My Favorite Summer Tablecloths for Entertaining
It feels hotter than ever, and while I’m not wishing summer away… before it officially comes to a close, I’m hoping to enjoy a few more outdoor meals. This season, we’ve been doing plenty of hosting, enjoying outdoor dinners with friends & family, and taking every opportunity to have drinks on the patio. Al fresco season is always my favorite. Today, I wanted to revisit some of my favorite summer tablecloths for entertaining. Whether you’re setting the table for a dinner party, an easy outdoor meal, or just want to make an ordinary August evening feel a little more special, a beautiful tablecloth can completely change the look of your table.
I originally shared this post after my al fresco summer tablescape, when that particular striped tablecloth garnered quite a few source requests. The same thing happened with the tablecloth from my pasta making dinner party… and of course, we can’t forget my blue & white tablescape for summer. I knew a post was in order. Rather than investing in seasonal serveware, one of my favorite and most cost effective ways to create a unique tablescape is simply swapping textiles. Tablecloths and napkins are an easy way to introduce color, pattern, and texture while using the dishes and glassware you already own. Scroll on for my favorite summer tablecloths for every budget!
Styling a Summer Tablecloth
Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways to style a beautiful tablecloth beyond the obvious. I’m always thinking about how I can repurpose a pretty textile around the house.
- Style an indoor tablescape
- Set an outdoor table for an al fresco dinner
- Use a tablecloth as a lightweight throw over a sofa or chair
- Update a headboard by draping or pinning a patterned tablecloth over the existing headboard
- Repurpose a tablecloth into a cafe curtain (using curtain clips and a tension rod)
- Use an old tablecloth for an upholstery project (like a bench of seat of a chair)
- Style it over an entry table to add pattern, color, or texture
- Drape it over a console table for a seasonal update
- Layer one over a basic table to disguise a less than beautiful finish
- Alternatively, you can even repurpose a lightweight throw to use as a tablecloth
I’m always looking at textiles this way. There is usually more than one place I can use beautiful fabric.
My Favorite Summer Tablecloths
1. Striped Linen Tablecloth
I have and adore this timeless striped tablecloth! It’s made of 100% linen and is worth the investment.
2. Hand Blocked Blue & Green Tablecloth
If you’re looking for a classic patterned tablecloth that is budget-friendly, this is a favorite from the bunch.
3. Eyelet Embroidery Tablecloth
This delicate and chic tablecloth is made of 100% cotton and has a stunning embroidered eyelet palm tree detail.
4. Blue & White Tablecloth
Y0u know I can’t resist blue & white. This tablecloth comes in multiple sizes and colors, making it versatile option for summer entertaining.
5. Block Print Tablecloth
This tablecloth is made of cotton and comes in multiple sizes and colors- though the green is definitely my favorite.
6. Charlie Gingham Tablecloth
I love how this simple gingham tablecloth is dressed up with a stitched contrast edge. It’s made of 100% heavy linen.
7. Blue Motif Tablecloth
I have this classic blue tablecloth and you can’t beat the price. It looks far more expensive than it actually is.
8. Seersucker Tablecloth
I appreciate a timeless edge detail, piped edge, or unique shape… this seersucker tablecloth comes in a few different colors.
9. Tan Striped Tablecloth
A timeless look, this ticking stripe tablecloth would work well year round, but I especially love the light, casual palette for summer.
10. Blue Floral Tablecloth
You can’t go wrong with blue & white florals. This tablecloth is a cotton and linen blend.
11. Blue Gingham Tablecloth
Another gingham option, with a tassel tied edge. I adore the powder blue palette. This one would look lovely with monochromatic florals, perhaps blue hydrangeas?
12. French Ruffle Tablecloth
This substantial tablecloth has a gorgeous ruffled edge, which adds texture and the right amount of drama. It has a very French summer aesthetic.
13. Chartreuse Scalloped Edge Tablecloth
I’ve been very into chartreuse this season, and this vibrant cotton & linen tablecloth perfectly captures that palette.
14. Jennie Blue & White Tablecloth
This blue and white tablecloth has a beautiful blocked border and floral patterned center, giving it a casual and classic look.
15. Cotton Tablecloth with Contrast Edge
Again, I love a contrast edge. This tablecloth is classic to use year round and is made of breezy cotton.
16. Brown Gingham Tablecloth
If you’re on the hunt for a budget friendly gingham tablecloth, this is it! I love the warmer color for transitioning from summer into fall.
17. Floral Blocked Tablecloth
This hand blocked tablecloth features hues of sage, blue, and gold. The soft palette is ideal for setting a summer table.
18. Gingko Tablecloth
Gingko is one of my favorite patterns, so naturally this blue cotton tablecloth captured my attention.
19. Eyelet Crocheted Edge Tablecloth
On the higher-end, this splurge worthy tablecloth is woven from linen and cotton- edged with a embroidered crocheted trim. I’m a details kind of designer, and this elegant tablecloth would see a lot of use in my household.
20. Border Tablecloth
I love color blocking, and this bordered tablecloth comes in a few different colors. The soft blue is my personal preference!
21. Classic Blue Tablecloth
This is such a versatile blue tablecloth for summer. It could easily work for a holiday weekend without feeling so themed that you can’t use it again afterward.
22. Brown Floral Tablecloth
I love brown mixed into a summer palette, especially with greens and natural textures. This cotton tablecloth could also transition beautifully into fall.
23. Contrast Stitch Tablecloth
Again- I’m here for an interesting detail. I love the contrast embroidery throughout this beautiful linen and cotton tablecloth.
24. Sage Tablecloth
The pattern on this sage tablecloth is perhaps my favorite pattern from the lot. The oversized florals and geometric border are really striking. I’m tempted to snag this one!
25. Sintra Tablecloth
Last, but not least- the Sintra tablecloth is made of both cotton and linen, and features the perfect powder blue hue for summer.
This depends on your table. Tablecloths are almost always a standard size. I like to work backwards from the product dimensions, then measure my table to visualize how it will fit. The general formula is simple. Measure the length and width of your table, then add twice your desired drop to both the length and width. A beautiful tablecloth that is awkwardly short never looks quite right.
Definitely not— I actually prefer a little contrast. With a patterned tablecloth, I’ll often choose a solid napkin that pulls one color from the pattern. I use these bamboo napkin rings on repeat.
My Pillivuyt beaded dinnerware is still my favorite paired with my Fortessa Royal Pacific flatware.
Questions?
Related
Looking for more summer entertaining inspiration? I’ll link some of my favorites, along with end of summer recipes to try below…
- How to Set a Summer Table for Outdoor Entertaining
- Summer Recipe: Campari Olive Oil Cake
- Al Fresco Summer Tablescape
- Tips for Thrifting Good Vintage Glassware
- Frozen Margaritas for Summer
- Blue & White Tablescape for Summer
- 20 Things Every Outdoor Living Space Needs (According to A Designer)
- Pasta Making Dinner Party
- Heirloom Tomato Flatbreads
- 30 Amazon Home Finds for a Nancy Meyers Summer
I hope you’ve had a lovely summer season! Is anyone else planning a few more summer gatherings before we ease into fall? There is nothing I love more than al fresco meals, patio drinks, or setting a casual summer tablescape this time of year. I’m definitely going to miss patio season, even though I’ll welcome cooler temps.
Happy Monday! This roundup of tablecloths has me swooning. All the interesting details, contrast trims, embroidery… it’s those details that make a tablecloth look bespoke. 6, 8, 11, & 19 speak to me. If I were to pick favorites though, 4 & 23 are tied for top spot. I adore the simplicity of 20- plus who could pass up that particular shade of blue? We typically host a few outdoor gatherings each summer, and I’d love to elevate the ambiance this year- I may have to select a few of these to try. Thank you for sharing this roundup, and the measuring tips! We’re smack in the middle of an intense heat wave, so we spent the weekend rotating between the pool and the sofa- there wasn’t much in the way of production that happened, lol. I hope you guys are enjoying every bit of summer. Cheers to a new week, and lovely textiles to usher us into summer gatherings!
Happy Monday, Lauren! Same- I’m not going to lie… I grabbed a couple from this blog post. Ha! I’ve been the mood for summer entertaining and we’ve been having lots of meals outside. This week it has been HOT though. Here’s to hoping it cools off a bit this weekend. Your weekend between the pool and the sofa sounds pretty wonderful- that’s my preferred way to chill. We’ve been boating a lot, trying to fix a little as we go. It has been fun! Hope your week is off to a good start!
What a pretty gathering of tablecloths Sarah! I think you might be channeling my late mother with this roundup 😍 She loved to dress up a table for most occasions and she never served up a meal without a tablecloth. She had everyday tablecloths and special occasion ones, even camping she would bring a vinyl tablecloth for the picnic tables. A pretty tablecloth isn’t lost on me but I’ve been a slacker and haven’t been keeping up with her traditions as of late. Another reminder to take some extra time when entertaining this summer 😉 I prefer fabric cloths that don’t wrinkle as I hate ironing but I’m always drawn to cotton of course 🙄
I also adore a layered tablecloth setting with a larger neutral layer first and then a smaller colorful printed one on top representing the season. Kind of fun for those special occasions ☺️ We do entertain quite a bit in the summer months, outside dining of course as our dining table inside only gets used on rainy days and we’ve been enjoying the warmer temperatures and dining outside primarily. It’s been a very enjoyable season thus far and look forward to many more outdoor gatherings ahead 🥂
Yay to summer 😎 And another fantastic roundup Sarah! Beautiful selection ❤️
Thank you, Colleen! Aww, I love to hear that about your mom. I feel like I should adopt her vinyl tablecloth tradition for our next camping trip. That is so fun! You’re right about ironing- I hate how much time it takes. Maybe you need a couple for the upcoming festivities you’ve been planning! I’m so glad to hear you’ve been having a wonderful summer season. We’ve been doing the same! Hope your week is off to an amazing start. xo
Thanks for sharing such a pretty selection of tablecloths!