When catering an event, so much planning and prepping goes into it. Whether you’re catering a wedding, exclusive dinner party or business event, it’s important to think about your catering linens. Expected catering duties differ from business to business, however, it’s commonly expected that caterers provide their own linens.

Although it may not be at the top of your list while you're preparing a delicious buffet to satisfy all your guests, linens can have a massive impact on the look of your event. You know your business needs and providing fantastic food in a way that’s pleasing to the eye is vital. From extravagant weddings to basic catering requirements, here is everything you should know when choosing the best catering linens.

What Type of Fabric Should I Choose?

Fabric choice is key when it comes to choosing the best catering linens for your business. Shimmery tablecloths may look great but choosing a functional and easy to wash fabric may be the better choice. With a buffet table, there is likely to be a lot of spillages, therefore, you need something durable that won’t deteriorate quickly.

A great option for a buffet table is to use a polyester tablecloth as it’s the easiest to clean. For the rest of your tables, you may want to use a cotton or polycotton fabric. Cotton is natural and breathable and will be able to deliver an element of elegance and luxury to a dining environment. If you mainly cater for weddings, look for satin tablecloths that will glimmer during the celebration.

Napkins

As well as providing table linens, you may be expected to provide napkins for all the guests. You’ll need to offer high-quality napkins that guests enjoy using and don’t feel coarse. Napkins can be used throughout the event, from preventing guests burning themselves on chafing dishes to simply using them after dinner. Choosing linen over disposable paper napkins is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Napkins can be folded in a number of different ways from basic to fancy, depending on the scale of your event. Choose from either polyester, satin or L’amour napkins for your catering needs. Be sure to pick a color that is in keeping with the rest of your linens.

Table Skirts and Overlays

If you’re looking for a classic way to cover the sides of a buffet or cake table then look no further. Table skirts are a great option and can easily dress up the decor, the skirt is wrapped around the table and can be put into place using clips. Another alternative is to use an overlay, with satin being one of the most popular fabrics. Create an elegant look with minimal effort and impress your guests. As well as table skirts and overlays for the buffet table, don’t forget about your tablecloth drop for the seating area. It can have a massive impact visually and is noticeable if done incorrectly. A full-drop from the linen to the floor looks very clean but a half drop can also look great depending on the event.

Extra-Long Tables

The likelihood is you won’t have an exact made-to-measure tablecloth rolling around in storage. When several long tables are put together to create the appearance of one long table, you need to be able to come up with a solution. You want to make it look like one long, seamless tablecloth. Make sure to hide the end of each tablecloth under the next piece of fabric. The other option is to use two extra wide tablecloths and arrange it so they meet in the middle. Then, use a table runner to hide the middle line giving the appearance of one piece of fabric.

Table Storage

When catering an event, the likelihood is you’re bringing a lot of equipment that needs to go somewhere as to not throw the aesthetic off. Storing unsightly equipment under the table is a brilliant idea to keep the event looking clean and fresh. However, in order to keep the equipment hidden from guests, tablecloths need to be long enough and must drop all the way to the floor. This is a simple storage solution that can be really helpful at an event, especially if you need items on hand but don’t want it to ruin the decor for the guests.

Choosing the right catering linens for your business is such an integral decision. Although you need to focus on so much to cater an event, thinking about how the tables will look and how the linen ties in with the event are something you should consider. Going for neutral or white tones is a safe bet, that way your client can dress up the decor with their own color palette if needed. From floor-length tablecloths and drapes to satin and sequin tablecloths, Your Chair Covers can help with all your catering needs. Find luxurious wholesale tablecloths and linens in a range of fabrics and colors at wholesale prices, perfect for your business.