Holidays bring family, friends and neighbors together. It is nearly that time of year again. If you like to entertain and are looking for ways to expand and add temporary table seating for holiday guests this post is for you! Round, square, or rectangular folding tables can be dressed up and transformed into the most amazingly adorned options that will add to your seasonal decor and provide a great way to add seating as well. This is a DIY Natural Hemp tablecloth I made for one of my round folding tables. I started with a basic folding table. One piece of advice, spend a little more to get a stable table. It is well worth the small difference in price. Nothing dampens the mood like a wobbly table.
Temporary Tables
Flash Furniture 4 Ft Round Folding Table
Tablecloths
I wanted to add a tablecloth that would be something a little special for the holidays. I really love the look of gathered tablecloths but was having a hard time finding one that was the right size, fabric, and style I was looking for so decided to make it myself. I chose some natural hemp material. Hemp is such a great fabric for indoor or outdoor use. It is UV resistant, mold resistant, and highly absorbent. I have used it for outdoor pillows and napkins too….
If the weather permits moving some of the tables outside is a great way to expand a small space and make room for extra seating so hemp is perfect. Etsy is a great place to find natural organic hemp fabrics in great soft colors.
Drape Organics Organic Hemp Fabric
Easy Steps to Make A Simple Natural Organic Hemp Gathered Tablecloth
TableTop Template
I did not have a pattern so I made a template of the top from simple cardboard. If you turn the table upside down and lay a large piece of cardboard or piece of plywood underneath you can just draw around the outside and cut along the outline.
Cut Fabric To Template
Cut the fabric for the top with your template as a guide.
Making The Skirt
Measure the circumference of the top template and double that measurement to allow for the gathers.
Then measure the height of your table to the floor. Add enough room for the seam and the hem allowances (I added about 4inches to be safe). These are your dimensions for cutting the fabric for the skirt. You may not have enough material to go all the way around the top. If not just piece and sew as many pieces together as needed depending upon the width of your fabric.
Sew the Skirt to the Top
Now you are ready to put the pieces together. Just sew the two together adding gathers as you go. You don’t need to measure but try to keep the gathers approximately double the amount of fabric and consistent as you go so that you end up at the end with the right amount of fabric. These do not have to be perfect. Gathered styles are very forgiving once completed.
Below is the finished tablecloth along with a few pictures of some simple folding chair back covers I made for a fall party.
Seating
That leads into the subject of seating. Extra chairs are always good to pick up at yard sales when you have the opportunity to do so if you entertain even a few times a year. I have used ladder back chairs and folding bistro chairs along with a garden bench as seating when needed. They don’t have to match and sometimes it is more fun if they don’t.
Other Tablecloth Options
If you are not inclined to make your own tablecloths here are a few artisan quality options in a range of shapes and sizes I have found and love that have a similar natural feel. They can be used indoors or outdoors as well and are ready to go, no sewing required!
Linen Hygge Natural Linen Tablecloth
WonderLinen Ruffled Linen Tablecloth
I hope you enjoyed this post and found some inspiration to create a beautifully casual tabletop for your upcoming holiday celebrations. Natural fabrics and understated decor that borrows color and texture from nature is the most lovely way to celebrate the seasons. Sometimes simple touches can make all the difference in making your guests feel special and welcome.
Bon Apetit!