No need to fear the wind at your next al fresco feast.
Nothing puts a damper on a backyard barbecue faster than a tablecloth that won’t stay put. One gust of wind or one excited kid grabbing a hot dog, and suddenly your perfectly styled tablescape is bunching or sliding and threatening to take the potato salad with it.
I think that everyone has probably tried using clips or weights to mitigate this problem, but they don’t always work in my experience. And I can never remember where I stored them at the end of last season, which leaves me frantic when I’m setting up for my first grilling parties of the year.
Thankfully, social media creators are sharing clever ways to keep tablecloths in place without the need for any fancy gear. In fact, you probably already have everything you need for these hacks. Whether you’re hosting a graduation party, weekend cookout or Fourth of July celebration, these simple tricks will keep your tables looking neat from the moment you set out appetizers to the last slice of pie.
Tip 1: Use a Fitted Sheet
This is of the most surprising and genius hacks I’ve seen! Basically, you can use a twin-sized fitted sheet to cover a standard folding table. Because the elastic corners grip the table, the fabric stays in place far better than a traditional tablecloth that can slide or billow in the breeze.
This trick is especially handy for casual outdoor gatherings or even crafting with kids. If you have an extra sheet tucked away in a closet, you may already have everything you need for a more secure party setup. You could also grab an inexpensive sheet that fits the color or theme of your party.
Tip 2: Spray Your Table with Water
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Party experts at Social Butterfly Party Co. shared a quick fix for plastic tablecloths that uses a spray bottle filled with water. Basically, you lay the tablecloth down, fold back half and spray the table with water, then press the tablecloth back over the table. Repeat on the other side, smooth out any bumps, and voila!
This works well for plastic tablecloths and plastic folding tables, but might not work as well on metal or wood tables. And while this will keep the top of your tablecloth from moving around, any overhang will still move around in the breeze. You can trim the excess if you want it to be more manageable, or leave it be if that doesn’t bother you.
Tip 3: Cut and Tie the Ends
Another social media favorite relies on a pair of scissors. And if you’re using a disposable plastic tablecloth, this might become your new go-to method for securing it to the table.
All you have to do is place your tablecloth on the table, then cut three deep lines into the short end that hangs over the edge. This will give you four “strips” of tablecloth. Grab two and tie them together around a leg, then repeat the process until the cloth is tied at the four corners. What I really like about this method is that it’s quick, and you can tighten each side as much as you need for a super secure tablecloth.
The Bottom Line
A secure tablecloth might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference when you’re entertaining outdoors. Whether you prefer the fitted-sheet trick, the water hack or the cut-and-tie method, these are all easy and inexpensive. Now your summer tables will stay picture-perfect through every party, which is really something to celebrate.
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