LINENS

Selecting a good quality towel durable is determined by softness and weight of the product.

The performance of a towel can be determined by several factors. Of course material type is an obvious indicator. Cotton is a perfect material for towels because of its strength and durability. Combed cotton is also an excellent choice as it is considered a top quality fiber because only the best grades of cotton can be combed. Cotton blends are also available.

Another indicator of performance is the staple length. The longer the length the softer and stronger the produce gives better wear and produces less lint.

Processing during manufacture affects the absorbency of the materials. Shear towels are the most absorbing, however, they are not the best at drying. When drying the body the towel should absorb moisture and the fiber loops should brush the water off the body. The greater number of loops per inch the better the bath towel.

A basic bath towel ensemble consists of, bath towel, hand towel and face towel or washcloth. A large bath towel is sometimes called a bath sheet. There are also smaller bath towels that are used specifically for bath mats.

Styling the towel ensemble can be fun and creative. Experiment with different folding and display techniques. Fold bath towels to the same width as hand towels and layer for a tiered effect. Another technique would be to fold towels lengthwise, then roll them. You can also cluster towels in a wire basket or stack them in a pyramid form.

Bed Linens

For that well dressed bed, bed linen is available in 15 to 20 different categories. These include fitted and flat sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets, mattress pads and shams.

Layers

The layers that are used to dress a bed are the skirting (used in America and not in Europe), the mattress, the mattress cover, the flat sheet, the blanket, the duvet then there are pillows.

The Buzz About Thread Count

Normally high thread count bed sheets are referred to as percale, which indicates a thread count of 100 and higher. Good linens can have a thread count of 180 to 400, (180 – 220 is a good thread count, 230 – 280 is better and 300 – 400 is best). Any thread count that is above this is expensive. If buying pure linen sheets a thread count of 100 is adequate since linen has thicker fibers.

Table Linens

Fine table linens are characterised by a good quality material, expert construction, fine workmanship and design. In most instances fine table linen is made from cotton or linen because they are durable, absorbent and soft to the touch.

There is easy care synthetic or synthetic blends of material that are popular however avoid using these for formal settings.

Colour for table linens are a matter of personal preference, however, white, ivory and off white are the most popular.

Tablecloth Size

For formal settings the tablecloth should hang down 10 – 12 inches evenly around the table. For more elaborate events the tablecloth can drape down

15 – 30 inches and beyond. Casual events need only

6 – 8 inches to be draped evenly around the table.