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How to Decorate Cafeteria Style Tables

by Addie Mody

  • Overview

    Decorating a rectangular cafeteria style table can be a difficult feat because of its unwieldiness and strict shape. Without any coverings, the table looks institutionalized and can make people feel like they're back in grade school. Yet, with resourcefulness and a little dress up, it can lift up the ambiance and turn a space into a welcoming room whether it's for a wedding, event or special celebration.
 

  • Step 1

    Use measuring tape to measure the width and length of the tables and seats. Make note of how many there are before purchasing tablecloths and seat covers. Decide whether you want the cloth to drape down close to the floor or stop at mid length. The former option is more formal and good for wedding reception tables. If you want the fabric to drape down close the floor, remember to measure its distance.

  • Step 2

    Go to the fabric store with the table and seat measurements. To pad the seat, find a thin foam cushion and ask an employee to measure and cut out how many you need. Then find a matching fabric for the table and seat covering. (White is the most flexible color to work with.) When cutting the cloth covers for the table, add about eight inches or more to each width and length depending on how long you want it. For the seat cover, add about six inches to the length and width. To create clean edges for the table cover, fold, iron and sew the edges.

  • Step 3

    If you want to add more flair, find a solid color table runner for each table. Red is a good option since it will make the room pop.

  • Step 4

    Obtain small vases or glass jars to place flowers. There should be about three per table and they should all be identical.

  • Step 5

    Order a mix of flowers at a wholesale flower shop and pick them up a few hours before the event. Cut the stems and place a few flowers inside each vase along with water. Then place the vases on top of the table runners, which are above the tablecloths.

  • Step 6

    To cover the seats, put the foam on top of the chair seats. With a piece of yarn or other type of string, tie the foam to the seat. The knot should be on the bottom so that nothing sticks out on top. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable to sit and guests will notice. Tie the cushion to the seat in four spaced out sections. Cover the seat with the fabric. Tuck the ends in toward the bottom center and tie them with safety pins or a stapler.
  • 4
  • Measuring tape Rectangular foam cutouts Table cover fabric Seat cover fabric Iron Sewing kit or sewing machine Solid-color table runners Small vases or glass jars Flowers Yarn or string Safety pins or stapler
  • Measuring tape
  • Rectangular foam cutouts
  • Table cover fabric
  • Seat cover fabric
  • Iron
  • Sewing kit or sewing machine
  • Solid-color table runners
  • Small vases or glass jars
  • Flowers
  • Yarn or string
  • Safety pins or stapler

References & Resources

     
     
 
 

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