Table Linen Buyers Guide: Sferra Cartlin vs. Sferra Festival

Here at Fine Linen and Bath, our passion for luxury linen is second only to our dedication to our clients. That’s why our customer service team is here and available to talk table linens all day long, Monday through Friday, and beyond. Today we’re taking it a step further, with the product-specific insights you need to compare and evaluate two of our most popular table linen lines: Sferra Cartlin and Sferra Festival. We’ll take you through all your options for tablecloths, runners, placemats, and napkins; discuss cotton vs. linen weave; deliver wash and care instructions, and connect you with our customer service team for more information or to place an order.

Understanding the Differences Between Sferra Cartlin and Sferra Festival

Crafted by the legendary linen manufacturer Sferra, Cartlin and Festival are two stunning options that make setting a table for any occasion an absolute delight. Classic and minimal, Cartlin table linens are made from a simple cotton slub-yarn weave and features a plain hem with miltered corners. The collection includes square and oblong tablecloths in white and ivory, and dinner napkins available in 11 eye-catching hues for splashes of color and contrast. The Cartin collection is made from 100% long-staple cotton; the price for a set of four Cartlin dinner napkins is a budget-friendly $30.

The ultimate in European craftsmanship, the Festival collection is made from 100% heavyweight linen and finished by hand with a row of thread-drawn hemstitching. Festival captures the very essence of timeless elegance and can be paired with everything from classically formal to fashion-forward dinnerware. The line includes cocktail and dinner napkins, placemats, table runners, and square and oblong tablecloths in a variety of sizes. Best of all, every item from the Festival line is available in 101 designer colors to match any mood and décor. The price for four Festival dinner napkins is $54.

Benefits of Sferra Cartlin: Simple, Versatile, Affordable

Sferra Cartlin is an ideal choice for linen lovers who want classic fabric napkins and tablecloths at an affordable price point. Cartlin’s minimalist design makes it uniquely versatile. Eleven pleasing shades of dinner napkins can be set out in a monochrome tone or in creative color combinations to capture the imagination. Choose from in-stock options including Black, Emerald, Grey, Ivory, Kiwi, Natural, Navy, Petal, Red, Sky, and White Tablecloths are available in white and ivory only.

Sferra Cartlin napkins and tablecloths are easy to care for. They can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Do not use bleach, which may weaken the fabric and cause yellowing. Don’t use fabric softener. Wash dark colors separately. Tumble dry on low heat.

Benefits of Sferra Festival: Timeless, Fashionable, Designer Colors

Dress your table to impress with the timeless look of Sferra Festival table linens. Finished with thread-drawn hemstitching -- done by hand in the tradition of European craftsmen -- this collection embodies Old World elegance and sophistication. Choose from 101 fabulous designer colors to grace any mood, décor or occasion, from elegant buffet brunch to formal dinner to black-tie reception. Cocktail napkins, dinner napkins, and placemats are in stock in all colors. Runners and tablecloths are regularly stocked in Black, Butter, Chocolate, Cinnabar, Curry, Emerald, Grey, Kiwi, Navy, Oyster, Raspberry, Red, Sage, Stone, and White linen. Lead times for other colors vary. Items may be made to order in bespoke sizes per client specification; Festival fabric is also available to purchase by the yard. You may also add a monogram with additional lead time.

Sferra Festival linens can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Do not use bleach, which may weaken the fabric and cause yellowing. Don’t use fabric softener. Separate dark colors. Do not wring. Line or tumble dry on low heat. Remove while still damp. Steam iron on “linen” setting.

Where to find Sferra Cartlin and Festival Table Linens

Fine Linen and Bath is proud to carry the full line of Sferra Cartlin and Festival table linens. Founded in Italy in 1891, Sferra is known worldwide as a definitive purveyor of luxury linens and bedding. From a White House State dinner to a mattress on the Vatican Jet, Sferra fine linens are enjoyed by style-setters around the globe. The Fine Linen and Bath team prides itself on delivering premier customer service; we are here to assist you in selecting the perfect table linens to suit your style and budget. Take advantage of our swatch program to review your color and design options before you buy and minimize the need for a return. We can help with monogramming and other customization options.

SFERRA Cartlin vs. SFERRA Festival Table Linen Comparison Chart