F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I refill my ceramic herb mill?
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million! This video should answer your question:
What is the difference between acrylic and Teflon coating for tablecloths?
Acrylic and Teflon both repel liquids from soaking into fabric. Acrylic forms a thicker layer on the fabric surface so you can wipe it down with a sponge--kind of similar to old-fashioned oilcloth, but with much better drape and appearance (the fabric is less thick and less shiny than oilcloth). An acrylic coating makes fabric suitable for using outside. If you have kids, you will love an acrylic-coated tablecloth. It is incredibly easy to maintain--just wipe any spill with a sponge, even it had time to dry (if you spill oil or red wine, you should wipe it off immediately or it might leave a slight mark).
Teflon is another fabric treatment that makes liquids bead up before they soak into the cloth. It does not form a thick layer on the fabric--in fact, you cannot feel it at all. (Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont.) No worries if someone spills a drink. Just blot it with a napkin.
How do I launder my coated tablecloth or apron?
If it's acrylic coated, you can machine wash and line dry. You don't have to launder these very often, though, because they wipe down so easily. It is OK to iron them on the reverse side, but in our experience, you won't have to. The coating makes wrinkles and creases fall out on their own.
Teflon-coated tablecloths can be machine washed and dried, and ironed as any other untreated tablecloth.
What is the difference between printed and damask (jacquard) tablecloths?
A printed tablecloth has the design printed on top of the fabric. The underside of the cloth will be plain. Printed designs range from traditional Provencal motifs in bright colors to hand-blockprinted vintage designs.
In a damask (also known as jacquard) tablecloth, the design is woven into the fabric. The threads (or yarns) are dyed before being woven, and the weaving is what makes the design appear. If you turn over a damask tablecloth, you will see the same design in reverse. These tablecloths cost more because they use more time, energy, and labor to produce. They also have a silky hand, and tend to hold up very well and last a very long time. Damask designs are traditional and formal, whether using many vivid colors or a neutral palette.
What does "placé mean?
Placé (placed in English) refers to tablecloths that have the pattern printed in the same shape as the tablecloth. The most common placés are the 68" or 70" round tablecloths on which the design is printed in a circle. Refer to the picture below for a side by side 68" placé and 60" linear pattern of the "Lisa blue" design.
The tag on my fabric item has symbols for washing instructions. What do they mean?
Those symbols are used internationally so we don't have to depend on verbal translations. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission publishes a guide for those symbols:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro25.pdf
What size tablecloth do I need?
Add 10 to 24 inches to the length and width (diameter for a round table) of your table. This will give you a drop of 5 to 12 inches on each side. Then choose the closest size from our selection. For a rectangular tablecloth, it is recommended to have a similar drop in the length and width. For example, a typical 3x5 ft table (36x60") works great with a 58x84" tablecloth, giving you 12 inches of drop in the length and 11 inches of drop in the width. (If you have an antique, European, or other hard-to-fit table, our Le Cluny French Country Collection tablecloths can be ordered in custom dimensions. Contact us to inquire.)
