Table linen (in Italian, tovagliato) is the set of textiles for the table: the silence cloth (mollettone), the soft pad under the tablecloth that muffles noise and protects the table; the tablecloth, which at elegant receptions falls to the floor or nearly; the overlay or runner, to add colour; the cloth napkins.
With banqueting services the caterer often brings it, its own or hired. White is standard and usually included; colours, linen and special fabrics may be an extra. With a delivery-only service, or at a venue with outside catering, table linen often has to be hired separately. Washing, collection and stains are items to clarify.
What to ask
Ask whether table linen is included, which colours and fabrics are available and at what cost, and what the damage clause says. Seeing it in person at the tasting helps. You will find the details in the guide to mise en place in banqueting and the one on equipment hire.
