FAQs

BROWSE AND SAMPLE

Please take some time and browse through our on line product catalogue.

It is always a good idea to get a swatch to make sure the color, pattern and texture is exactly what you want. To order swatches online please click on products and then click on samples. If you need help choosing your swatches please call us and we will be happy to help you choose your swatches. If you call us we will send up to 5 swatches at no charge just for taking the time to call us.

Measure

To get the correct size tablecloth you will need to measure your table for the following dimensions: width and length or diameter and the drop (how much fabric hangs down from the table's edge.) Full instructions on how to measure your table for your new tablecloth are listed under FAQS “How to Measure”. (link to faq) You can also call us with your measurements and we will gladly assist you. Although every tablecloth is made to order we do list the more popular standard size tablecloths and prices on line and if you see your tablecloth size listed then please feel free to order on line and follow the instructions to check out.

If you do not see your tablecloth size listed then give us a shout-we will be happy to make you any size you need.

PLACE YOUR ORDER

You can place your order on line or you can call us at 610-651-2724 to place your order.

ORDER CANCELLATIONS

All orders are confirmed by email. Changes/Cancellations must be made within one hour of order confirmation receipt. After that time your order has gone into production and the sale is final.

ADDITIONS TO ORDERS

Additions to existing orders will be treated as new orders and may shipped separately.

SHIPPING

We strive to ship out all orders within 5-7 business days. We will send you an email at the time of shipment that includes the UPS tracking number of your package. Please inspect your items upon receipt. Do not use a knife to open the box as it may cut the linen. Should you notice any damage, you must notify us immediately at 610-861-2724 or via email at ann@bestdressedtables.com. We will try to correct the problem as soon as possible.

RETURN POLICY

*ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Your tablecloth was made to your exact ordering specifications.

Great effort is made to ensure your order is made accurately. However, if by some chance there is a manufacturing error we will do our best to resolve the problem by offering you an exchange or refund. You must call within 48 hours of delivery. Please be sure to adhere to this reporting policy, as we unfortunately cannot investigate a delayed report. In case of damage, all merchandise, boxes and packaging material must be preserved in their condition of arrival for proper inspection. Digital photos will be required to make a claim. Damaged linens will be given a MRA#. No returns can be accepted without this number. We will issue a UPS call tag to pick up the boxed item from you.

OUT OF STOCK ITEMS

We do our best to insure that all items on are site are in stock. Occassionaly demand may exceed supply. If a pattern is curently out of stock we will call or email you with an estimated delivery date or offer you a refund if you have already placed the order on line. Please make sure that all your contact information is accuate and lists the best way to reach you.

No changes or cancellations are accepted after the order is placed on line as it goes immediately to manufacturing.

Please note the following so there are no surprises!

Sizes listed are cut size. Finished products may be slightly smaller.

Patterns will not be matched at the seams unless requested via phone. There is an additional charge for seam matching.

We are not responsible for late, lost or misdirected deliveries due to the freight carrier errors.

If the box is damaged upon receipt please notify us or the UPS carrier immediately.

We are not responsible for color variations due to acceptable dye lot variations.

All prices and terms are subject to change without notice.

We are not responsible for errors including typographical errors in description or price.

*ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Your tablecloth was made to your exact ordering specifications.

Great effort is made to ensure your order is made accurately. However, if by some chance there is a manufacturing error we will do our best to resolve the problem by offering you an exchange or refund. You must call within 48 hours of delivery. Please be sure to adhere to this reporting policy, as we unfortunately cannot investigate a delayed report. In case of damage, all merchandise, boxes and packaging material must be preserved in their condition of arrival for proper inspection. Digital photos will be required to make a claim. Damaged linens will be given a MRA#. No returns can be accepted without this number. We will issue a UPS call tag to pick up the boxed item from you.

We ship all orders via UPS Ground. Shipping charges are based on the weight of your order, the shipping method and the destination zip code. Expedited shipping is available upon request at an additional expense. Expedited shipping does not expedite manufacturing time, only the time in transit to get it to you.

We strive to have all orders ship within 5-7 business days. All of our products are manufactured to order and at times some fabrics may not be available for immediate shipment. Please try to place your orders with enough lead time so that you are not disappointed.

We cannot be responsible for errors or delays on the part of UPS or common carriers.

It’s easier than you think!

Tablecloths that DO NOT go to the Floor.

You will need to measure the width and length of your table as well as the drop. The width is the shortest measurement and the length is the longer measurement. To determine the drop measurement, it is easy if you just place a sheet or large towel on your table and allow it to hang to where you like the look. Now, measure this distance from the table top down to the bottom of the fabric to get your drop measurement.

The average drop is between 8-12 inches. Remember to have your chairs in place so that you can see where the fabric will hit the seat with the chair pulled out or pushed in.

Too much fabric in your lap is a distraction and too little fabric in the drop looks like you got the wrong size. Remember that whatever drop you choose you must add this number twice to your measurements as you have to go down on both sides of the table. i.e. 36" wide x 72" long with a 10 inch drop is 36 + 20 wide x 72 + 20 long. The tablecloth will be 56" x 92".

Remember you must double the drop measurement as you have to drop down on both sides of the width and both ends of the length.

RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE TABLES

___width + ____drop on right +__ drop of left =__

___length + ____drop on right + __drop of left = _

OR

ROUND TABLES

__Diameter + ___drop of right + _drop of left = _

TIPS:

#1. Adding a few extra inches onto the length of the tablecloth is a good idea. All fabric shrinks when it is washed and it shrinks more in the length than width. By adding the extra 3-4 inches you will be sure that you don’t have a tablecloth that is too skimpy on the ends after a few washings.

#2. Most Dining Room tables are 30" high.

Tablecloths that Go to the floor.

RECTANGULAR AND SQUARE TABLES

Measure the width of the table and add 60 inches and measure the length of the table and add 60 inches. This is the size you need to go to the floor i.e. Table top size is 36" x 72". Add 36" wide +60" and then 72" long + 60"= tablecloth size of 96" x 132". I always recommend that you have rounded corners on rectangular or square tablecloths that go to floor, otherwise the points will be too long.

ROUND TABLES

Take the diameter of your table, add 60 inches to that number and you have the correct tablecloth size. i.e. 48" round plus 60" = 108" round tablecloth. (The 60" represents the distance from the floor to the top of the table- 30" plus the top of the table to the floor on the other side - 30".) Always remember that you have to go up, across and back down!

TIPS:

#1. Rounded corners on full length rectangular or square tablecloths keep the points from dragging on the ground.

#2. Oval Tablecloth also known as Racetracks are measured the same as the rectangle table.

POINT TO POINT MEASUREMENTS

Want to know how long the measurement from point to point is on a square tablecloth?

Here is a handy guide to determine if the points on your square topper will be on the floor or hanging properly down the sides of your table.

54" x 54" = 74”

72" x 72" = 100"

84" x 84" = 115"

90" x 90" = 125"

We appreciate your need to see and touch the fabric your are about to purchase. You can order swatches on line at each pattern page.

You may also call us at 610-651-2725 and we will send up to 5 samples to you via US Mail at no charge just for making the phone call.

General Napkins Sizes and Uses.

• 6″ square – Cocktail
• 12″-15″  square- Luncheon
• 17″ square – Luncheon or Casual Dinner
• 20″-22″ square – Dinner

Napkin fabrics, colors and patterns.

White is always in good taste. Having gotten that out of the way, solid colors, damask patterns and prints are fashionable and can be used to enhance your table setting or theme.

I would say that hemstitch napkins are the best choice for fine dinner napkins. Try to purchase the 22″ x 22″ if available,  as they will shrink. Otherwise purchase the 20″ x 20″ but be aware that they will shrink down to a 18″ x 18″ after washing. Yes, they are white, but resist using chlorine bleach to clean them. Try an oxy bleach products instead. Remember, Bleach is never really your friend, it is more of a frenemy and can ruin the fabric instead of clean it if not handled carefully.

Damask napkins are also a wonderful classic choice for a dinner napkin. They make wonderful wedding gifts. If you give napkins as a gift, make sure you give at least 6 napkins, but a full dozen is even better as they can be used for bread baskets.

Make sure that you choose a napkin that is functional. A sheer organza napkin or a sequin napkin, though perhaps perfect for your theme party is not going to do your guests any good when they go to use the napkin and it does not have any ability to absorb.

As much as I don’t like paper napkins (remember I manufacturer cloth napkins) you can buy some really  fun colorful printed paper products. And quite frankly  there are definitely some parties that are better served with paper, like my daughters 8th grade graduation party or a cocktail party with 300 guests. Cloth napkins? I think not! Messy foods, high guest count and kids all qualify for paper napkins in my book.

Finished Edge Options for Napkins

Your napkins come with a merrow or serged edge. It looks like this:

You can also choose a hemmed edge where the fabric is turned over twice and then sewn down.  there is a 15% upcharge to the cost of the napkins to do this style of finished eddge. It looks like this:

Some fabrics are just too flimsy or don't have a good wipable surface such as the Matte Satin or the Gallaxy Crush and it is best to have them lined with a second fabric. We suggest using our Polyeser spun as it provides a good wiping surface, is absorbant and holds a napkin fold. You can choose any color int he spun to back your fancy decorative napkins. This double napkin looks like this:

As you can see the decorative damask napkin has the ivoroy spun on the back and the et wo fabrics are serged or overlocked together.

What can you do with the napkin? Just about anything you want to.

• Fold and roll them in a gazillion different patterns. They write entire books about napkin folds if you are so inclined to know fold your napkins like origami birds. You can also check on line under napkin folds for some ideas.
• Place flowers, herbs, menus and gifts in them and set them on the table.
• Wrap ribbons, twine, leather, bark, string and grape vines around them.
• Wrap silverware in them.
• Put napkin rings, tassels, silk flowers and beaded strings around them.
• You can place them on the charger plate, next to the forks, draped across the back of the chair, fown the endge of table or place them in a glass (pretty please, don’t do this one).
• You can do anything you want to a napkin. Experiment and be creative with your napkin embellishments.

The edges of your tablecloths and napkins can be finished by in one of two ways. They come with a serged edge which looks like this:

Or you can choose to have it hemmed. The fabric is turned over twice and then stitched down. There is a 25% upcharge for this style of finished edge. This style is great for square tablecloths and napkins but not ideal for circular or oval items.

Table pads are a lot like mattress pads. Not everyone uses them but they should.

Here are some of the many reasons for using table pads.

1. They provide a barrier between your beautiful wooden table top and everything you place on the table. It will protect the wood from liquids, heat and scratches from all those hard sharp objects like knives and forks.
2. They provide a slight cushion to the table top edge that feels rich when your arms are on the table and they provide a better drape for your tablecloth.
3. They provide additional sound absorption in a room to muffle ambient sounds. Something those overly noisy restaurants should look into.

You have several choices of table pads.

1. Custom table pads which you order over the internet and are made from a template, exactly for your table. They are made in sections and fold up. They do an excellent job but they can be expensive. Just wipe, dry and store when you aren’t using them.
2. You can purchase felt backed vinyl fabric by the yard and put that down on the table (felt side down) and then add your tablecloth. This is easy and not too expensive. Just wipe, dry and roll up until your next event. Please don’t fold as it is very hard to get the creases out of it and they look bumpy under your tablecloth.
3. Purchase a roll of thin foam packaging material. You just lay this down on your table and either wipe it clean or throw it away after your party. Very easy, very inexpensive and very temporary but hey-it works!

You might be afraid to use your Grandmother's tablecloth for the holidays but don't be afraid to use these beautiful tablecloths. They are easy to launder and care for.

Just follow the easy washing instructions listed on each tablecloth description page as well as the printed instructions sent with your tablecloth.

Basic Cleaning Instructions

WASH Cool to warm water.

Mild Detergent - Wisk works great.

For stubborn grease spots spray with a 50/50 mixture of "Simple Green" and water and let sit for 5 minutes before washing.

DRY Warm - never dry with hot heat and always use the cool down feature - last 5 minutes of cycle is cool air.

Take out of dryer immediately to reduce wrinkles. Do not over dry your fabrics with high heat. It is better to take the items out of the dryer when they are 80% dry and hang them up. This reduces wrinkles and wear and tear on fabric. This is a good rule for all your laundry items.

Cool to warm iron if necessary. Too hot and polyester fabrics will melt. This is not a good look.

Fold or hang to store and your tablecloth will be ready when you are inspired to have a party or just want your table to look great.