Event center owners can save money by buying table linens for reuse instead of renting each time. A large set in a few colors can cover most of your events, like crisp white, blue and tan.

There are advantages of renting for each event, of course, like avoiding the need to clean the table linens after each use. However, if you choose the right fabric and follow some simple steps, your event center table linens will stay clean and fresh-looking even after many uses.

Table Linen Choices for Event Centers

There are a couple of table linen types that you’re going to need for every event, including table covering and cloth napkins. Of course, there are multiple choices for each.

Tablecloths for Events: 

For large dinners or wedding receptions, you will probably cover most of the tables with a traditional tablecloth, whether you use round, square, or rectangle tables. An option for buffet tables would be fitted tablecloths, which would also work on expo, convention, or trade show tables. Another option for these tables is a table skirt that covers part of or all sides of the tables.

A table skirt from iQLinens.com is an excellent choice for a convention.

Cloth Napkins: 

Buying cloth napkins is another smart investment for both your long-run budget and the environment. You will find multiple sizes and colors of cloth napkins from iQLinens.com, including cocktail and dinner-size napkins.

Choose Easy-Care Table Linens

As important as the style of a tablecloth is the material out of which it is crafted. For example: Though 100% cotton napkins and tablecloths may make a table beautiful, any use of this material will cost you hours of ironing or the purchase of expensive equipment to keep them wrinkle-free. Jute or other natural materials will be difficult to clean because they might not be machine washable.

If you’re buying in bulk for multiple uses, there are many equally-beautiful wrinkle-free and stain-resistant fabrics available. Choosing table linens made from polyester or a polyester-blend will make caring for your collection pretty simple. Here are a few options offered by iQ Linens:

Basic Polyester: If you’re looking for both an easy-care and economical fabric for your table linens, the products made from basic polyester will fulfill your needs. Tablecloths and napkins made of this fabric are designed to be wrinkle and stain resistant. Because of its durability table linens made of this fabric are machine washable and can be used countless times without fear of wearing. As a bonus, basic polyester fabric is flame retardant, having passed NFPA 701-2010 Test# 1.

Spun Polyester: For premium events, table linens made of spun polyester fabric offer a heavier feel that is soft and luxurious. It is woven for performance and is thicker than basic polyester, making it a preferred choice for more upscale weddings, catered banquet receptions, parties, hotels and community club functions. On top of all that, the fabric is machine-washable, plus stain and wrinkle resistant.

Havana Faux Burlap: The use of jute or natural burlap table linens helps create beautiful table decorations. However, using them on a large scale presents a lot of challenges because their care is complicated. However, faux burlap provides a great option to achieve the same look without causing the same headaches. Havana faux burlap from iQ Linens has a basket-weave construction and is made of 100% polyester. This makes it a machine-washable fabric with resistance to both stains and wrinkles. Using table linens made of this fabric can help create a rustic and elegant look of natural texture without sacrificing performance.

Table Linen Cleaning and Care

Event centers that invest in their own collection of table linens for use by their clients will also need equipment to handle the cleaning and care of the table linens after each event. If the fabric is chosen wisely, the only requirement for cleaning would be a large-capacity washing machine and reversible dryer, which reverses the tumble direction during the cycle to prevent linens from twisting and tangling. Remember that sometimes you need to spot clean for spills or wax before washing and drying table linens.

How to get wrinkles out of table linens? Although polyester tablecloths and napkins can be mostly wrinkle-resistant, sometimes wrinkles happen anyway. Or you’ve opted to use a tablecloth made of more easily-wrinkled material. For these cases, investment in a high-quality steamer is worth the cost.

How to Store Table Linens for Events

In order to have the right linens available to event planners at all times, it’s important to store clean table linens properly. Here are a few options:

• Pant hangers with an open side offer a space-saving option for tablecloths. You only need a closet in which to hang them.
• To maintain their wrinkle-free status, you can roll tablecloths or runners to fit inside paper tubes, like those used for wrapping paper.
• Bundle napkins together by color and store in sealed containers for the next event, like these clear storage boxes from The Container Store.

Overall, the best way to save money is to help maintain your selection of table linens in a way that prevents too much wear and tear. Following some of the above tips, plus the manufacturers’ care instructions will serve you well.

The iQ Linens website offers a fantastic selection of easy-care table linens in many beautiful colors and styles. Visit their website to see all options. Also, their blog offers more information on removing stains from table linens and storage ideas.