Article: Pioneers in table; linens vendors reinvent casual look.

Manufacturers are looking for new life in table linens by boldly going where few or no suppliers have gone before. Using design whimsy, funky shapes and novel materials, they're bringing light and casual looks to supply the styles they say retailers lack.

Innovative materials, previously used rarely in table linen collections, now are the foundation for entire groupings.

For example, Arlee's Table Trends division is making a major statement for spring using straw in a 40-SKU collection that includes tablecloths, place mats, napkins and chair pads. It is also reinterpreting table linens' standard fruit and flower motifs with two place mat lines in printed vinyl ...

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