I grew up in a family where tablecloths were always used for special occasions.
Christmas and New Year lunches, and sometimes Easter too, I would be asked to get a tablecloth out of the drawer (stored safely away along with the wedding china and fancy cutlery) and lay the table.
It was always (and always will be in my Mum’s house) a white linen tablecloth, though the Christmas/ New Year version has gold trim on it, for a truly festive touch…
The only exception was on our French camping holidays, where a blue and yellow tablecloth (purchased from a French market many moons ago) would be brought out to cover our folding table, the hub for BBQ meals and morning croissants.
Tablecloths have always stayed with me as something that really brings a table together. But I have strayed from the special occasions approach and love to have them all year round.
I know many people find them fussy or pretentious (I’ve been told many times that I go too far with a tablecloth), but I think a good tablecloth can really elevate a meal and bring fun to any dinner.
Whether it’s a classic lavender covered market-buy or a red check-number for making the most of cheap pizzas, a tablecloth can transport you and transform your meal to anywhere and anything you want it to be.
So here is my round-up of some of my favourite Spring tablecloths to add a bit of something to your dinner.
