These Pretty Linens Will Liven Up Your Tablescapes

Few things dress up a tablescape faster than gorgeous table linens. Whether it's a colorful tablecloth or an eye-catching set of placemats, the right table linens have the power to transform an everyday meal into a memorable occasion. "Beautiful linens are the quickest way to make dinner for two at home feel like a special moment," says Heather Taylor, the founder of Heather Taylor Home. And not only can good-looking linens help create a more intimate meal setting, Stephanie Housley, founder of Coral & Tusk, also says they can elevate the ambience of your dining area, too. "From the table itself to plates, glasses, flatware, and platters, most of dining room furniture and décor has a hard surface," she explains. "Linens bring a soft, tactile element to the space."

With all the sleek and stylish offerings on the market, how does one choose? "Draw inspiration from the colors and textures of a dinner plate or dish set that you love and use regularly," Housley says. "Pick linens that complement your anchor point and that can withstand frequent washing and somewhat heavy use." More importantly, she says to remember that sophisticated table linens shouldn't be reserved for fancy events and dinner parties. "Don't hold off on breaking out the 'good stuff,'" says Housley. "Use your linens regularly and enjoy them every day!" Looking for some exquisite options to spruce up your Sunday dinner spread? From colorful table runners to striped napkins, here are several linens that will make dinnertime more memorable for everyone at your table.

Don't let the simple design of this table runner fool you. Thanks to its softly fringed edges and plush cotton weave, it brings an unexpected touch of texture and flair to any tablescape.

Shop Now: Anthropologie Jolene Table Runner, $38, anthropologie.com.

The only thing better than a beautiful cloth napkin is one that gives back. This simply striped cloth napkin is handwoven by women in Ethiopia using sustainably sourced cotton from small local farms; sales help support the artisans (and the communities) that make them.

Shop Now: West Elm Creative Women Handwoven Cotton Napkin, $14, westelm.com.

You can always count on colorful floral table linens to brighten up a dining table in a pinch. This commanding cotton-linen table throw features a vibrant embroidered floral motif that melds with just about any décor.

Shop Now: Pottery Barn Willow Embroidered Floral Table Throw, $129, potterybarn.com.

These two-tone, summer-ready placemats bring a casual feel to any setting—which makes them perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Color Block Placemat in Pink, $9.99, macys.com.

Handwoven in Chiapas, Mexico, this chic striped tablecloth is composed of 100-percent cotton, meaning it's built-to-last. "Our linens hold up very well because of their handmade nature," Taylor says. "People adore the texture of the Amalfi tablecloth—also the shot of black really pops."

Shop Now: Heather Taylor Home Amalfi Tablecloth in Golden Rod, $186, heathertaylorhome.com.

Dreaming of a stylish placemat that's tough enough to withstand even the dirtiest of messes? Made in Italy from soil-resistant paper, these simple, but durable placemats bounce back from wine and olive oil stains with ease—they just require a little hand-washing.

Shop Now: Uashmama Placemat Oval, $12, shopuashmamausa.com.

Bring a dash of drama to your tablescape with this multi-hued, striped napkin set inspired by the colors of a lake. The textiles are handwoven from cotton in a small village in Guatemala and get softer and more absorbent with every wash.

Shop Now: Minna Goods Minna Lago Stripe Napkins, $80 for a set of four, garmentory.com.

Searching for an elegant tablecloth with a little bit of oomph? Made of soft linen, this sophisticated floral tablecloth features an archival floral print and a scalloped edge to boot.

Shop Now: Matouk Margot Table Linen, $264, finelinens.com.

Resplendent with colorful embroidered pomegranates, peaches, oranges, lemons, cherries, and grapes, this this eye-catching table runner was designed to stand out. "The fruit and vivid color palette are a fantastic way to play with bold shapes and hues at your table," Stephanie Housley, founder of Coral & Tusk says.

Shop Now: Coral & Tusk Fruits Garland Table Runner, $304, coralandtusk.com.

In the market for a tablecloth that doesn't compete with your dining table? The open weaving along the border of this dark gray option allows a sliver of your tabletop to shine through.

Shop Now: Crate & Barrel "Hazel" Square Linen Table Throw in Graphite, $49.95, crateandbarrel.com.

Maximalist's rejoice: We found a table runner for you. Handcrafted in India using traditional block printing techniques, this bright cotton table runner features a hand-pressed floral motif and neatly hemmed edges that are sure to liven up your next dinner party.

Shop Now: Lisa Corti Cotton Table Cloth in Brocade Blue, $185, lisacorti.com.