When you picture the perfect picnic or rustic dinner party, what do you see? Maybe you picture an outdoor setting, a wicker picnic basket, fresh flowers in a glass jar, and maybe some wine and cheese. Most of these scenes would also feature cloth gingham table linens of some sort. Why is that? Let’s look into the history of this popular print and explore ideas for beautiful table settings using it.

The Origin of Gingham - What Does Gingham Mean?

According to Miriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of gingham is “a clothing fabric usually of yarn-dyed cotton in plain weave.” In today’s culture, a gingham fabric is generally a bold color checked with white, though the original gingham print is thought to be striped. And although the definition specifies clothing fabric, you can find many products made from the familiar checked pattern, including table linens of all sorts.

According to visforvintage.net, the gingham print became popular in the United States in the 18th Century, which is when U.S. textile mills began to produce a lot of checked fabric. The red and white checked or blue and white checked pattern became synonymous to a simpler or somewhat-rustic way of life both in the United States and in Europe, so it’s no surprise to see it used in country-design or in relaxed settings, like on a picnic!

The Many Colors of Gingham

Although the most popular color combinations are white checks with red or blue, you can find the pattern available in all colors. Let’s check out some of the most popular.

Beautiful in Blue Gingham

Outdoor dinner set on a large-checked blue gingham tablecloth. Blue & White Outdoor Table Setting by HouseOfHarper.com

Blue and white checked fabric is one of the most popular colors for gingham print fabric. Made most famous by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, blue Gingham isn’t just for wearing. You’ll find a large selection of décor items with a similar print, including table linens and other elements of a beautiful table setting.

The blue of the tablecloth makes a great neutral for a very colorful table. To complete your table’s décor, you can layer on top of your blue gingham tablecloth colorful printed napkins, vintage china, and canning jar glasses. 

You can also incorporate blue checked table linens into your table design by utilizing cloth napkins in that print. Placing them on a solid red or blue tablecloth for a 4th of July dinner, finding a complementing print tablecloth for a festive picnic, or using them with a burlap tablecloth to complete a rustic-themed wedding reception are a few great options.

Red Gingham: A Classic Print 

One of the most popular gingham colors you see used for picnics and other events is a red and white checked pattern. From a family picnic to a rustic wedding, red gingham offers a pop of color and a sense of nostalgia. 

Americana-themed table settings for a rustic wedding reception from IntimateWeddings.com.

At a wedding, you might see gingham print used in various ways. Some options include tablecloths, as part of a festive centerpiece, red-checked cloth napkins as an anchor for place settings, or even part of a gift for the wedding guests.

A Rainbow of Gingham

The most popular colors for gingham are undoubtedly red checked and blue checked patterns, but it’s certainly not limited to those colors. You’ll find gingham prints for table linens in almost every color imaginable. In fact, tablecloths and cloth napkins in colors from black and white checked to yellow and white can be found from iQLinens.com.

Picnic and Gingham: A Perfect Match 

A wicker picnic basket, an ice-cold pitcher of lemonade, a wildflower centerpiece, and a variety of delicious finger food conjures images of a lovely summer picnic. However, to perfect that image it must include a gingham tablecloth or napkins.

The perfect summer picnic from by Terri Milligan, featured on NorthJersey.com.

To create picnic perfection, you must consider the setting, presentation, and food, but most important is who to invite.

What to Bring to a Picnic and Other Tips

 From your own backyard to a far-flung National Park, a picnic can be a part of any outing. Obviously, the more remote the location, the simpler the prep should be. For your backyard, you might consider fancy meat and cheese charcuterie board and tasty salad, while a remote picnic that requires a long drive calls for more portable grub, like pre-made sandwiches, chips, and cookies. 

Mixed sizes of black and white gingham for a perfect picnic by InspiredCharm.com

If you have a picnic table, a cloth gingham tablecloth is a great base for your meal. For an occasion that requires a picnic on the ground, use a waterproof tablecloth with beautiful cloth napkins to set an equally-gorgeous scene. Or placing your cloth table covering on top of a waterproof base, like a shower curtain or tarp, is a viable option.

You can pack it all in a pretty picnic basket and/or a sleek cooler. Whichever you choose, it should be easy to carry and have plenty of room for all your goodies.

So enjoy planning your next summer eating adventure, and don’t forget the gingham linens!