Christmas tablecloths by size and fabric
Prices checked on Amazon UK on 3 October 2026; they may have changed since. The price ranges and medians quoted in the text of this page come from the check of 29 September 2026. Ratings and review counts are those of Amazon shoppers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Christmas tablecloths: work out the size first
The drop decides the size of a tablecloth. It is the part that hangs over the edge, and 20 to 30 cm is the usual aim for a dinner, because a longer one catches on chair arms and laps. Add twice the drop to the table’s length and to its width. A 180 x 90 cm table with a 25 cm drop needs a cloth of 230 x 140 cm. For a round table, add twice the drop to the diameter: 120 cm plus 50 cm gives a 170 cm cloth.
| Your table (length x width) | Cloth for a 25 cm drop | Nearest size in the listings |
|---|---|---|
| 120 x 80 cm | 170 x 130 cm | about 130 x 180 cm |
| 150 x 90 cm | 200 x 140 cm | 140 x 200 cm |
| 180 x 90 cm | 230 x 140 cm | 140 x 240 cm |
| 240 x 100 cm | 290 x 150 cm | 145 x 300 cm |
Listings state how many people a cloth seats, but the figures vary: one 213 x 142 cm cloth is listed for 12, and a 200 x 140 cm one for 6. Go by the measurements, not the seating line.
Polyester, PVC or plastic Christmas tablecloths
| Material | Cleaning | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester or faux linen | Machine wash on the label setting; a few are hand wash only | The commonest material in the listings. Creases drop out when hung, or with a cool iron if the label allows |
| PVC or vinyl, sold as wipe clean | Wipe with a damp cloth; not for the washing machine | Fold lines from the pack may stay in. Hot dishes can mark it, so use mats |
| Disposable plastic | Single use | Sold in packs of two to four, for a children’s table or a buffet |
Read the care line even on water-resistant polyester, because a cloth can wipe clean and still be listed as hand wash only.
Colour, pattern and the rest of the table
Colour and pattern
Red is the commonest colour in the listings, followed by white. Red hides gravy and wine marks better than white, while a plain white or cream cloth shows off crackers, plates and a coloured runner. Choose one patterned item per table: with a snowflake, reindeer or poinsettia print on the cloth, keep the runner and plates plain.
Pairing a cloth with the other layers
The cloth is the base layer. Add a Christmas table runner down the centre, set Christmas plates and tableware on top and put a cracker at each place. The full set of table items is under Christmas table decorations.
For a layout from simple to formal, read Christmas table setting ideas for dinner. Napkin folds are in how to fold Christmas napkins.
Frequently asked questions: Christmas Tablecloths
What colour tablecloth should I use for Christmas?
Red is the commonest choice and hides spills well. A plain white or cream cloth gives crackers, plates and a coloured runner more contrast. If the cloth has a pattern, keep the runner and plates plain.
What size tablecloth do I need for my table?
Add 50 cm to the length and to the width of the table, which gives a 25 cm drop on every side. A 150 x 90 cm table takes a 200 x 140 cm cloth, and a 180 x 90 cm table a 230 x 140 cm one. For a round table, add 50 cm to the diameter.
What can I use instead of a tablecloth?
A table runner with placemats shows the table top and still looks dressed. A length of plain fabric or a roll of kraft paper also works for a single dinner. A runner and placemats take less room to store than a large cloth.
Can you machine wash a Christmas tablecloth?
Polyester cloths are usually machine washable on the setting printed on the label, though a few listings say hand wash only. PVC and vinyl cloths sold as wipe clean are not for the washing machine. Check the care line before you buy.
Where can I find cheap Christmas table covers?
Disposable plastic covers are the cheapest, sold in packs of two to four. Prices in this collection start around £6 and most are under £18, with a median near £14. A polyester cloth costs more but can be washed and reused every year.
Are wipe-clean tablecloths good for Christmas dinner?
They suit a table with children or a lot of gravy and wine, because spills wipe off in seconds. Fold lines from the pack can stay in, and hot dishes can mark the surface, so put mats under serving dishes. A fabric cloth looks softer but needs washing after the meal.
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