Setting a table goes far beyond simply placing plates and cutlery. It's a gesture of welcome, care, and style. A beautifully set table makes all the difference at any event, from a family meal to a formal dinner or a holiday celebration. The harmony between tablecloths, napkins, and accessories conveys intention, elegance, and personality. It will be the first impression your guests have.
At IQ Home, we believe that the table should reflect the host's personality and adapt to every occasion. With our tablecloths, napkins, and seasonal collections, you can design tables that surprise, delight, and elevate any dining experience. Below, we offer the best tips on etiquette and decoration to help you set your table like a pro.
How to combine tablecloths and napkins on a table
The combination of tablecloths and napkins is essential for achieving visual balance. The tablecloth establishes the aesthetic base, while the napkins provide contrast, texture, and personality. When coordinating them, start by defining the main color for your table.
The Castaño tablecloths are a versatile and elegant choice for any occasion. Their timeless design and rich colors allow you to create tables full of character. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining. Choose your favorite color from green, red , mustard or brown.
To achieve a balanced combination, choose napkins that complement each other, but don't compete. For example, you could opt for a pack of cocktail napkins with a geometric border.
How to set the table with cloth napkins
Cloth napkins are an essential element of a well-set table. They add elegance, structure, and a touch of care that paper napkins simply cannot offer. To place them correctly, it's important to follow a few rules of etiquette:
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Traditional placement : to the left of the plate, next to the fork.
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Contemporary option : on the main plate or on the underplate, especially if the napkin is part of the design.
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Decorative placement : accompanying a piece of tableware or a business card.
If you want your napkins to stand out, opt for high-quality ones inspired by Goya landscapes, like our Runway collection .
The napkin should always be clean, well-ironed, and placed with intention. Its presence reflects the level of formality and the host's style.
Tips for choosing tablecloths for events
The tablecloth is the foundation of a table setting. A good tablecloth can completely transform a simple dinner into a memorable experience. To choose the right one for the occasion, keep the following in mind:
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The style of the meeting : formal, family, romantic, festive.
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The tableware you will use : if it has intense colors, combine it with more neutral tablecloths.
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The season : warm tones for autumn/winter; brighter colors in spring/summer.
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The size of the table : a tablecloth that is too short disrupts the harmony; one that is too long can be uncomfortable.
At IQ Home we have versatile designs like the Carlota Tablecloth , sophisticated and perfect for elegant indoor or outdoor events.
Ideas for Christmas tables with themed tablecloths
Decorating a Christmas table is the perfect opportunity to create a magical and memorable atmosphere. Themed tablecloths are the ideal foundation for creating a table full of personality without overwhelming it. The key is to choose a design that harmonizes with the rest of your home's decor, whether it's classic, Nordic, rustic, or contemporary.
Traditional colors like red, green, and gold remain a safe bet, but more and more homes are opting for modern choices, such as tablecloths in mustard, burgundy, olive green, or even geometric prints that add a sophisticated touch. To balance the table setting, pair these tablecloths with linen napkins in neutral colors, white tableware or tableware with gold accents, and simple yet elegant glassware.
Natural elements also play a key role: pine branches, eucalyptus, pinecones, white candles, or centerpieces with red apples add texture and warmth without disrupting the harmony. In addition, warm lighting—from candles to delicate string lights—creates an enveloping effect that transforms the table into the heart of the celebration.
In short, the Red Chestnut Square Tablecloth is a must-have for sophisticated and inviting Christmas tables. Pair it with linen napkins with red trim for a cohesive color scheme and impeccable style.
For a more creative Christmas, combine mustard or brown tablecloths with gold decorations and tall candlesticks. The result is a modern, elegant, and striking Christmas table.
Proper use of napkins at formal dinners
At formal dinners, every detail counts. The table setting, the choice of tableware, and, of course, the proper use of the napkin are all part of the protocol that guarantees an elegant and refined experience. Although it may seem like a simple gesture, the napkin conveys politeness, respect, and consideration for the other guests. Therefore, it's important to know how to use it properly and what practices to avoid to maintain the refined tone of the evening.
At formal dinners, protocol dictates a series of clear rules regarding the use of the napkin:
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It should be placed on the lap as soon as all the diners are seated.
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It should never be knotted or placed around the neck.
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It is used to gently place on the lips, never to visibly cleanse them.
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If the diner needs to get up, the napkin is left on the chair , never on the table.
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At the end of the dinner, it is placed to the right of the plate , discreetly.
White linen napkins , like those from IQ Home, are highly recommended for formal dinners, as they convey neatness, elegance, and quality. Their soft texture and impeccable structure allow them to blend seamlessly with tables set with fine china or more contemporary pieces.
How to fold napkins for events
The art of napkin folding can completely elevate a table setting. Here are some of the most popular styles:
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Classic rectangular fold : perfect for formal dinners.
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Double fan fold : ideal for festive events.
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Folded into a pocket : very useful for inserting the menu or cutlery.
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Soft knot : adds a modern and casual touch.
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Use a napkin holder : you simply have to insert the napkin.
IQ Home linen napkins maintain their shape thanks to the quality of the fabric, allowing for firm and precise folds. Both the straight-edged and scalloped-edged napkins offer a flawless finish for this type of presentation.
How to set the table for a family meal
A family meal should feel welcoming, warm, and natural. Strict protocol isn't necessary, but attention to detail is. To achieve the perfect table setting:
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Use a tablecloth that brings life to the space, such as the Green Chestnut or Mustard Chestnut , which add freshness and warmth.
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Add napkins in complementary shades, such as the Runway collections.
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Place a simple centerpiece: fresh flowers, fruit, or a board with candles.
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Choose practical yet aesthetically pleasing tableware to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
Family meals are a time to enjoy, and a beautifully set table helps create unforgettable memories.
The table is the heart of any gathering. Choosing the right tablecloths, napkins, and accessories makes all the difference between a merely adequate table setting and one that truly inspires. At IQ Home, we design pieces that elevate your entertaining, adapting to every occasion and allowing you to create tables that tell stories.
Discover our entire collection of tablecloths and napkins and transform every meal into a unique experience.
