Party food is more enticing when displayed on a tablecloth.
Any kind of party, indoors or out, formal or casual, looks more festive when the tables are covered with tablecloths. You want the tablecloths to reflect the theme or purpose of the party, but buying fancy tablecloths can become expensive. You can make your own table coverings using bed sheets, cheap dollar store vinyl or plastic tablecloths or rolls of plain newspaper, craft-paper or gift wrap. Embellishments added to these will have your table coverings looking better than anything you could buy pre-made.
Instructions
1. Purchase inexpensive twin-bed flat sheets in a color that matches your party theme. Discount stores generally have this size sheet for only a few dollars.
2. Measure your table. Add 12 inches on every side so that your tablecloth will hang over. For example, if your table is 72 by 28 inches, your tablecloth will be 96 inches long and 52 inches wide.
3. Cut the twin sheet to the size you calculated, using scissors.
4. Sew a new hem of 1/4 to 1/2 inches, using a sewing machine. If you do not have a sewing machine, carefully use an iron and iron-fusible adhesive hem tape to make the hem. Use spray starch and an iron to press the entire tablecloth. The starch will give your new tablecloth a crisp, clean appearance.
5. Put your new party tablecloth on your table, letting the cloth drape over the sides. Place embellishments on the top of the cloth, like bright colored confetti, pressed autumn leaves, flower petals or strips of wide ribbon.
6. Place netting in a coordinating color over the sheet tablecloth with the embellishments. The netting should be the same size or slightly smaller than the tablecloth. The netting not only adds to the appearance of the table, but also keeps the embellishments in place.
Tags: your table, your tablecloth, your tablecloth will, sewing machine, table coverings