Planning a baby shower, graduation, or birthday means more than choosing a theme or menu. The linens you choose are just as important. They help tie your event together, protect tables, and elevate your setup without much effort.
Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard party or a formal indoor event, this linen guide for family celebrations covers what to include and how to use them.
Must-Have Linens for Parties
Start your linen checklist for celebrations with the basics. You’ll need table coverings, accents, and seating decor to build a complete look. These must-have linens for parties include:
- Tablecloths
- Table runners
- Napkins
- Table skirts
- Chair covers
Each plays a different role in setting the mood for your event.
Tablecloths Set the Foundation
Your main tablecloths do most of the visual work. Use full-drop tablecloths for dessert tables, buffet stations, or gift displays. For round tables, round tablecloths provide an easy fit and clean look. Choose pastel tones for baby showers, school colors for graduations, or bright hues for birthday parties.
Tablecloth size matters. A longer drop adds polish to a formal baby shower or graduation ceremony, while a mid-length works well for backyard birthdays.
To find the perfect fit for any occasion, browse our full range of wholesale tablecloths designed for every event style and setup. Discover even more styles, colors, and sizes in our full range of bulk table linens to suit any event theme. For a complete, coordinated look, explore our wholesale chair covers to match your table settings perfectly.
Accent With Table Runners
Add detail using table runners. They break up the color of your base linen and add texture. Use lace or soft fabrics for a baby event, or satin and sequins for birthday celebrations. A single runner down the center instantly defines the space and highlights your centerpiece or dessert spread.
Chair Covers Complete the Look
Chair covers help unify mismatched seating or upgrade plastic folding chairs. They create a clean backdrop for photos and tie in your color palette. Use pastel or white covers for baby showers, bold shades for birthdays, and elegant tones for graduations. Consider pairing them with a sash or band for extra color.
Don’t Skip the Napkins
While small, napkins add a thoughtful touch. Cloth napkins look better in photos and stay in place outdoors. Use them to accent your main colors or add a contrasting pop. Fold them neatly on plates or tuck them into napkin rings for a finished look. They’re both functional and decorative—perfect for birthday party linen recommendations or baby showers.
Linen Tips by Event Type
Baby Showers
Use soft pastel colors and airy fabrics like voile or chiffon. Prioritize gentle textures for a cozy and welcoming space. Focus on essentials like round tablecloths, table runners, and chair covers. Choosing linens for baby showers should center around comfort, lightness, and a touch of charm.
Graduation Parties
Graduation linen setup tips include using bold, solid colors. Mix school shades with metallics like gold or silver. Stick to durable fabrics that handle food and drink spills. Linen for graduation parties should be practical but polished.
Birthdays
Birthday linens offer the most room to be playful. Mix colors, patterns, and layers. Use runners and napkins to match the party theme. For kids’ birthdays, pick easy-to-clean fabrics. For milestone birthdays, go with more structured fabrics like polyester or taffeta.
Decorating With Linens for Showers and Celebrations
Start with one or two base colors, then build around them using runners, napkins, and skirts. For example, pair a blush round tablecloth with a white lace runner for a baby girl shower. For graduation, a navy tablecloth with a gold satin runner adds contrast and personality.
For birthdays, you can coordinate multiple tables with different but related color combos. Use bright linens on the kids’ tables and more neutral tones for adults.
Choosing the right linens helps create memorable setups for life’s most important events. From the welcoming softness of baby showers to the formal polish of graduation parties and the color.
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