Table overlays, also known as table toppers, are draped over tablecloths for decoration purposes. Usually, banquet halls provide standard white or ivory tablecloths along with their tables, but most people prefer to add some color to their reception. In addition to table overlays, you can tie chair sashes to your chairs that match with the overlay color. Most common overlays are square and are placed over round tables. The most common materials are satin, organza, and polyester. Some of the more glamorous materials are pintuck taffeta, embroidered organza, and damask/flocking taffeta.

Sizing:

The most common overlay sizes are 72x72 inches and 90x90 inches. These square table overlays are draped over round banquet tables. The 72x72 inch size is used with 60 inch round tables and the 90x90 inch size is used with 72 inch round tables. The overlays are almost never used by themselves. Usually, they are draped over a round floor length tablecloth. If you just drape the overlay over the table without having a round floor length tablecloth on the table, the legs of the tables will show.

Tips:

First, don’t always settle for the lowest price. You must ask some important questions before making your purchase and the lowest price is not always the best deal. Always ask if the overlays are seamless or seamed before making your purchase. It is more costly for vendors to make the overlays seamless, than to sew 2-3 pieces of fabrics together to make a whole piece. This adds unwanted seams to your overlays that will be running across the table.

Second, ask for the care instructions. You need to know how easy it is to care for them if you are going to use them more than once. Some overlays might be disposable, so you will have to throw them away after one use. If you have plans to use them more than once, make sure you can wash and reuse them.

Third, ask for a swatch before you make your purchase. If you are particular about the colors precisely matching your theme, ask the vendor to send a free swatch of the color you are interested in. Usually the vendors will send you a free swatch if they are available. If not, it is always a good idea to purchase one sample before placing a large order. The colors you see on your computer may not match the actually product due to your computer screen settings.

Thank you for reading and we hope this information will make shopping for table overlays a bit easier for you. We sell table overlays to event planners and to the public. For all your event needs please visit our website www.yourchaircovers.com or call us at 1-877-450-8383 (outside U.S. 818-279-8383). We will be glad to answer any questions you have.