Your Guide to Creating Colorful Table Settings

Rows of beige linen folded napkins on glass plates at dinner setting

When it comes to setting the perfect table, the linens you choose can make a significant difference in the overall atmosphere of the event. Colorful table linens, in particular, have the power to elevate your dining experience and infuse new energy into any occasion. After all, color is what elevates the ordinary! Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or a casual brunch, choosing the right colors for your linens can transform an ordinary setting into an extraordinary one. In this guide, we'll explore ideas for the best table linen colors and review popular choices for both formal and casual events. You’ll soon be an expert in the creation of colorful table settings that will leave a lasting impression on your guests!

What Is The Best Color for Table Linens?

Now, we know what you might be thinking – what is the best color for table linens? With so many options to choose from, the process can seem overwhelming at times. Luckily, our experts have put together a list of colorful linens that look stunning for any occasion. Ultimately, it all comes down to the type of environment you’re trying to create. For example, the colors you’d use to create a vibrant, lively atmosphere might not be the same as the ones you’d choose if you’re going for a calm, soothing feel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options:

  • Vibrant Reds and Oranges
    If you want to create a lively and energetic atmosphere, consider incorporating vibrant reds and oranges into your table linen selection. These warm-toned hues can be stunning for casual gatherings, summer parties, or even a lively family dinner. Red and orange evoke feelings of excitement, warmth, and passion, making them ideal for events where you want to create a vivacious and inviting ambiance.

  • Cool Blues and Greens
    Cool tones like blues and greens are versatile and soothing, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Light blues can create a serene and tranquil ambiance, perfect for outdoor gatherings, while deeper blues add a touch of elegance for more formal events. Greens, on the other hand, are reminiscent of nature and freshness, making them excellent choices for garden parties or springtime brunches.

  • Elegant Neutrals
    Neutrals like creams, whites, and grays exude elegance and sophistication, making them a classic choice for formal occasions. These colors provide a timeless backdrop that allows other elements of your table setting, such as floral arrangements or dinnerware, to shine. Neutrals are also incredibly versatile, so they can blend seamlessly with any theme or décor style.

  • Earthy Browns and Tans
    Taking inspiration from nature is always a good idea! Earthy tones like browns and tans bring a sense of warmth to your table setting. They work well for both casual and formal events, adding a touch of rustic charm or a more traditional feel, depending on the shades and textures you choose. Pair these colors with nature-inspired elements to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Popular Colors for Formal Events

As you can imagine, the colorful table linens you choose for your event can vary depending on the formality of the occasion. For example, formal events often call for a more refined and elegant approach to table settings. Here are some popular color choices for these occasions:

  • Classic White
    White is a timeless choice for formal events. It exudes purity, sophistication, and a sense of luxury. A white tablecloth, paired with complementing napkins and table runners, sets the stage for an upscale dining experience. You can accentuate the white with touches of gold or silver for added opulence, or use a soft-toned shade as an accent color.

  • Rich Jewel Tones
    Deep jewel tones like burgundy, emerald green, and royal blue are regal and luxurious, making them perfect for formal affairs. These colors evoke a sense of opulence and can be paired with metallic accents for a truly lavish ambiance. They are especially good for events taking place in the evening.

  • Champagne and Gold
    Champagne and gold tones bring a touch of glamour and sophistication to the table. They are subtle yet add a luxurious flair that's ideal for formal dinners, galas, or weddings. You can pair gold linens with muted pastels for an exquisite and delicate look.

Popular Colors for Casual Events

Casual events offer the opportunity to experiment with a broader spectrum of colors and styles, as you don’t have the added pressure of a formal affair. Here are some popular choices for tablecloths for more relaxed settings:

  • Pastel Pallet
    Soft pastel colors like blush pink, baby blue, and mint green create a light and airy atmosphere, perfect for casual brunches, bridal showers, or outdoor gatherings. These colors add a touch of femininity and playfulness to the table.

  • Bright and Bold
    For a fun and energetic vibe, consider using bold and bright colors like fuchsia, turquoise, or sunshine yellow. These colors infuse excitement into the setting and are excellent for casual celebrations, birthday parties, or summer picnics.

  • Mix and Match
    Casual events often lend themselves to creative combinations. Mix and match various colors and patterns to create a bohemian or eclectic look. Play with contrasting hues and textures between the tablecloth and table runners for a vibrant and dynamic table setting that reflects your personal style. Looking at nature (such as taking a trip to the botanical garden or plant nursery) can provide unique inspiration for color combinations that you might not think of originally, but will end up looking striking together!


A Note On Ordering Colored Linens Online

Now that you’ve learned more about creating colorful table settings, it’s time to make your decision and order your linens! However, it’s important to note that if you’re choosing colors from a website like Premier Table Linens, the color you see on the screen may differ from the true color of the fabric. For this reason, we offer swatches of every color in the fabric you are considering. We have a wide range of fabric swatch cards tablecloth and table skirting samples to choose from!

Ordering swatch cards is also a great way to determine how fabric textures will look together. Premier Table Linens includes a full-size napkin sample with each swatch card ordered to help you decide on the best fabrics for you. After seeing the color swatch cards in person, putting the color swatch up next to your china or in the light of the room where the tablecloths will be, and determining the colors you like, you can return the color swatch cards for a refund or keep them for any future decisions.

Conclusion
Choosing the right colorful table linens is an art that allows you to customize the mood and ambiance for your event. Whether you opt for vibrant and lively hues or subtle and elegant tones, your choice of colors can enhance the dining experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Don't hesitate to experiment and combine colors to create a unique and eye-catching table setting that suits the occasion and reflects your personality. And check out our blog for more table linen tips and ideas!