Table skirt: how-tos and frequently asked questions

A table skirt is a pleated fabric panel that skirts the table edge and legs and provides an attractive look. We have answered the most frequent questions we get asked about table skirting.

Where would you use a table skirt?

A table skirt can be used for weddings, banquets and buffet service in hotels and wedding venues.

A table skirt is often used for the top table where the bridal party sits as this table is longer than usual. Table skirts are also used around a round table which is then used as a wedding cake table or as a gift table.

Table skirts are used in banqueting function rooms and for buffet service where long or unusually shaped tables are in use.

Tables can be pushed together to form a long table or L shaped table and a table skirt is added around the edge so that they form one continuous surface. Table skirts can be attached to the edge or curved, circular and wave edged tables for parties and functions.

What is the best fabric for a table skirt?

Table skirts come in many fabrics from disposable paper and plastic to lace, velvet, cotton and linen.

Most hospitality tables are skirted in polyester fabric. Polyester fabric is resistant to staining and spills, is crease resistant and can be machine washed in an industrial washing machine. For venues with a high turnover of events, these features make polyester the ideal fabric.

How do you attach a table skirt to the table?

A standard table skirt is attached to the table using clips. The clips come in two different types; Velcro or grommet.

With Velcro, the table clips are added to the table first. They have Velcro tabs on them and the matching Velcro on the table skirt is pushed onto the clip.

With grommets, the table skirt has one side of the grommet and the clip has the other. The grommets are pushed together to click into place and hold the table skirt.

Table skirt can also be attached to a table protector. In this case, the Velcro tape is added to the skirt and the table protector edge. The table protector is made to order to fit a particular table size, so this is less flexible than standard table skirt lengths.

Forbes Group has developed table skirts with elasticated tops, called Simple Fit because it is easy to pull the elastic top of the table skirt over the table surface. These are made to order to fit a table size.

Fitted table covers are made to the size of the table. They are simple to install as they drop over the table. This provides a neat contemporary finish.

Which type of table skirting should I use?

A standard table skirt is flexible. If you are not sure what length table you will be using or if you want a long table to have a consistent look, standard skirting is your best option. Lengths of standard skirting can be combined to make an extra long table skirt.

If you have set sizes of table that are used in your banqueting suite or restaurant, then you can choose any type of skirting. If the table skirts are going to be used for dining tables, Velcro table protectors, elasticated table skirts or fitted table covers are the best option so that no clips are needed.

Skirting can save you time and laundry if you ordinarily box tablecloths for food service. Boxing tablecloths uses a lot of tablecloths, which will all have to be laundered after service. Folding each tablecloth also takes time, while a table skirt is simply clipped or pulled over the table.

Do I need a tablecloth if I have a table skirt?

You will still need a top cloth or a tablecloth if you use a table skirt. The table skirt only covers the edges and legs of a table.

A top cloth can be added to the table before the clips are placed on the edges. If a top cloth is used for a buffet, bar or food service table, there is no need to add a tablecloth. Top cloths can be made to match your table skirting or they can be a contrasting colour. Black topper cloths and table skirting is a common combination in hospitality catering. 

If a table skirt is used for dining or banqueting, whether that is Velcro or elasticated, a plain white tablecloth can be added over the table skirt to complete the setting. We can make white tablecloths to your size requirements. 

Our customer services team have years of hospitality fabric experience. If you are unsure what type of table skirt would work for your situation, talk to our team who would be happy to advise.