Picking the Best Tablecloths for Your Event Table
The right tablecloth does more than cover a table – it sets the mood, ties your décor together, and creates a polished, memorable look for your event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate dinner, or backyard celebration, linens make a huge impact on how your tables feel to guests. But with so many fabrics, colors, and sizes available, picking the best tablecloths for your event table can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from style to sizing—so your tables look picture-perfect.
TLDR / Key Summary
- Picking the best tablecloths for your event table depends on formality, theme, color, and table size.
- Floor-length cloths work best for formal occasions; shorter drops suit casual gatherings.
- Baystate Tent offers rustic burlap runners, textured Panama, sequins, lace, seasonal linens and more.
- Customers can schedule sample viewings to compare fabrics and colors in person.
Formal or Casual: Setting the Tone
When picking the best tablecloths for your event table, the first question to ask is: how formal is the occasion?
- Formal Events: Weddings, galas, or corporate dinners call for elegant fabrics such as satin, silk, or linen blends. Neutral shades like white, ivory, or champagne set a timeless tone, while subtle patterns add visual interest without taking away from the décor. Floor-length linens also help create a crisp, sophisticated look.
- Casual Events: For backyard birthdays, picnics, or family reunions, relaxed fabrics like simple polyester blends feel welcoming. Here’s where you can play with bold colors and fun patterns to bring energy and personality to the space.
Match Your Theme and Color Palette
Your table linens should reflect your event’s style. Picking the best tablecloths for your event table is about more than just covering surfaces—it’s about completing the atmosphere.
- Rustic or Boho Celebrations: Pair our farm tables with burlap runners for a natural, organic look, or explore our Panama collection, a woven fabric full of rich texture that layers beautifully with greenery and candles.
- Modern or Glamorous Events: Make a bold statement with specialty fabrics from our collections. Choose from floral prints, delicate lace, Renaissance-inspired linens, rosette textures, or sparkling sequins—all designed to wow your guests and elevate your event design.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Baystate Tent carries linens that capture the spirit of every season. Think velvet in deep holiday hues for Christmas, sequin sparkle for New Year’s Eve, American prints for summer gatherings, or pastels for spring showers and Easter celebrations.
With so many options, the tablecloth becomes the canvas that ties your décor together.
Size and Shape: Getting the Fit Right
No matter how stunning the fabric or color, if the linen doesn’t fit properly, it will look unfinished. When picking the best tablecloths for your event table, measure carefully and decide on the drop length:
- Floor-length (around 30”): Ideal for formal events and weddings—creates a clean, polished look.
- Mid-length (12–15”): Great for casual dinners where comfort is key.
- Overlays: A smaller decorative linen layered on top of a full-drop cloth for texture and dimension.
And don’t forget to match the linen shape to the table: round cloths for round tables, rectangular for banquet or farm tables, and square for cocktail tables. View our full linen sizing guide to choose the perfect fit!
Practical Considerations
Style matters, but so does function. When picking the best tablecloths for your event table, think about how your event will run:
- Outdoor Events: Polyester blends and spandex are durable and resistant to spills or wind.
- Buffets or Bars: Full length tablecloths keep the space looking neat throughout service and allow storage below tables.
- Cocktail Area: Spandex or full length linens tied with a bow ensure your tablecloths won’t go anywhere.
These details make your event smoother while still looking intentional.
Baystate Tent Makes Linen Rentals Easy
At Baystate Tent, we know how important linens are to your overall event design. That’s why we make picking the best tablecloths for your event table simple and stress-free.
Our linen rentals include:
- A wide range of fabrics, colors, and textures for any occasion.
- Collections for rustic, modern, glamorous, and seasonal looks.
- Multiple sizes to fit round, rectangular, and specialty tables.
- Clean, pressed linens ready to use.
- Setup and takedown services that let you focus on enjoying the event.
Want to see the fabrics for yourself? Schedule a sample viewing with our team to compare colors and textures in person before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
By now, it’s clear that picking the best tablecloths for your event table isn’t just about fabric – it’s about creating the atmosphere you want. From burlap runners on farm tables to sequin overlays for New Year’s Eve, Baystate Tent has linens that transform your event into something unforgettable.
Contact Baystate Tent today to explore our linen rentals, or schedule a sample viewing to touch and compare fabrics in person. And don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for real-life event inspiration!

Wedding Whisperer | Dog Mom | Creative Enthusiast
Samantha has been an integral member of the Baystate Tent team since 2016, combining a lifelong passion for event design with a deep understanding of logistics and client care. Earning her Wedding Planning Certificate from the University of New Hampshire, she brings both creative vision and meticulous attention to detail to every celebration. Samantha excels at orchestrating seamless events, ensuring that each couple’s vision is brought to life with precision and elegance. Outside of work, Samantha is a certified yoga teacher who offers calming bridal yoga sessions, helping couples start their big day with balance and mindfulness. A true lake girl, Samantha spends her downtime soaking up sunshine by the water with her black lab, Frankie, with a good romance novel in hand.