Home Style Decorating

Fine table linens exemplifies beautiful materials, elegant designs and fine workmanship. They are soft and smooth and is usually made from linen and cotton. There are slight differences between linen and cotton. Linen has a lighter and crispier feel to it and is highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton is more substantial and is usually prone to more shrinkage. However, both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable and become softer with use.

For formal occasions, white damask or plain white linen is used. The damask weave is considered more formal than the jacquard weave.

Another thing to consider is the length of the table cloth. The length depends on the table setting . If your table is set up in a buffet style, the tablecloth should drop to the floor. Otherwise, the tablecloth should drop below the top of the table 8-18 inches. Formal dinners requires matching napkins and tablecloths while informal ones can be set up with mix and match patterns and colors.

Along with using fine table linens, come stains. Here are some quick remedies for common stains:

1. Red wine - Sponge or soak stain using cool water. Pretreat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Launder with fabric-safe bleach.

2. Gravy - Pretreat or soak with a product that contains enzymes. Soak for 30 minutes if the stain is dry. Launder as usual. Don’t machine dry until the stain is gone.

3. Butter - Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Wash using the hottest water safe for fabric. Re-treat if necessary.

4. Candle wax - Scrape off with a dull knife. If wax remains, place linen between white paper towels and press with warm iron. Replace paper towels as wax is absorbed.

5. Olive oil - Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Wash using the hottest water safe for fabric. Don’t machine dry until the stain is out.

6. Tomato sauce - Apply a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Wash with liquid laundry detergent and fabric-safe bleach at a safe water temperature.

7. Lipstick - Sponge or soak using cool water. Pretreat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Launder with fabric-safe bleach.

8. Coffee or tea - Pretreat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent or rub with a bar of soap. Launder as usual and again if necessary.

Properly care for linens will last longer. To properly store your linens, be sure they are clean and dry. If you starch your linens, it is best to avoid doing this prior to storing them. Fold your linens (or roll to minimize wrinkles) and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. You can also wrap your linens in acid-free tissue paper and store them in a natural fiber bag. Do not store linens in plastic bags, cedar chests, basements, attics, or garages. Storing your linens in these places, where large fluctuations in temperature and humidity are likely, can be damaging to your linens. Be sure to check your linens periodically to ensure they are clean and dry. If you need to store your linens for longer periods of time, you can purchase linen storage kits and linen storage boxes that are acid-free.

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