Linens help create party themes

One word - linens - covers an array of items that are popular and profitable for party and special events rentals. Rented tablecloths, tableskirting, valances, table runners, napkins, placemats, bows and other decorative pieces, lace items, chair covers and drapes brighten parties, weddings and special events of all kinds.
The creative use of colorful linens can be a key element in creating a theme and a tone of elegance, glamour or formality of an event.
Strictly speaking, linen is cloth woven from fibers of the flax plant. But in everyday use, linen has come to describe articles made from a range of fabrics that can have the appearance of linen, including cotton, polyesters and blends. Manufacturers of linen products for the rental market use a variety of fabrics to make their linen goods beautiful, functional and durable. Rental centers need linens that are appealing to the eye, resist stains and hold colors and shape after repeated washing or cleaning.
While white and off-white tones remain popular with rental customers - especially for weddings and formal events - solid colors and bright prints add a dramatic effect to both business-sponsored and private parties.
"Linens have excellent return on investment. White and ivory are the most popular colors for rentals, followed by black, royal, burgundy, red and hunter green," said Mitchell Bluethman, marketing director of Jomar, Pomona, Calif.
Ninety- and 120-inch-diameter round tablecloths fit the 60-inch round tables widely used in the rental industry. Eight- and 10-foot banquet linen cloths cover 6- and 8-foot rectangular rental tables. Tablecloths and drop covers also are available to fit both smaller and larger tables. Some items are available with snaps to facilitate use; clips speed installation and removal of skirting.
"Snap products are versatile, elegant and durable," said Holly Bennett, national accounts/marketing manager for Snap-Drape, Carrollton, Texas. "Hanging skirting on a mobile caddy prevents damage and makes inventory control easier."

Role of rental center personnel
Linens are rented by professional special event planners and coordinators, meeting planners, caterers and wedding consultants. Events requiring linens are held by corporations and businesses, institutions and civic organizations. Most of these organizations recognize that renting is the easiest and most cost-effective way to obtain quality linens for their special functions. Individuals also rent linens for private parties, holidays, weddings, anniversaries and family reunions.
Customers renting linens are prime prospects for renting and buying a long list of other items. Creative rental store personnel can help make customers' special events memorable and substantially boost business.
Many individuals planning an event are renting linens and party items for the first time and have no idea of the range of rental items available. Those responsible for coordinating an organizational special event also often have little or no party-planning experience.
Helpful counter personnel can significantly increase rentals by helping these customers visualize how linens and other special-event items can enhance their events. Effective displays also show linens to their best advantage and encourages rentals. A customer who comes in looking only for tables and chairs may be happy to find a good selection of tablecloths, skirting, napkins, placemats, chair covers and other items.
Professional event specialists know how linens can add character to the events they plan and execute. They generally are aware of the range of products available, but always are interested in new colors and items to set their events apart, so it is important to show them new products. Professionals want a wide selection with many color choices, and they expect efficient and dependable service.
"We work toward continually adding new products to our line," said Judy Metzger-Kramer, owner of The Tablecloth Co., Paterson, N.J. "We are always open to suggestions. New fabrics added this year include washable polyester satin, crinkle, paisley and washable damask."
Many customers look for turnkey service: they want to rent tables, tablecloths and all the accessories from one source and have everything delivered, set up and picked up following the function.
Every event planner - whether a paid professional or an individual - wants his or her event to be a success and remembered by the attendees. Creative rental personnel can help them achieve those goals.

Care of linens
Proper care extends the life of linens. Rental linens should be inspected for damage on return; common sources of damage are cigarette burns and tears caused by pins or from snags during removal from tables.
"Be sure your rental contract states that the customer agrees to pay for lost and damaged linens," said James Onello, president of Immediate Tablecloth, Newark, N.J. "Count all items at return. Test a laundry with a sample linen first to see the results."
Soiled linens should never be left in plastic bags; mildew can develop quickly.
"Ask customers that linens be shaken to remove debris and folded for return and not put in plastic bags," said Dan Toomey, president of John Toomey Co., Worcester, Mass. "Launder soon after use, press and put away on hangers."
When returned, check the linen manufacturer's care dir-ections and launder or dry clean items immediately. Stains should be treated with fluids compatible with the fabric.
"Rental centers sending linens out for laundering should use companies specializing in table linens to insure proper handling," said Pravin Mody, president of GBS Linens, Anaheim, Calif.
"Quality care with the right laundry equipment is a priority to increasing linen revenue," said Mitchell Bluethman, marketing director of Jomar. "Take the time to check and treat all stains before washing and drying. This takes a few extra minutes, but it will enable you to rent the linens again and again. The longer the rental life of linens, the more profits they return."