How to Stop a Tablecloth From Slipping

A slipping tablecloth can be both unsightly and dangerous. When it's easy for a small child to pull off the cloth, it's easy to lose that glass of wine or worse, that beautiful wedding cake. There are a number of ways to keep a tablecloth from slipping. The available budget and the amount of time the cloth must be in place will determine which solution to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use clips for the corners of the tablecloth that go over the edges of the top of the table. Often used in catering events and wedding receptions, table clips are available at floral and wedding stores and attach to the corner of cloth and plastic table cloths adding both a grip and weight to the corner, holding the tablecloth in place.

2

Use weights of varying shapes and sizes to hold the tablecloth in place while adding a decorative touch. Ceramic potted flower arrangements, candles in glass jars, a well-placed pile of books or even a weighted vase or ornament all make ideal table weights. They may not prevent the tablecloth from wrinkles and ruffles, but they will stop it from slipping onto the floor.

3

Attach strips of Velcro to the corners of the tablecloth and press together below the table's corners. Place the hook part of the Velcro on one corner edge and the other loop part on the opposing corner edge and connect the two together under the corner lip of the table. Repeat this on each corner to keep the cloth in place and reduce wrinkles.

4

Purchase non-slip fabric or tablecloths. A few companies offer the non-slip tablecloth as an option, but you can purchase the fabric and attach it to the back of the regular tablecloth fabric. Either sew along the seams or use bonding adhesive. Both cotton thread and bonding tape are available at large department stores and craft stores.

5

Place double-sided fabric tape for the underside of the tablecloth. This is not a permanent solution as the adhesive may stick to the table and tarnish the wood. But for an afternoon or wedding reception, actually taping the cloth in place prevents slipping and wrinkling.

6

Put gripping shelf liner material at the ends of the table under the cloth. This will create the necessary friction to hold the tablecloth against the table. This is the type of shelf liner made of rubber foam rather than traditional paper liners.