Tulle is an expensive material, but you can use it to beautify your table so that it looks stunning. Tulle can drastically improve the appearance of a table making it perfect for weddings, graduations, or quinceañera parties. Once you've got the base, you can make it even more special by adding lights, garlands, or silk flower decorations.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Spread the Cloth and Lamp
Step 1. Choose a solid colored tablecloth as the base
Even if you're adding tulle, it's a good idea to place something on the table that covers the top and sides. You can use a cloth or plastic tablecloth, but the color should be solid. The color can be matched with the tulle that will be used, or mixed and matched with other colors.
- For example, you can wear a white tablecloth with white tulle, or combine a white tablecloth with pink tulle.
- Match the shape of the tablecloth to the table. Use a circle tablecloth for a round table, and a rectangular tablecloth for a rectangular table.
- Make sure the tablecloth is long enough to reach the floor. If necessary, use 2 or more tablecloths.
Step 2. Spread the cloth on the table
Trim the creases, and make sure they're right in the middle. Don't worry about the tablecloth shifting; You'll be wrapping various objects around the table surface so the tablecloth doesn't move.
- If you're worried that the tablecloth will slide off, tape it with double-sided tape. Apply the tape before you stretch the tablecloth.
- If your tablecloth is wrinkled, it's best to iron it. Use the appropriate heat setting for the fabric.
Step 3. Get a string light ready if you want to add a magical touch
A regular rope light will usually suffice, but the rope will need to be lowered every 15-30 cm so that the entire side of the tablecloth is covered. Mix and match the color of the cable with the tablecloth, or just choose gold and silver. Other good options include:
- Battery powered light, which is great for desks that aren't near a power outlet or power strip.
- Icicle lamps (ice drops), which usually need to be plugged into a wall outlet, but at least you don't have to hang them every 15-30 cm.
- Netted lights (nets), usually used if you want a lot of lights. Depending on the size of the table, you may need several panels.
Step 4. Glue the string to the table using clear tape
Start at the corner of the table, and start wrapping the cord around the edges. Tape the wires to the tablecloth with clear tape every 15-30 cm so they don't come off.
- If you are using a regular lamp, lower the wire by 15-30 cm so that it covers more surface area. Otherwise, the top of the tutu will cover it.
- If you are using a battery-powered lamp, wrap the battery pack of the lamp string under the table leg, just below the tablecloth. Do not turn it on just yet to save battery.
- If you use a plug light, make sure there is a power outlet nearby. However, do not connect the cable to the wall outlet.
Part 2 of 3: Making a Table Tutu
Step 1. Measure the circumference of the table
Use a tape measure to measure the lengths of all the sides of the table, then add them up. That way, you can find out how many elastic bands you need to buy. The elastic should be long enough so that it can go around all sides of the table, even if the table is leaning against a wall.
If the table is circular, wrap the tape measure directly around the table
Step 2. Wrap an elastic band around the table and tape it
Wrap a 1.5 cm wide elastic band around the edge of the table. Tie the ends behind the table in a double knot, or overlap and secure with safety pins. Clamp the elastic on the tablecloth every 15-30 cm so it doesn't move.
- Match the tulle color with the elastic. Ideally, use a fold-over elastic band as it comes in a variety of colors.
- Wrap the elastic tight enough so it doesn't slide, but loose enough so you can still tuck your fingers under it.
Step 3. Buy a roll of tulle
Tulle is usually 15 cm wide, and you can find it on the ribbon or wedding section of a craft or fabric store. If you can't find it, buy regular tulle straight from a fabric store, and cut it into strips about 15 cm wide. We recommend buying 2-3 rolls that are 90 cm each.
- You can use all the tulle in one color, or a variety of colors for a more interesting effect. For example, you could wear bright and dark pinks instead of just pink.
- Try pinks, oranges, pastel yellows, mint greens, pale blues, and bright purples.
- For a more stunning look, try using sparkling tulle or glitter.
Step 4. Cut the tulle into strips that are twice the height of the table
Measure the height of the table first, from the floor to the table surface. Double the size, then cut the tulle into strips of the calculated size.
- The number of strips you cut depends on how much of the table you want to cover. For now, just cut a few sheets.
- Cut the cardboard to the height of the table. Wrap the tulle around it, then trim the bottom edge to separate the strands.
Step 5. Tie the first strip on the elastic with a slip-knot knot
Take one strip and fold it in half so that the two narrow ends meet. Tuck the folded end behind the elastic to make a loop, then pull two tulle tails through the loop to secure the knot.
- Make sure the folded end of the strip is pointing down when sliding behind the elastic, not up.
- The tighter the knot, the fuller the tutu will appear.
Step 6. Continue tying the tulle strip around the table until it covers the entire elastic band
Make sure the knots touch each other. If there is too much space between the knots, the table tutu will not be full.
- If you run out of strips, make them again.
- If the table is leaning against a wall, you only need to cover the side that will be visible.
- If there is a pin blocking it, you should move it.
Part 3 of 3: Decorating the Tutu's Upper Fringe
Step 1. Wrap a satin ribbon around the top edge for a simpler look
Choose a ribbon color that matches the table. Measure around the table, then cut the tape according to that size. Wrap the ribbon around the table surface so that it covers the knot. Apply hot glue or fabric glue every 15-30 cm to attach the ribbon to the tutu.
- Make sure the end of the tape is behind the table.
- Match the color of the tutu or tablecloth. You can use a shade darker than the tutu (e.g. a dark pink ribbon or a light pink tutu).
- Choose a ribbon wide enough to cover the knot. You can use a 2.5 cm wide ribbon, but feel free to choose a wider one.
Step 2. Use silk floral trim if you want a more feminine look
Measure the circumference of the table, then cut the flower decorations according to that size. Glue the flowers around the edge of the table to hide the knot from the tulle. You can use hot glue or fabric glue.
- You can use safety pins for a temporary solution. The flower decoration will cover the safety pin.
- Choose a decoration that is wide enough to cover the knot. The color can be the same as tulle and/or tablecloth, or mix and match with a matching color.
- You can find these floral decorations at fabric and craft stores. Some craft stores sell similar ribbons.
Step 3. Glitter the ribbon or flower embellishment with glitter, if desired
Wrap a ribbon or floral decoration around the table first. Next, use the stencil to trace the shape onto the back of the glitter paper. Cut out the shape of the trace, then glue it with hot glue or cloth.
- Use shapes and colors that match the theme. For example, use a princess crown for a princess themed party, or a heart for a wedding.
- The shape of the trace should be 15-20 cm high.
- Do not exaggerate. You only need one shape on each corner, and 1 shape in the middle.
Step 4. Wrap the wreath around the tabletop if you want a lush look
Measure the circumference of the table, then buy a wreath of the same or close size. Cut the wreath if needed, then wrap it on the tabletop. Use T-shaped floral pins to secure the tutu so it fits through the tulle, elastic, and tablecloth. Again, if the table is leaning against a wall, you only need to cover the three exposed sides.
- For a fairy look, wear a bouquet with flowers; You can also add green leaves. Make sure the color matches the tutu.
- For a fall look, wear a bouquet made of maple leaves in red, orange, and yellow.
- For a forest and garden look, wear a green wreath; You can use ferns, vines, or other greenery.
Step 5. Create a more luxurious look with a seashell cloth
Finish the tutu first, then hang a solid-colored tablecloth on the table. Starting at the corner, gather the bottom edge of the tablecloth, and secure it to the top edge of the tutu with safety pins. Repeat a few more times along the edge of the table until you get the look you want.
- It's better to use a plain colored tablecloth, but a better material, such as velvet. Do not use plastic materials.
- Cover the safety pin with a large silk flower, or satin ribbon.
- Otherwise, wrap the cloth around the edge of the table. Thus, the surface of the table will be exposed.
- Use a different color or shade than the tutu. As an example. You can use black and blue with a light blue tutu, or purple for a pink tutu.
Step 6. Replace the fabric with a beaded garland as an alternative
Wrap a pearl beaded wreath around the edge of the table top. Put safety pins in each corner and every 30-60 cm. Let the wreath fall slightly between each safety pin to create a seashell look.
You can use it to complement the garland of shells for a more luxurious look. Make the seashell wreath go lower than the fabric one
Tips
- Match the colors of your event. For example, if your wedding is dominated by teal (a combination of blue and green) and white, you can also decorate the table with teal and white colors.
- Do not cover the entire table surface with tulle. Tulle is very easy to scratch and the two layers will slip over each other.
- Wrap a sheet of tulle around the tablecloth for a simpler option. Cover the table with a tablecloth first, then wrap the tulle sheet around the top edge.
- Use tulle strips as a simpler option. Make a table runner long enough to reach the floor, then tie a ribbon at each end.
