Teach Soap

What color table cloth do you use when selling? Is it worth buying a tent if I am selling outdoors?

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Amber D that'd be me!

My tablecloth is green to make my products stand out. The tent is white to ward off sun and heat. Darker tent colors tend to trap in heat.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I am looking at getting an 8x8 tent in white. They are just so pricey. I like the idea of having the drop down sides, but those are pricey too. I am hoping to maybe be able to basically MAKE curtains for it for much cheaper.

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Amber D that'd be me!

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

For tablecloth colors I have both red and taupe but use red on my tables most. I use white tablecloths over my displays on top of the red (or taupe) tablecloths. It's hot here so our tent is white with a metallic coating underneath that keeps it cooler.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I finally found a 9 x 9 tent at Walmart for $50. The top is blue unfortunately. I would LIKE a white one but beggars can't be choosers. I found another one for $120 in a tan with removable mesh siding and a vented top. Still a good price, but I can't justify spending that much when I know I can get one for cheaper that will work fine for now.

As far as table cloths go, not sure what color I want. I was thinking a light blue to match my color scheme on my labels and business cards, but so far I have only found cheapo plastic ones in the color I want. Then I was thinking maybe black to match my displays as they are black metal, but I don't want to encourage heat on my products as it gets hot enough here as it is.

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Amber D that'd be me!

For tablecloths, I now use fitted like these http://www.tableclothsfactory.com/Fitte ... -s/181.htm

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Amber D that'd be me!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Single spaces at shows/fairs are usually 10x10, so consider that when purchasing your tent. Getting the sides is well worth it, especially since many outdoor festivals/shows are more than one day. Enclosing your items in your tent is better than leaving them sit or than packing/unpacking/packing! ALthough, if you don't have sides, you can cover your tables and then lower your top down to protect your items.

As for it being worth it, yes. Actually it is really a must. Many shows won't permit you there without a tent and, not only does it look better to have one, it helps to protect your products and you. Outdoor events have wind and rain. And make sure that you anchor your tent to help with wind issues. I agree with Irena, I like white the best. Besides that, many of my festivals actually require white tents. They want uniformity and white seems to be the color they all choose.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Get a tent. Best investment I made! We use old dumbbells for weights attached to the canopy so the weight holds the whole tent down. As for table clothes, I use a dark green but I have an Irish/Celtic theme with my business. I also have some adorable green and white checked tablecloths with shamrocks on it for my side tables. Tablecloths are a must too. Last year, I used old twin bedsheets that I dyed to match my theme. They don't have to be expensive

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Jeannine

~the journey is everything~

For Table cloths, I went to a local fabric outlet and got yards cut of tablecloth material in White. I use white skirting too. Then I have overlays for the seasons since I plan on doing more craft shows INDOORS red/burgandy/gold/silver/blue and green for Christmas/Winter, pastels for spring, jewel colors for fall. I got my tent/canopy on Ebay for $60 - it's more of an 8x8 than a 10x 10 which was a disappointment to me, but I got it in fuchia since that is one of the main colors in my business colors. I learned really quickly that I am not going to to do many outdoor shows in the summer, melting soaps aren't really appealing to people (especially ME). However when I post on my Facebook page that I will be at a certain crafts show, if it is outside I tell people look for the pink canopy - I am always the ONLY ONE.

I got my tablecloths from the same place Irena listed! They are decent quality at a decent price, and I really like mine. I have been thinking that I really should order another one or two since, at my last show, a service dog walked in and marked my tablecloth! Fortunately for me it was on the last day and near the end of the day. But gad it been earlier I would have had one to replace it and I was far from home, so no midnight laundry load! Besides, with their great prices, it's all good!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy