Few things are uglier than a plain, fold-up banquet table--which is why you need to look into table skirting pricing and costs. Whether you're using banquet tables for a trade show exhibit or for a company banquet, table skirting makes a huge difference in how attractive the table appears. Table skirts allow you to hide boxes of supplies beneath the table and make even the most beat-up table look professional. Table skirting comes in gathered (or shirred) styles and in various pleated looks. The most common table skirts are made from polyester, but you may also find them in satins and linen-look fabrics.
First, decide in which situations you'll require a table skirt. Are you apt to use the skirting again and again or only once or twice? Should the table skirting color complement your product or logo? Do you require a custom design to impress clients? Once you determine these things, stop and consider the following:
1. Should you buy standard or custom table skirting?
2. Should you rent table skirting?
3. What table skirting accessories might you need?

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Select standard or custom table skirting

For 14 feet of solid color polyester tables skirting, you'll pay between $30 to $40; 21 feet of solid colored polyester skirting costs from $50 to $60; and 21 feet of solid colored satin skirting will run $35 to $50. Not surprisingly, custom skirts vary a great deal in price, according to complexity. A simple, white table cover that's six feet long and has one color imprinted is about $250 to $350, while the same cover with three colors is about $340 to $440.

I recommend: Linen Tablecloth sells table skirting in lengths from 14 to 21 feet. Unique Pipe and Drape also sells standard skirting. Displays2Go offers custom-printed table coverings.

Acquire table skirting accessories

A simple, standard clip of plastic costs about $0.45 to $0.55 per clip in qualities of 100 or so. Large plastic and Velcro clips cost about $0.65 to $0.75 a clip in similar quantities. Table skirt hangers, used for transporting skirts so they don't become wrinkled, cost approximately $6 to $8 each.

I recommend: Recognition Products carries a nice variety of table skirt accessories, including Velcro and cloth clips. TableskirtsAndClips.com also sells Velcro and plastic clips, as well as table skirt hangers.

Rent table skirting

Polyester table skirting costs about $1 to $2 per foot to rent, or you can buy kits complete with 14 feet of skirting and clips (enough for a standard banquet table) for about $25 to $35. Usually, rentals are available only in standard colors like white, ivory, and black.

I recommend: Beyond Elegance rents table skirts and tablecloths in polyester and other materials. NJS Design & Party Rentals offers skirting and clip kits.

If you're hosting an event or heading to a trade show, getting more table skirting information may not be the most pressing item on your mind. However, table skirts are one of those simple, practical and affordable accessories that make events go more smoothly. They can add some storage space and also some class to your table, no matter where you are.

Although table skirts are mainly used as decorative items, they are also very practical accessories. If you have a standard (and rather unattractive) banquet table, a skirt can hide it's flaws, giving your setup an elegant look. If you are at a show and need a place to hide some product samples or other items, a skirt can provide a partition that lets you use the entire area under a table as storage space. If you want to find table skirting, consider:

1. Contacting a table skirting provider for standard banquet table skirts that add storage space and style to your event.

2. Buying table skirting from a manufacturer or custom shop to get the exact color and style you need.

3. Renting skirts to save money as well as the effort of storage and cleaning.

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Contact a table skirting retailer to buy skirts for standard banquet tables

Most banquet tables at shows, meetings and other events are a standard size, so if your needs are quite standard, most table skirt retailers can help you at a reasonable cost. If you will be attending trade shows and similar events regularly, buying skirting can save you rental costs. Most standard table skirts come with clips and are designed to cover three sides of a banquet table, which leaves room under the table for storage space.

I recommend: Aprons, Etc. offers a number of table skirting options in reusable or disposable man-made fabrics. LinenTablecloth.com is a trusted table skirting provider, used by many businesses, including many in the catering industry. The company even sells table skirting clips separately if you need extras for your event.

Buy from a custom fabrication shop or manufacturer for custom table skirting

Of course, your needs may not be standard. If your banquet tables are an usual height or if you have specific requirements in terms of cut, color, and style, you may need to speak to someone who can create just the right table skirts for you. Customization is always more expensive, but is often well worth it if the final effect gives your business that professional look.

I recommend: Unique Pipe and Drape is a supplier of table skirts for many companies, including luxury hotels, museums and other businesses. The company is also a custom fabrication shop, and therefore can cut and sew any fabric into customized table skirting that meets your specific needs. Gary Manufacturing manufactures gathered polyester table skirting for trade shows, DJ booths, stages and other specifications. All skirting includes clips and can be custom sewn for non-standard heights to match your tables.

Rent your table skirting if you don't plan on using banquet tables often

If your business only needs table skirts once in a while, it is often more economical and less time-consuming to rent. Rental companies will often deliver your table skirts right where you need them and some will even set up the skirts for you. You will not have to worry about keeping track of the fabric, cleaning, pressing or mending it for future use.

I recommend: Beyond Elegance offers rental table linens, including skirting and matching tablecloths, napkins and organza satin or sheer overlays. NJS Design & Party Rentals offers table skirting in white, ivory, black and brown. The skirting comes with Velcro clips and is pressed and hung on hangers, ready to be used on any standard banquet table.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are two things to keep in mind when browsing a table skirting directory or catalog: clips and tabletops. When looking at a table skirting list or catalog, ensure that you will be getting clips with your order. Velcro clips are what attach the table skirt to the table. Buy extra clips for your peace of mind. Also, keep in mind that while most decorative table skirts cover the table top as well as the sides of a table, not all styles do. Make sure you understand what style you are getting before you buy or rent.

Table skirts dress up a table for many occasions, from a formal event to a trade show. There are many table skirting types and styles to choose from. Table skirts can be as basic as plain white cloth, or as extravagant as an embroidered box style. The style you settle on depends on a variety of factors.

The main factor determining the type of table skirt you use is your budget. Once you know how much you or your client is able to spend, you can better choose the table skirt for your needs. Even if you have a small budget, you can still find a table skirt that fits the bill; you may just have to compromise by choosing a less expensive fabric or style. When shopping for table skirts remember the following:

1. You might consider leasing table skirting for elegant functions such as weddings and formal receptions, since certain high-end styles are ordered less frequently.

2. Add a little flair to your elegantly dressed tables by ordering valances or scalloped drapes.

3. Table forms are one-piece tablecloth skirts that stretch over tables and provide a chic, modern look for any contemporary table.

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Go basic with traditional table skirting

Basic skirting pleat styles include box, shirred, and regency. These styles are used mainly in the food industry. You may be interested in the types of table skirts that are durable and easy to care for, especially for a restaurant.

I recommend: Drapes 4 Show features a variety of basic pleating, including the shirred traditional pleat, box pleat, and mushroom pleat. Table Linens for Less offers the standard, no-iron table skirts recommended for the restaurant or hotel industry.

Consider custom theme skirts for special client functions

Some manufacturers offer custom theme skirts to match your client's event, allowing you to dress your function tables so they match the theme of your customer's event. These companies will work closely with you so you can provide a very personalized service for your client.

I recommend: Gourmet Table Skirts & Linens is a high-end manufacturer that produces a wide range of table skirts and offers custom theme skirts. Stumps Prom & Party specializes in sparkling table skirts, from super shiny to metallic, for events dedicated to a younger crowd.

Buy table skirts for trade shows

If you need a trade show table skirt that screams out your business name, then a custom-printed table skirt is definitely the answer. These skirts can be purchased through promotional companies and linen stores, and you can add your logo or tag line. Just make sure that the color of your table skirt stands out among the many others that will be lining the tables around you.

I recommend: Promopeddler.com features table skirts for trade shows, including raffia table skirts and table skirts that are custom-printed with a corporate logo. LetterBank offers custom printing, from one color to full color, for its line of trade show table skirting.

It might seem strange to some who don't generally work in sales or a related profession, but table skirting is a big seller for any business that does presentations or is trying to get its products or business name more visibility at trade shows and related events. In short, table skirting offers a neat solution for attractive presentation tables. Knowing some common table skirting terms will help business owners chose skirting wisely or understand how distributors market these handy presentation materials.

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Polyester

Polyester, a synthetic material used in fabric for clothing and other goods, is a durable, non-wrinkling material that is great for table skirting. Polyester table skirts are less likely to be abundantly creased than are the cotton variety.

I recommend: See more details at What is Polyester? Take a look at examples of polyester table skirt products at Kristen Uniforms and Linens.

Snap drape

Some formal types of table skirting are sometimes called 'snap drape' if they have handy snaps for getting them in place at the front of a presentation table. Snap drape styles can include heavy velvet or other plush material for a very impressive look for weddings, banquets, or upscale business presentation situations.

I recommend: Learn more about snap drapes and other skirting styles at Foremost Products.

Party style table skirts

Though these are not generally the kinds of table skirting styles one would choose for a trade show or similar event, they might be good for the occasional themed presentation. Party style table skirts can be made from a range of materials and typically feature eye-popping colors with extra tassles, sequins, or colored plastics to give a table a vibrant look.

I recommend: See a range of party table skirting at Party Cheap.

Box pleat table skirting

Box pleat table skirt styles include a pleat pattern at a specified width to give the front of the table a neat vertical bar appearance.

I recommend: See visuals and details on box pleat designs and some alternatives at Georgia Expo.

Shirred table skirting

A shirred table skirt has a finer pleat that makes the front of the table look 'ruffled.' Shirred pleating is popular because it is a simple and generally economical choice.

I recommend: Find more on shirred skirting at this guide from Imprinted Originals.

Table clips

Table clips are tools that hold table skirting to a table. They can be made in plastic clip designs or in velcro for a different kind of attachment.

I recommend: See some examples of velcro and other table skirt clips styles at Textol.