pick up at a sale of odd-length or soiled damasks something which is
really a good offering, particularly during the annual linen sale which
falls in January. But as a rule beware of bargains! The fabric is
liable to be a "second" with some imperfection, or to contain a thread of
cotton which gives it a rough look when laundered, and there is generally
a shortage in width--which suggests the advisability of measuring the
table top before buying, for cloths come in different widths, and one
which is too narrow looks out-grown and awkward and--stingy! The average
table is about 4 feet across, and requires a cloth 2 yards square, though
in buying by the yard it is safe to allow an extra quarter for
straightening the edges and hemming. The cloth should hang at least a
foot below the edge of the table, with an increase of half a yard in
length for each additional table leaf. A cloth 2 yards square will seat
four people; 2 by 2 1/2, six; 2 by 3, eight; 2 by 3 1/2, ten; and 2 by 4,
twelve. A wider table calls for a half or a quarter of a yard more in
the width of the cloth, at some little additional cost, as fewer cloths
in extra widths are made or called for. Usually a good pattern runs
through three qualities of table linen, with napkins in two sizes to
match--22-inch for breakfast and luncheon use, and 24-inch for dinner.
These are the standard sizes most generally used, though napkins are to
be had both larger and smaller. A napkin should be soft and pliable, and
large enough to cover the knees well. Prices on all-linen bleached satin
damask pattern cloths, with accompanying napkins, are about as appear in
the list on the opposite page:



CLOTHS.

GOOD QUALITY. BETTER. EXTRA GOOD.