How to Place Banquet Linens on Tables

A table linen on a banquet table should match the tone of the banquet or party. A casual event would benefit from a brightly colored linen or even a checkered one for a vintage look. A formal event should incorporate more muted, solid colors, such as earth tones or a simple black or white. You can also layer the linens for an added effect. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay a circular or oval table linen on similarly shaped banquet table. Linens should traditionally fall approximately 15 inches below the edge of the table. In a different color than the first linen, lay a square-shaped linen over the first, to add a unique geometrical touch and a pop of color.

2

On a long banquet table, place several doilies down the center of the entire table. These can be of different shapes or details or of complementary colors to the overall color scheme. They can also be uniform.

3

Lay a runner down the center of the entire table. If for a holiday banquet, choose a festive color like red or green for Christmas. For an added touch, lay two runners down the table in differing colors, if desired.

4

Lay a solid-colored table linen over the table, such as white. Lay a colored runner over the linen down the center of the table. Choose a bright, contrasting color such as red or gold for the runner.

5

Choose a patterned linen for a casual event. This could be a checkered linen for a vintage look or a floral linen for a feminine event like a bridal shower.

How to Arrange Rectangular Banquet Tables

Arranging rectangular banquet tables depends on the size and number of tables, the size of the space and the location of the food. All of these ingredients combined create several possibilities for banquet set-ups. The most common denominator here is the banquet table, which will most likely be a long metal table with folding legs that will be covered with a fancy cloth of some type. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange your tables like a council meeting, where everyone sits on the outside of a rectangular grid of tables and faces inward towards the center of the room. This method is advantageous in that each person can see everybody else in the room. Simply arrange the tables in a rectangular line around the perimeter of the room. Leave breaks in the line of tables so that guests can get up and leave their table easily. Food can either served by a wait staff or there can be a banquet table in the center that is self-service. This arrangement is particularly good for a small to moderately sized group, where there is a lot of public speaking that takes place and the speakers might anybody in attendance.

2

Set up your tables in a circular shape. This is almost identical to Step 1 except that the tables form a curved line around the border of the room. This shape allows for fewer participants than the rectangular grid in Step 1, but the closeness of each diner is increased a tad.

3

Arrange your tables in a way where there is a head table for special guests and public speakers. Choose one end of the room to place the head table at. The head table can even be put together from several smaller tables. Arrange the rest of the tables in neat rows that run away from the head table at 90-degree angles. Place spaces between each table so guests can walk between each table with ease. If you need room for self-service food tables, they can be placed along the edges of the room in the vicinity of the head tables or at the rear of the room, depending on the location of the kitchen.

4

Change the configuration in Step 3 slightly by connecting the rows of tables to form one long row. The only advantage of this arrangement is that you can fit a few extra people into the space. However, there is one drawback in that movement across the width of the room is limited.

5

Arrange the tables in a dining hall style without any concern for public speakers. This method is pretty much self-explanatory in that you arrange the tables as best you can to fit the space. This would be accomplished by running all the tables in the same direction with ample space between each table to allow for freedom of movement. This set-up works for either self-service or wait staff banquets.
This style is designed for a banquet where there are no public speaking events to take place, but if necessary, one could set up a simple podium in lieu of a speaker's table.

How to Build a Banquet Table

Whether it's a wedding, a big birthday party or just a family get-together, banquet tables are a staple of every large gathering. They line up neatly and seat eight to 10 people comfortably. However, renting them can be time-consuming, and buying ready-made tables can be expensive. By building a simple table that can be covered up with a tablecloth, you can save time and money. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Visit an electrical parts distributor's warehouse and buy two cable reels, which are round wooden cylinders that hold very large lengths of wire. You need them to be 29 inches wide and 25 inches in diameter.

2

Buy one sheet of 3/4-inch thick plywood measuring 6 feet long. Cut the sheet so it is 30 inches wide. Place the reels 1 foot apart to form the base of the table. Lay the plywood top on the table to create a standard sized 6-foot by 30-inch rectangular table.

3

Use four screws measuring 2 inches long each to attach the plywood to the cable reels. The finished table will have 8-1/2 inches of overhang on each side and 17 inches at each end.

4

Cut four pieces of 3/4-inch molding to cover each of the four sides of the plywood. Two pieces of molding will be 6 feet long, and the other two will measure 30 inches long. Nail them to the edges of the plywood to prevent the raw edge of the plywood from snagging the tablecloth.

5

Cover the table with a floor length banquet table cloth to hide the cable reels. If desired, staple plastic padding to the top of the table for easier cleanup.

How to Organize a Baby Changing Table

Organizing your baby changing table is one of the most important steps involved when preparing for your baby. It is important to have essentials on hand and accessible to ease the difficulty of caring for your child. You will appreciate having your changing table arranged before your baby arrives.

Instructions

1

Gather the organizational containers. To get a changing table in order, you first need the proper bins to sort all of your babys needs. You will require three to five large containers. There are several options you can purchase to help organize your baby changing table. You can find baskets of just about every shape and size. The larger rectangular baskets with a depth of 6 to 8 inches work the best for storing the larger baby necessities, but can be pricy. To save money, you can find plastic containers, such as rectangular wash tubs, to store your items. You will also need a smaller container for organizing the creams and ointments.

2

Collect the baby necessities. There are specific items needed for your approaching newborn. Some of the babys items will be kept in closets and dressers, but you will benefit by keeping specific ones on hand. Blankets are essential for swaddling your child so he will sleep restfully. Onesies, pants, and socks are changed often, so it is important to keep them easily accessible. You will also need diapers, wipes, cotton swabs, lotions, and ointments to tend to your babys needs.

3

Separate the babys clothing. When you are ready to put the organizational containers into the baby changing table, assort the types accordingly. Start by placing the onesies and cotton pants into one container. Since they are usually worn at the same time it will help to keep them together. Store socks in a separate bin with hats or bibs. Since socks are small, if you store them with one larger item, they will be less likely to get mixed up. While sorting through the clothing, separate the larger sized items into individual containers so you can store them elsewhere for later when the child grows into them.

4

Arrange the bedding and blankets. Since bedding and blankets are the largest items to organize in the baby changing table, you will need to save two to three containers specifically for them. Start by folding the blankets in a uniform pattern so they can stack easily. You can either arrange them into neatly stacked squares and rectangles, or you can roll them up and stand them on their side. Place the blankets into one bin, and the sheets, towels, and wash clothes into another.

5

Organize the diaper changing necessities. For storing diaper and wipe packages, find a shallow container that can slide under the table, or you can place them in a hamper or basket under the crib. It is also important to keep diapers and wipes near the diapering area, such as on the end of the baby changing table top, or the first shelf, the closer the better. Purchase a pencil container for holding the rash creams and cotton swabs and place it on top of the changing table. Finally you will need a laundry hamper and trash can for easy clean-up. Place them on either side of the baby changing table. Purchasing a trash can that closes will help with diaper odor.

Directions to Make a Baby Change Table

According to KidsHealth.org, a baby may need to be changed 10 times or more per day. Having a safe and comfortable place to perform this duty will make it a more pleasant experience. A dresser makes a perfect base for a changing table. It's a stable piece of furniture with an ample top and plenty of storage. As an added bonus, the dresser will still be useful long after your baby is out of diapers.

Instructions

1

Lay the contoured changing pad lengthwise across the top of the dresser with the safety straps hanging over the back and the front.

2

Position the bottom ends of the straps against the wood of the dresser. Use wood screws and a drill to attach the straps to a stationary part of the dresser and not a drawer.

3

Place your baby on the changing pad and secure him with the safety straps before changing his diaper.

The Best Tables for a Party

The best type of table for a party entirely depends on the type of party you are throwing. There are many different types of tables and each has its own function. Many of these tables offer more than just function ad they also offer design and decoration elements. There are tables for all occasions and the look of the table can easily be changed with table linen, place settings and centerpieces Does this Spark an idea?

Cocktail Tables

Cocktail tables are taller tables than traditional tables as cocktail tables do not typically have chairs. Guests are meant to stand around the tables and not sit down. Cocktail tables are meant to serve as resting places for drinks and plates of food as quests mingle and talk with each other. These tables can frequently be found around a dance area.

Banquet Tables

Banquet tables are used frequently when temporary seating is needed. Banquet tables come in all different shapes and sizes and can be arranged into many shapes. Several different styles for banquet table set up include lecture style, the U shape, conference style, hollow square, banquet and classroom style. The amount of people that can be seated at each table depends on if the table is rectangular or round in shape. Rectangular tables run from 24 by 60 inches to 30 by 96 inches and round tables are available from 42 inches to 72 inches.

Buffet Table

A buffet table is necessary for a buffet dinner. A buffet table is typically very long and contains all the food and drink provided at the party. Many times the buffet will have a theme. Guests will take a plate and select food that is presented on the table. These tables are only used for buffets and not as a conventional dining table. These tables are narrower and longer than traditional tables. The width allows enough room for two rows of dishes so two different types of food can be set along the length.

Dinner Table

Traditional dinner tables are used for dinner parties. The table is set with place settings and the quests sit around the table enjoying dinner. The size of the table dictates how many people can fit. A 48-inch round table is recommended for six to eight people, a 60-inch round table for eight to ten people, a six inch by 30-inch rectangular table seats eight people and an eight inch by 30-inch table seats 10 people. At large celebrations, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, guest may not mind being more crowded as it is part of the celebration to have many guests.

How to Make a Banquet Tablecloth

A banquet tablecloth is used to dress the serving table at a banquet. If you have a lot of buffet-style dinner parties, then it makes sense to make your own tablecloth in the color and style you prefer. A standard banquet tablecloth is 52 inches by 120 inches and it is usually made from a single color, low-staining fabric that is easy to wash. The tablecloth is rectangular in shape and uses a double hem; it is not difficult to make. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Launder your fabric to remove the sizing. Iron your fabric. Cut your tablecloth fabric 52 by 120 inches.

2

Fold the fabric to the back 1/4 inch. Fold the fold to the back 1/4 inch. It is often necessary to iron your folds for crisp edges.

3

Sew a hem around the perimeter of the tablecloth.