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The Best Outdoor Tablecloths of 2024, Reviewed

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Set the scene for backyard dinners, picnic lunches, and so much more. Reusable Vinyl Tablecloth

The Best Outdoor Tablecloths of 2024, Reviewed

Whether you can believe it or not, the dog days of summer are already in full swing. For many of us, the midsummer warmth signals the return of dining al fresco. Now is the time to have your outdoor space in tip-top shape for barbecues, dinners, and picnics. Including essentials like insulated backpacks, picnic baskets, or eco-friendly gear, a handful of key products can make eating on your balcony, patio, porch, or yard — or in a local park — just as comfortable as dining indoors. And, if there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t dine without, it’s a durable, weather-resistant outdoor tablecloth. 

The best outdoor tablecloths stylishly upgrade your space and can also improve functionality and cleanliness. We’ve all dealt with an outdoor dining set that you want to dress up a bit for happy hour or a picnic table but also has some questionable stains on it, and these top picks will help you target both those issues and more. From luxe linens designed in performance fabric to fitted finds that can handle the elements, our selections for the best outdoor tablecloths will surely be a welcome addition to your outdoor dining scene. We even have dinner-ready picks for folks who aren’t worried about the weather or the mess. So what are you waiting for? We’ve saved you a table for two right in your backyard.

If you’re shopping on a budget — or just want an outdoor tablecloth that you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving at the park — look no further. These budget-friendly finds come in several shapes and sizes, some with a zipper feature that makes it easy to install around umbrellas. These durable tablecloths feature vinyl and polyester fabrics in charming patterns and solid colors. The best part is that these tablecloths can be easily wiped clean or machine-washed on a gentle cycle if dinnertime accidentally gets messy.

These splurge-worthy finds are ones you’ll want to brag about. While our favorite is the Sunbrella, known for having one of the most durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant fabrics on the market, the other tablecloths have unique perks, too. Whether the various textures, groovy edge finishes, or beautiful colors win you over, you simply can’t go wrong making one of these the ideal accessory for your next outdoor dinner party.

The best picnic tablecloths double as a makeshift blanket. No matter the eating surface — table or ground — a simple cover will do to hold your picnic basket and batch refreshments. Nonetheless, everyone appreciates at least a bit of flair. A fun checkerboard pattern always sets the mood for an outdoor meetup. Or, switch things up for our more contemporary pick with alternating patterns. All these tablecloths are either polyester or vinyl, the former easy to throw in a washer and the latter even easier to wipe clean.

You’ll keep these versatile naperies ready for just about any occasion. While every inch of these rectangular tablecloths is lined with dazzling patterns, they’re only an understated piece of the puzzle. Your choice of warm and neutral, flowery and patterned, or cool and stylized themes lays the foundation for a beautiful tablescape. And when a party fowl causes a bit of a mess, each tablecloth is just a cycle’s wash away from being refreshed and ready to use again.

Round tablecloths can easily become an eyesore or a functional nuisance. To alleviate both issues and keep the focus on food, drink, and conversation, we’ve selected charming cotton tablecloths that could seamlessly fit into your space. Whether you feel like being transported to Sicily with lemons and delftware or to southern China with fresh orange blooms, there’s a subtle pattern here for you. When your event has concluded, drop these tablecloths in the washer machine for easy cleanup.

Sometimes you just need a tablecloth to sit tight on your table. Depending on the event, the table decor or the food itself could be one mistakenly placed step away from sliding onto the ground. Handy for picnics, buffets, grill outs, and more, our favorite fitted tablecloths are made of wipeable vinyl or washable polyester.

You don’t always have to hide your beautiful patio table under all that cloth. These table runners help you display the surface material of your outdoor dining set while adding textures, layers, and color to your tablescape. Colorful glassware will pop and shine among any setup with these ravishing runners. And both spot-cleanable and machine-washable picks are included.

While tablecloths come in a variety of fabrics and materials, you should center your search around polyester, vinyl, or oilcloth options when looking for a style suitable to the outdoors. These durable materials will better hold their own against elements, both manmade (like ketchup) and natural (like UV rays), ensuring that your tablecloth investment lasts for years.

Another factor to consider? A tablecloth’s backing. Some of the options on our list are backed with a thin felt, which can be a helpful addition if you’re looking to cover up a particularly splintery wooden picnic table. Not only will the felt add a touch of softness, but it will also better protect against any wood shards or splinters.

While aesthetics are important, an outdoor tablecloth should primarily up the functionality of your backyard dining space. When looking for an outdoor tablecloth to purchase, consider which options work best with the materials and furniture already in your space. If you have a beloved picnic table with an umbrella at its center, you’ll want to shop for an outdoor tablecloth that also has a hole — even better if it is complete with a zipper closure that keeps everything secure.

We cannot say this enough: Measure before you buy! There’s nothing worse than purchasing a tablecloth you love, only to find it doesn’t fit your table once it arrives. Most items on our list of the best outdoor tablecloths feature at least a few size selections, so you can easily find a design that works for your existing table. Unsure about which dimensions are best? Generally, you want at least 12 inches of “drop” around the edges to ensure your tablecloth looks and functions its best.

Outdoor tablecloths are a great way to incorporate a bit of your aesthetic style into your backyard or picnic space on a budget. When shopping for a tablecloth, look for a design that suits your entertaining vibe, whether that’s a casual outdoor BBQ or an al fresco celebration. You can pair them with other tableware and linens, such as cloth napkins, or opt for something more laid-back.

Most picnic tables are at least six feet long and 28 inches wide, so you want to buy an outdoor tablecloth that is at least 72 inches in length. That being said, most people prefer to have a bit of overhang on their tablecloth, in which case you’d want to shop for a style that is between 78 and 84 inches long.

Typically, outdoor tablecloths are made from durable and waterproof fabrics like vinyl or polyester, though they can sometimes also be made from coated cotton, like oilcloth. Generally, you want to shop for an outdoor tablecloth made from a fabric the manufacturer describes as wipeable, waterproof, and/or stainproof, with UV resistance as a bonus.

The most durable outdoor tablecloth is one that is made of moisture and stain-resistant materials like vinyl or polyester. If you’re looking for a style that has an added dose of durability, shop for a tablecloth that has felt backing. This will make the tablecloth a bit thicker and prevent any bumps or sharp pieces of wood from below from piercing the tablecloth.

To keep your outdoor tablecloth from blowing away, you have a few options. First, you can shop for a fitted tablecloth, which is made with a tight, stretchy elastic around the edge that will hug the table and keep the perimeter down. Alternatively, you can purchase tablecloth clips, which are often made of metal or plastic and can be placed around the edge of the table around the tablecloth to keep it down. 

The key to getting wrinkles or creases out of a plastic tablecloth is using heat. Depending on your style of a tablecloth and the manufacturer's instructions, you can do this a few different ways. If able, you can place your tablecloth in the dryer on low heat along with a few damp towels until the creases have been worked out. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat, directing the flow to the creases on the tablecloth until they have relaxed.

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The Best Outdoor Tablecloths of 2024, Reviewed

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