Let’s first open with the fact that a survey carried out in the USA found that in 2009, people attending restaurants with white tablecloths has increased by over 40% compared to last year. AND! To drive the point home, these same diners are spending more on their meals when dining out than they did a year ago. Thus it’s pretty clear that in the restaurant industry, good quality tablecloths make a difference in the customers’ eyes (new and existing) which helps take care of the restaurant business and ultimately the bottom line.

So, the question is… what makes a good restaurant tablecloth? Well let’s start with what we want from a restaurant tablecloth. Ultimately we would like the tablecloth to be and look clean, crisp yet soft to the touch. However, it must not only feel and look good, it must also be highly practical which means that it protects the table surface from scratches and any other kind of damage, it absorbs all the sauces and drips that come from a juicy feast.

Tablecloth materials are vitally important as they affect the way the tablecloths hang over the table, the way they feel to the touch, the way the light bounces off the cloth surface etc. There are various materials such as polyester, cotton, pvc and paper, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages depending on what the occasion calls for. If you are a cafe or diner that serves breakfasts and fast foods then standard polyester restaurant tablecloths may be more appropriate.

From a upscale restaurant tablecloth point of view, Irish linen is a popular choice but it can break the budget of smaller restaurants and eateries. It does take much more effort and costs much more in terms of the tablecloths themselves and the laundry costs, but in terms of the returns money wise it really depends on the particular restaurant, many restaurant businesses do not warrant the high cost outlay for “fine Irish linens” when standard polyester restaurant tablecloths in white or other solid colors will do the job just as well.

In terms of colours, white is usually the way to go especially for a restaurant geared towards formal occasions. It is a safe bet and shows to the customer that you have a clean kitchen with nothing to hide. White is also the colour that exudes dining elegance, and class. If white is not a possibility and you “dare to be different”, then you could always have a base tablecloth underneath with a different colour or even colored table runners. The size of the tablecloth will obviously depend on the dining table size.

In the end, not all restaurants need tablecloths, as excellent furniture is often a great style expression of the restaurant and cuisine served. However, if you are going to use tablecloths in a restaurant then consider the advice given, it’s your restaurant!, and it’s your success!.

Article by Jenny Sheridan, www.TableclothsForLess.com
Jenny Sheridan has been in the table linens industry for many years starting from humble beginnings as a seamstress, she knows enough to help restaurant owners on their choice of linen tablecloths. Jenny lives and breathes linens and is an avid interior designer. Jenny recognises that while food is part of the package, many other factors such as restaurant decor and tablecloths are critical to the making of a successful restaurant business.

Tags: Restaurant Tablecloth, Restaurant Tablecloths