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  4. These Pretty Linens Will Liven Up Your Tablescapes

These Pretty Linens Will Liven Up Your Tablescapes

Caroline Biggs, Freelance Writer portrait
By Caroline Biggs July 27, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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tablescape with patterned linen and floral centerpiece
Credit: Courtesy of Heather Taylor Home

From colorful table runners to sleek striped napkins, these pieces turn dinnertime into a special occasion.

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tablescape with patterned linen and floral centerpiece
Credit: Courtesy of Heather Taylor Home

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.

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Fringe Benefits

Anthropologie Jolene Table Runner
Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

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.

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Artisanal Appeal

West Elm Creative Women Handwoven Cotton Napkin
Credit: Courtesy of West Elm

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.

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Flower Power

Pottery Barn Willow Embroidered Floral Table Throw
Credit: Courtesy of Pottery Barn

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.

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Color Block

martha stewart collection color block table linens
Credit: Courtesy of Macy's

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.

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Striped Stunner

Heather Taylor Home Amalfi Tablecloth
Credit: Courtesy of Heather Taylor Home

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.

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Pretty Simple

Uashmama Placemat Oval
Credit: Courtesy of Uashmama

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.

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Natural Material

Minna Goods Minna Lago Stripe Napkins
Credit: Courtesy of Garmentory

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.

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Frilly Florals

Matouk Margot Table Linen
Credit: Courtesy of Fine Linens

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.

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Flashy Fruit

Coral & Tusk Fruits Garland Table Runner
Credit: Courtesy of Coral & Tusk

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.

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Details Matter

Crate & Barrel Hazel 50" Square Linen Table Throw
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

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.

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Bold Beauty

Lisa Corti Cotton Table Cloth in Brocade Blue
Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Corti

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.

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By Caroline Biggs

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    1 of 12
    2 of 12 Fringe Benefits
    3 of 12 Artisanal Appeal
    4 of 12 Flower Power
    5 of 12 Color Block
    6 of 12 Striped Stunner
    7 of 12 Pretty Simple
    8 of 12 Natural Material
    9 of 12 Frilly Florals
    10 of 12 Flashy Fruit
    11 of 12 Details Matter
    12 of 12 Bold Beauty

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