Bringing a lot to the table

How to make linens the centerpiece of your dining room this holiday season

By MEGAN SEXTON - msexton@thestate.com

It’s the time of year for your dining room to shine. Table linens are a great place to start and serve as the foundation for any type of celebration.

Fine linen and lace. Casual and colorful cotton. Simple table runners. All are at home on the tabletop.

Just in time for the holiday entertaining season, the Savvy Shopper takes a look at the first layer of setting the table.

MAKING IT FIT. While there isn’t any rule for how long a tablecloth should be, there are guidelines.

To get a standard drop, fabric should be at least 10 inches below all four sides of the table. Formal tables often are set with longer cloths.

To find your size, measure the table’s length and width. If you want 10 inches of drop, add 20 inches to the length and width before picking out your tablecloth.

ALL KINDS OF FABRICS. Natural fabrics such as Egyptian cotton or linen often are recommended for table linen, since they are absorbent and durable. Fine linen is smooth and soft to the touch and lustrous.

Linen is light and crisp and therefore is ideal for table napkins and tablecloths. Irish linen is thought to be one of the finest, because it is so soft and finely textured. Crisp organdy is another option for table linen.

Table linen in synthetic blends is popular, since it does not need ironing.

LOTS OF SHADE. Traditionally, formal table linens are in solid color, usually white or ivory. It can be embroidered or woven with damask pattern.

Contemporary table linen is available in all sorts of colors and design styles. Gingham, stripes and floral patterns give a more informal feel for everyday use.

Bolder shades bring warmth in cold winter months.

FORMAL STYLE. When choosing formal linens:

• Be sure the seams are finished evenly. Table linen should have a lustrous look but not be shiny.

• Square and rectangular tablecloths can be used on nearly all types of tables, even round or oval ones. A table runner that goes across the length of the table adds a formal accent.

• Monogramming can personalize your table linens. This typically is done on diagonal corners.

KEEPING THEM FRESH. It’s a fact of life with table linens: Food and drink will be spilled on them. So, it’s smart to think about how you will clean it before you buy it.

Some table linens and napkins can withstand regular detergents, chlorine bleach and hot-water laundering. Others need to be dry-cleaned or hand-laundered. Most should not be put in a hot dryer.

Table linens that are made from untreated cotton and linen will require ironing. Synthetic blends and wrinkle-resistant cottons won’t need heavy ironing.

Fine linens should be washed in cool water. Dry cleaning is recommended for silk and taffeta table linen as well as linen with fine lace.

To brighten and clean old linens, put them in room-temperature water overnight, then wash by hand. Roll the linen in towels to remove excessive water.

If possible, it’s best to let linen dry outside, but avoid drying in direct sunlight.

Store linens in a dark cupboard with a few bags of lavender for freshness.

OOPS AGAIN! With all the gatherings during the holidays, your tablecloth can take a beating from spills and stains. Here are a few stain-removal hints from Heloise:

• To remove candle wax from the tablecloth, let the wax harden — a quick way is to put it in the freezer. Then, scrape it off with a dull knife. Place paper towels on both sides of the stain, and set the iron on warm. Then, iron (no steam) over the stained area. Change the towels often to absorb all the wax. Launder as usual.

• To clean up gravy, spoon it up as fast as you can. Sprinkle artificial sweetener or flour over the stained area to absorb the grease. Put the tablecloth into a sink, and soak in a mixture of one teaspoon of a mild, colorless detergent with each cup of lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes. Then, wash as usual, and let air-dry. Don’t put in the dryer.

• To remove red-wine stains, pour a big dose of salt on top of the stain to absorb the liquid. Put the tablecloth into cold water, and try to rub out the stain. Use an enzyme detergent in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric, soak for 30 minutes, and launder.

SOURCES: “Perfect Parties: Tips and Advice from a New York Party Planner,” by Linnea Johansson (Skyhorse Publishing, $19.95); Kohl’s, Harbison Boulevard; www.ezinearticles.com; www.targetwoman.com; www.centralrestaurant.com; www.direct-linen.com; Hints from Heloise