Trousseau list: which table linen to buy and how many pieces?

September 3, 2026

Aynı desende runner, amerikan servis, bardak altlığı ve kırlent kılıfından oluşan sunum seti

Table textiles are a popular choice for both a trousseau and a housewarming gift because they always work: they get used, take up little space and do not require knowing any measurements. A rug or curtain needs the room size; a placemat does not.

A table setting set of runner, placemats, coasters and cushion covers in the same pattern — Set shown: Rio Table Setting Set — Runner + Placemats + Coasters + Cushion

For how many people should you buy?

The measure is the table, not the household. A newly set-up home usually has a table for 4 or 6; people generally go one step up with guests in mind.

For 4: everyday use, a two-person household, a small table.
For 6: the most popular choice; enough for every day and not cramped with guests.
For 8: a large table, a big family, frequent dinner parties.

Our table setting sets come in these three sizes: 11 pieces for 4, 15 pieces for 6, 19 pieces for 8. Each set contains 1 table runner, placemats and coasters for the number of people, plus 2 cushion covers.

How do you choose the pattern for a gift?

The hardest part of buying a gift is the pattern, because you need to know the colours of the home. There are two practical ways:

Choose a neutral pattern: black-and-gold, cream and earth tones suit most living rooms; brightly coloured patterns depend more on personal taste.
Leave the choice to them: with a digital gift card, the recipient chooses the pattern. The card is sent by email, with no delivery to wait for.

For those who want it wrapped, there is also a gift wrapping option.

For a trousseau: single pieces or a set?

In a trousseau, pieces are collected over the years, so the patterns stop matching. A set from the same collection solves this from the start: all four table pieces share the same pattern, and more pieces from the same collection can be added later. Table setting sets are available in different pattern collections; all four pieces of a set are made in the same pattern.

What to check when buying

Care: laminated placemats wipe clean with a damp cloth and do not go in the machine. Table runners and cushion covers are machine washable at 30 °C.
Size: coasters 15x15 cm, cushion covers 40x40 (43x43 in some collections) cm, table runners 40x140 or 45x138 cm.
Returns: items can be returned without giving a reason within 14 days of delivery; when sent with our contracted carrier, we pay the return shipping. Details in our returns policy.

Take a look at our table setting sets, or write to us via the contact page with any questions.

Table textiles checklist for a trousseau

The textile side of the dining section usually consists of these pieces:

Placemats — as many as the table seats
Coasters — the same number
Table runner — one per table
Tablecloth — possibly separate ones for everyday and for guests
Napkins and napkin rings
Cushion covers — 2-4 depending on the seating group

The pieces on this list used most and worn out fastest are placemats and coasters; keeping two sets of these in a trousseau (one for every day, one for guests) is a practical solution.

How do you set a budget for a gift?

Whether to give a single piece or a set depends on how close you are:

A home visit, a neighbour, a colleague: a single runner or a set of coasters is enough; a small gift, but one that gets used.
A close friend, a relative: a placemat + coaster pair or a set for 4.
A wedding, an engagement, a new home: a table setting set for 6 or 8 — it sets the whole table in one pattern.

Buying a gift without knowing the size

This is the biggest advantage of table textiles as a gift: you do not need to know the size of the table. Placemats and coasters fit any table; a runner stays on top of a long table and hangs over a short one — both are usable layouts. A tablecloth, by contrast, needs the table size, because it cannot be used if the overhang is wrong.

If you cannot choose a pattern

If you do not know the colours of the home, there are two safe ways. The first is to stay with neutral tones: cream, earth and black-and-gold compositions suit most living rooms. The second is to leave the choice to them — a digital gift card is sent by email, the recipient picks their own pattern, and there is no delivery to wait for. For those who want it wrapped, there is also a gift wrapping option.

Storing in a hope chest

Textiles stored for a long time keep crease marks when folded. Roll table runners and placemats, and store cushion covers flat. Lavender sachets are better than mothballs; the smell of mothballs lingers in polyester for a long time. If the chest stands in a damp room, air the pieces once a year.

Delivery and returns

The most common question when buying a gift is about returns: the product can be returned without giving a reason within 14 days of delivery; when sent with our contracted carrier, we pay the return shipping. Details are in our returns policy.

Common mistakes when giving table textiles

Buying too few. Giving 2 placemats for a table for 4 leaves the recipient having to complete the set — and the same pattern is not always easy to find later.
Choosing a tablecloth. If the size is wrong, it cannot be used; if you do not know the size, placemats, coasters or a runner are safer.
Choosing a piece that is hard to care for. A gift that will be used often should wipe clean or be machine washable.
An overly personal pattern. A very distinctive theme may not suit the rest of the home; neutral tones last longer.

What to buy for someone moving into a new home?

What a new home usually lacks is everyday pieces, not decorative ones. In the first week after a move, the most useful gift is placemats and coasters for the number of people: they make it possible to set the table without buying a tablecloth, and there is no washing to worry about. Table runners and cushion covers make sense once the home has settled — so they are better suited to a second visit.