Table Linens
By Richard Romando
Decorative table linens are an easy way to set the mood at a dining table, whether for an ordinary dinner or a dinner party. These serve as the foundation for any good table setting. When linens are chosen wisely, your dining table will not only be perfect for casual dinners, but it will also express the theme of a dinner party successfully.
Making linens, including table linens, is considered an art that dates back to early Egyptian times. A table linen is a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant. Turning flax into fabric takes great care and involves a long and painstaking process in order to achieve good results.
Nowadays, there are many options available to cater to various tastes of consumers. So, if you are thinking of purchasing table linens, there are some things that you have to remember.
Some Things to Consider When Purchasing Table Linens
First, you have to find table linens and napkins that can withstand regular detergents, chlorine bleach, and hot-water laundering since they are always exposed to beverage and food stains. If you don’t want your embroidered table linens to be exposed to stains, you can always opt for plain or white table linens. But you have to make sure that these have heavier weights.
Second, there are table linens that are made from untreated cotton that require ironing. Instead of purchasing these items, you can always choose table linens that contain wrinkle-resistant treatments to reduce the need for ironing.
Lastly, if you use the table linens for elegant and formal dining tables, you have to choose those with embroidery, lace, and cutwork. These will even make the dining table look more elegant and appealing.
Whether it is for casual dinner or dinner parties, table linens can create a whole new atmosphere inside the dining room.
Linens provides detailed information on Linens, Bed Linens, Table Linens, Luxury Linens and more. Linens is affiliated with Waterbed Sheet Sets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Romando
http://EzineArticles.com/?Table-Linens&id=274094
Selecting and Caring For Table Linens
By Lesley Dietschy
Fine table linens are typically characterized by beautiful materials, elegant designs, and fine workmanship. Fine linens are smooth and soft and usually made from linen or cotton. There are subtle differences in linen and cotton. Linen comes from the flax plant and has a lighter and crispier feel to it. Linen is also highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton, on the other hand, comes from the cotton plant, is more substantial and is usually prone to more shrinkage than linen. Both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable, and become softer with use.
Traditionally, white damask or plain white linen is used for formal occasions. The damask weave is considered the most formal over the Jacquard weave. However, either linen or cotton is considered appropriate for formal occasions.
The length of the tablecloth depends on how your table is set up. 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. For a formal dinner, your napkins should match the tablecloth. For informal dinners and gatherings, it is fun and acceptable to mix and match patterns and colors.
Along with using fine table linens, come stains. Here are a few quick tips on treating the most common stains on table linens.
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.
If cared for properly, fine table linens can last for many years. 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. These kits and storage boxes are available online in a variety of sizes and styles.
Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, and the founder of a network of popular websites including http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden.For beautiful beaded bracelets, please visit: http://www.BeadedBraceletBoutique.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Dietschy
http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-and-Caring-For-Table-Linens&id=264750
