Why ALBA: pure linen, our own patterns, cut to the floor

ALBA is the UK’s specialist in pure linen tablecloth hire: 100% linen trestle cloths in plain colours, with pure linen runners and napkins to match, hired from our Cotswolds studio. Some hire companies offer linen napkins; pure linen tablecloths are much harder to find. Alongside our pure linen, we hire our own patterns, including the ALBA x Katie Julia collection, and cut our cloths generously so they fall to the floor: 96 x 144in cloths for 6ft trestles and, in our other ranges, 132in rounds for 5ft to 6ft round tables. From The Old Stables at Marsden Manor, Rendcomb, we deliver to weddings across the UK and Europe.

Pure linen, not linen-look

Much of what is hired as “linen” is a woven polyester or a blend, chosen because it is easy to press and slow to wear. It has its place. But it is not linen. Our Pure Linen tablecloths are exactly that: plain-colour trestle cloths in 100% linen, with the soft texture and graceful drape that only the real fibre gives. Our table runners and our plain, scallop-edge and hemstitch napkins are pure linen too. Many hire companies can offer a linen napkin; far fewer hire pure linen tablecloths, and other event hire companies hire ours.

We are clear about what is what. Alongside pure linen we also hire premium woven cloths, such as our Imperial and Naturals ranges, along with our patterned and round tablecloths, and every range is named for what it is, so you always know what you are booking. Our pure linen tablecloths come as trestle cloths only; round cloths are in our other ranges.

Patterns you won’t find elsewhere

In 2025 we collaborated with Katie Julia, a photographer of luxury weddings for over thirteen years, to translate her creative vision into exclusive tablecloth designs. The result is painterly and quietly unexpected, carrying both heritage and modernity, and it is only available to hire from ALBA.

Our patterned napkins add a further layer, from ginghams to florals such as Anna Maria, The Garden Vine and The Gypsophila, custom-made for ALBA in soft stonewashed linen.

Explore the ALBA x Katie Julia linen collection

Cut to the floor

A cloth that stops short shows every table leg beneath it. Ours are designed by us for an effortless floor-length drape:

  • 6ft trestle tables: our 96 x 144in cloth, which leaves about 91cm (36in) of cloth at each end.
  • 5ft and 6ft round tables: our 132in round. One size covers both, so you can choose colour before you know your venue’s exact rounds.
  • Cake tables and poseur or bar tables: our 110in round.

Not sure what you need? Use our tablecloth size calculator, or send us your floor plan.

Bespoke design

When nothing in a collection is quite right, we design it. Our bespoke design and sourcing service covers custom tablecloths and napkins, personalised printed tablecloths and plates, cutlery sleeves, cushions, lampshades and decorative details, working with couples, planners, venues and creative teams. Recent work includes bespoke satin tablecloths with a ruffled drop skirt.

Cotswolds-based, delivering UK-wide

Our studio and showroom are at The Old Stables, Marsden Manor, Rendcomb, GL7 7EU. Linens travel by FedEx with tracking and a printed returns label, and we deliver to Europe through partner couriers. Our standard hire period is three days, laundering is handled by us, and our minimum spend is £350 including VAT, plus delivery. See how a hire works or read about wedding linen hire in the Cotswolds.

As seen in

ALBA linens have featured in Love My Dress editorials and real weddings at Cornwell Manor, Elmore Court, Pythouse Kitchen Garden and Crayke Manor, among others. See where we’ve been featured.

Questions couples ask

Are ALBA’s tablecloths really 100% linen?
Our Pure Linen tablecloths are 100% linen: plain-colour trestle cloths in White, Natural Wheat, Pale Yellow, Moss Green, Olive and Chocolate. Our table runners and plain napkins are pure linen too. Our patterned, round and woven cloths are separate ranges, named as such, so you always know what you are booking.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 6ft trestle table?
Our 96 x 144in cloth reaches the floor on a standard 6ft trestle, with about 91cm (36in) of cloth at each end.
What size round tablecloth fits a 5ft or 6ft round table?
Our 132in round tablecloth fits both 5ft and 6ft rounds. Cake and poseur tables take our 110in round. Our round cloths are not part of the pure linen range.
Can I hire the ALBA x Katie Julia linens anywhere else?
No. The ALBA x Katie Julia designs are only available to hire from ALBA.
Can I see the linen before I book?
Yes. We send napkin and linen samples for a £5 flat rate, or you can visit our Rendcomb showroom by appointment.

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