Smaller tables can handle elegant candle arrangements or floral arrangements. The floral arrangements should not be so tall that they interfere with your guests’ ability to talk to one another across the table. This goal can also be achieved by placing the centerpieces in the space between guests’ chairs. This will prevent guests from being impeded from seeing each other. When choosing the centerpiece, also be sure that it coordinates with the table linens for a sophisticated and cohesive design!

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Cleaning Your Tablecloths and Table Runners

May 18, 2012• Table Linens

  Want to be noticed? Tablecloths and table runners contribute to overall impressions at any event, large or small. They are also investments, with a value that grows over time, lasting for generations with proper care. TableclothsFactory.com recommends these handy cleaning tips to protect your investment. When scanning for stains, inspect the entire surface area of both sides, including the overhangs of tablecloths and table runners. Gently brush away any removable debris, such as candle wax or crumbs. Remember to inspect the cloth for loose fibers and fraying. If present, these areas will require more tender care in cleaning prior to repair. Oil Stains Next, apply an appropriate removal agent. Grease and lipstick stains are oil-based, thus requiring solvents like Goof Off. Food residue responds well to enzymatic cleaners, for example, Shout. When in doubt, follow manufacturer instructions on the bottle for best results. Do not apply chlorine bleach, ammonia or vinegar to linen tablecloths. Waxy Mistakes Removing candle wax requires paper towels and an iron. Sandwich the affected area with paper towels. A few passes with a warm iron, changing paper towels as needed, will easily resolve the situation. Finish off any remaining residue with an enzymatic cleaner, like Shout. Finally, soak overnight, then gently wash in warm water with enzymatic laundry soap, like Biz. Line or towel dry your tablecloths and linens for the least amount of creases. What tricks do you know for cleaning tablecloth stains?  

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Simple Tablecloths Tips to Keep in Mind

May 09, 2012• Table Linens

  Deciding to use a tablecloth is one of those simple, effective secrets that regular party planners to make their celebration aesthetically pleasing. Tablecloths draw the table together, giving a uniform background to the delicious treats and exciting decorations. To step up the decorations while keeping that unifying theme, you can even add table runners to your tables. Tablecloths are equally beautiful and practical. A tablecloth protects the table from scuffs and spills, making clean up easier and preventing damage to wood finishes. On the other hand, if the table has already suffered from the lack of a tablecloth, using one now will make the table presentable. Be creative in your tablecloth choices, picking cheerful colors and patterns that bring a spark of life to your party. Have fun setting up your table for your party! To start, throw a tablecloth over your table. Make sure it lies evenly. If the table is pushed against a wall, go ahead and pull it down a little farther on the exposed side. Next, put on your table runners, making sure they are straight. The centerpiece comes next, and then arrange your dishes, stacks of plates and napkins or place settings. A table cloth brings easy style!

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