A Thanksgiving table starts with the cloth. It's the biggest area of color on the table and everything else gets built on top of it.
Rust linen, crumpled on purpose, is my favorite. Linen is forgiving: small gravy spills blend into the texture, it washes easily, and nobody has to iron it because the wrinkles are part of the look. Rust is the color of the season and makes cream plates, brass candlesticks and green glass look beautiful.
Why linen
- Texture makes the table look relaxed and rich.
- It doesn't need ironing. Washed linen looks best slightly rumpled.
- It hides small spills better than smooth cotton.
- It gets softer with every wash.
Colors for Thanksgiving
- Rust: warm and seasonal. Shown here.
- Oatmeal or natural: soft and neutral.
- Olive: earthy and unexpected.
- Ochre or mustard: vintage.
- White: classic, but shows every drop.
Pick one that contrasts with your plates.
The right size
A tablecloth should hang 8 to 12 inches over each edge for a casual look, 15 inches or more for a formal one.
- 6-seat rectangular table (about 72 x 40 inches): a 60 x 90 inch cloth.
- 8-seat (about 84 x 40 inches): 60 x 108 inches.
- 10 to 12 seats: 60 x 120 or longer.
Measure your table and add twice the drop you want.
Building on top
With a colored cloth, keep the rest simple:
- Cream stoneware plates.
- Small bundles of dried wheat tied with twine on each plate.
- Brass candlesticks with ivory tapers.
- Green-stem wine glasses.
- A few small pumpkins and pomegranates down the center.
Candles
A row of brass candlesticks down the center with ivory tapers. Linen is flammable, so keep candles stable and in holders with drip catchers.
Glassware
Green-stem or amber glasses add color. Clear glasses keep it simple.
After dinner
Shake off crumbs outside, treat any stains promptly with cold water and a little dish soap, and wash on a gentle cycle. Line dry or tumble low. Don't iron.
Other Thanksgiving tablecloth ideas
- A plaid wool or cotton cloth for a cabin feel.
- A runner on a bare wood table instead of a full cloth.
- Layered cloths: a natural linen base with a narrower rust runner on top.
Keeping it past Thanksgiving
A rust linen tablecloth works all fall and into winter. Change the centerpiece and candles for December and keep the cloth.
Pressing and prepping the cloth
Wash a linen tablecloth a few days ahead and pull it from the dryer while it is still slightly damp. Lay it over the table and smooth it with your hands, and most of the creases will relax overnight. If you want a crisper look, iron it damp on the linen setting and hang it over a door until the day.
A cotton cloth needs a proper press. Iron it on the wrong side to avoid shine, and fold it loosely in thirds rather than in small squares so you only have one or two fold lines to deal with.
Layering two cloths
A shorter cloth or runner over a longer one adds depth without much effort. Try a plain oatmeal linen as the base with a narrower plaid or check laid down the center. The base should drop at least 8 inches over each edge. The top layer can stop short so the base shows on all sides.
Keep one of the two plain. Two patterns on top of each other fight with the plates.
What it costs
- Linen tablecloth: $60 to $200.
- Linen runner: $25 to $60.
Mistakes to avoid
- Polyester cloths. They look shiny and flat.
- Ironing linen stiff. Rumpled is better.
- A cloth that's too short.
- Unstable candles on fabric.
Thanksgiving tablecloth FAQ
What color tablecloth for Thanksgiving?
Rust, oatmeal, olive, ochre or white.
What size tablecloth do I need?
Your table size plus twice the overhang, usually 8 to 12 inches per side.
Do linen tablecloths need ironing?
No. Washed linen looks best slightly rumpled.
How do I get gravy out of a linen tablecloth?
Rinse with cold water, apply a little dish soap, then wash on gentle.
