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Table Coverings

The Table-Cloth is the table covering most frequently used, and if made of an exquisite material may be considered the most formal type of cover. The table-cloth should always be laid over a silence cloth, which is usually of felt or a double-faced cotton material, and should be large enough to drop over the edge of the table several inches, or to be folded and pinned underneath the table at the corners. The silence cloth prevents noise, protects the table and improves the appearance of the linen. The table-cloth must be laid with great exactness. The center lengthwise crease should fall exactly in the middle of the table and the four corners at equal distances from the floor. The cloth should extend over the sides and ends of the table until its edges just escape the seats of the chairs.

The Small Table-Cloth, used on informal occasions, if made from an unbleached or colored cloth with possibly a simple contrasting design is satisfactory and pleasing. Doilies for each place are also used instead of the table-cloth and silence cloth. The doilies should be simple in design and well grouped, in order that the table may not look cluttered. The table should be protected by mats of felt or of asbestos under the doilies upon which hot dishes are to be placed.

Runners are another type of covering used on the bare table for the informal meal. These may be made of linen or cotton material.

Paper Coverings are used for very informal occasions and may be secured in every quality and size.

Napkins-In general, the napkin should be of the same pattern as the table-cloth, especially for the formal dinner or luncheon. For the less formal meal, however, it may be of any simple design or merely a hemstitched square of plain damask linen. Dinner napkins should be folded in a square or in thirds with the monogram on top. Small napkins, used for luncheons or breakfast, may be folded in a three-cornered shape, although the rectangular shape is preferable. Fantastic arrangements of the napkin are never in good taste.

The dinner napkin is usually between eighteen and twentyfour inches square, while the luncheon napkin may vary from fourteen to eighteen inches square.

Decorations-The key-note of attractive decoration is harmonious simplicity. A low fern, a few flowers, or gracefully arranged fruit is always a pleasing accompaniment to the most simple repast.

Candles, alone or in combination with other forms of decoration, are very beautiful.

Menu-Cards are used only at public functions. They are usually placed upon the napkin.

Place-Cards are customary at formal meals for convenience in seating the guests. They may be placed upon the napkin or toward the upper left-hand corner of each person's place.