8 Tablecloths to Dress Up a Public Picnic Table

updated May 1, 2019
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Yes (Image credit: Rachel Joy Barehl)

If you’re headed to the park for your al fresco gathering, chance are the picnic tables will be less than pristine. In lieu of bringing your entire cleaning kit with you, toss a pretty tablecloth in your bag or basket. Once you find the perfect table under the best shade tree, just throw your tablecloth over the table and you’re ready to go — no need to worry about what’s underneath.

Don’t have a tablecloth sitting around or looking for something fresh and summery? Any one of these will make your al fresco meal that much more delightful.

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Summer Ice Cream Tablecloth, $5 at Target (Image credit: Target)

1. Summer Ice Cream Tablecloth, $5 at Target: Your summer ice cream party just got even more fun with this easy-to-clean tablecloth with sorbet colors and woodland creatures.

2. Gabriella Tile Oilcloth Tablecloth, $40 at World Market: This gorgeous tablecloth makes the perfect canvas for a Mediterranean feast. Who cares if the red wine splashes? Cleanup is easy.

3. Inbjudande Tablecloth, $17 at IKEA: Can’t you just imagine a lovely tea for the ladies with this spread across the table?

4. Garden Tablecloth, $30 at Urban Outfitters: Keep your table neutral with on-trend gray, and supply the color pop with a fresh bouquet of blooms plucked right from the garden.

5. Chalkboard Runner, $25 at Anthropologie: Every artist’s dream! Children and adults will love doodling over dinner. You supply the chalk and let your guests supply the inspiration.

6. Kite Tails Tablecloth, $20 at Crate & Barrel: Let this tablecloth be a reminder of the days when flying a kite was the only thing on your summer agenda.

7. Tommy Bahama Bora Bora Indoor/Outdoor Tablecloth, $20 at Overstock.com: Set your outdoor table with the hottest summer trend: palm leaves! This blue-and-green tablecloth will have you dreaming of a tropical getaway (and it goes perfectly with mojitos).

8. Gingham Poly Check Indoor/Outdoor Tablecloth, $20 at Bed Bath & Beyond: Who can resist a red-and-white tablecloth for summer picnics? It’s a classic and goes with picnics like hot dogs go with ketchup.