SFERRA’s Easy-Care Table Linens: the Advantages of Ring-Spun Polyester Yarn

SFERRA, the preeminent supplier of fine Italian table linens, traces its roots back to the late 1800’s and the grand seaside resorts of the East Coast of the United States. Catering to the sophisticated tastes of a wealthy and discerning clientele, the very name SFERRA became synonymous with exquisite bedding, bath and table linens that reflect refinement and luxury– a deserving reputation which lasts to this day.

Sferra Orchard Tablecloth-Wholesale Fine Linens — Orchard Tablecloth

SFERRA continues its century-old tradition of excellence, capturing the elegance and beauty it is famous for in two styles of easy-care table linens, Orchard and Juliet. These styles grace table cloths, dinner and cocktail napkins, placemats and table runners.
Both styles are constructed of yarn-dyed woven jacquards using ring-spun polyester yarns (as opposed to open-end spun which is constructed more quickly and less expensively but yields a lesser-quality yarn). The ring-spun polyester yarns used to create both the Orchard and Juliet styles take five times longer to manufacture, and results in significantly stronger and softer fabric. Other benefits of ring-spun yarns over lesser quality open end yarns include:

Superior soil release properties
Greater resistance to fading and discoloration
Twice the tensile (i.e. capability of stretching) strength
Higher abrasion resistance and durability
Lower pilling propensity
Improved wrinkle resistance
Enhanced color retention
Lighter weight fabric with a more luxurious and natural drape

Sferra Fine Linens for the Hospitality Industry — Juliet Tablecloth

Ostensibly, the only difference between the Orchard and Juliet styles is aesthetics. The Juliet is comprised of elegant lattice pattern that comes in Fern, Ocean, Persimmon, Taupe and White.

The Orchard boasts graceful scroll work and comes in Butter, Cinnabar, Ivory and White.

Unlike the debonair sophisticates that first enjoyed the luxury of SFERRA linens over a century ago, today’s discriminating consumer has the capability to research for themselves, and make an informed decision, about the investment in quality that SFERRA represents.

View our large selection of fine table linens – many styles, fabrics, sizes and colors available. Or call us Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Care Tips for Fine SFERRA Bed Linens

Since 1891 SFERRA has been the purveyor of the world’s finest luxury sheets, distributing beautifully refined linen to the hospitality, private label, retail, and wholesale industries. Serving more than 1,000 of the finest luxury and home lifestyle stores worldwide who carry their premium Italian-woven sheeting and top-of-bed supplies, SFERRA is proud to count Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Horchow, and Bloomingdale’s among its stable of discerning customers. SFERRA fine linens are also sold internationally in Canada, Europe, South America and Asia.

As an educational service to its luxury boutique market, SFERRA provides SFERRA UNIVERSITY. “SU” readers are encourages to ask questions about the products and product care. Below is a question posed by a SU reader:

Q: What is the best way to care for your bed linens?

A: Caring for your bed linens can be easy if you follow some simple suggestions. In return, you will prolong the life of your bed linens and preserve their beautiful appearance. While SFERRA bed linens are made from natural fibers that generally can be machine-washed at home, please be sure to read the care label on each item for best results.
Washing – Pre-wash your linens before first use. Separate your linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester, which tends to create pilling, and items with heavy zippers, which can damage the fabric. Separate light and dark colors. Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can cause fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation. You can wash most linens in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse, but be sure to check the care label.
Detergent – Use a mild detergent without added bleach, whiteners, or fabric softeners. Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you only need to use half the recommended amount of detergent.
Bleaching – Chlorine bleach will weaken fibers and cause the fabric to yellow. If white fabrics need bleaching, use only an oxygen-based bleach.
Drying – While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe, and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical. You can machine dry most linens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in the dryer. Never use a high heat setting, which will weaken the fibers, damage the fabric, increase shrinkage, and shorten the life of your linens. Remove items from dryer promptly, while still damp, to minimize wrinkles. Smooth and fold, or press with an iron, if desired.
Ironing – Check to make sure your steam iron is clean – mineral deposits could cause brown spotting. Iron linens while still damp. To restore the lustrous face of sateen fabrics, iron on the reverse side. For embroidered linens, iron them on the reverse side atop a towel to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork.
Shrinkage – All natural fibers will shrink to some extent, but in most instances we generously overcut our products to allow for shrinkage. Do not wash or, especially, dry linens on a hot setting, which is most likely to damage the fabric and intensify shrinkage. Always follow instructions on care label.
Storing Linens – Store bed linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Linens stored long-term should be wrapped in white cotton, muslin (old pillow cases work well) or acid-free paper. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags or boxes, which can cause permanent yellowing; natural fibers need to breathe. Cedar chests can also yellow or streak fabrics.

For more information on wholesale fine linens by Sferra call us at 1-800-877-4667 or visit our website. At InnStyle we will provide you with the correct product for your particular property – all at wholesale pricing—with the personal service that you deserve.

Choosing Bedding for Use in a Bed and Breakfast Need Not Evoke Angst

With so many choices available when purchasing bedding for the bed and breakfast or hospitality industry, it can feel overwhelming to the point of complete brain-melt down, thus contributing to a case of decision-avoidance-syndrome. Buying bedding need not be such a drama-inducing experience however, as long as one adheres to a few simple and basic bedding caveats.

At first blush, “loft” seems like bedding industry specific term meaning, well… I didn’t quite frankly know. Loft, I’ve come to discover however, is not such a mystery after all and simply refers to the quality, aka “fill power”, of the down products used in bedding stuffing. For example, a down comforter that possesses fluffy masses of high quality down, with comparably fewer ounces of inferior quality types of down, is said to have high “fill power”, otherwise known as “loft”. This higher quality comforter is subsequently lighter and warmer than an inferior comforter with less fill power.
When deciding on a blanket purchase, one needs to be clear about the intended use of the blanket. For example, for use in the summer months choose among easy-to-care-for cotton or thermal varieties. These types allow air to pass through and are more comfortable for the warm-weather guest. For cooler weather, the finest-quality and warmest choice would be merino wool. Synthetic blankets on the other hand are less expensive, easier to wash, and are non-allergenic–but offers less in terms of warmth.
Flannel notoriously shrinks. When purchasing flannel sheets, make sure the label indicates it has been pre-shrunk. Otherwise, unless your mattresses go on a diet, the sheets will cease to fit over time.
For the crafty inn keeper, avoid the expense of purchasing a fancy duvet cover by easily making your own. Purchase two flat sheets and simply sew them together on three sides (inside-out, of course!). Sew grommets into the forth side and complete the look by enclosing the comforter with decorative ribbon. Viola! You have created an inexpensive, practical and easy to maintain duvet cover your customers will notice and appreciate.
When filling a decorative sham, buy an inexpensive queen-size pillow. The result is a decadently over-stuffed sham, with an aesthetic quality that only looks expensive.

When purchasing hospitality supplies in general, and bed and breakfast supplies specifically, there are purchases that you must splurge on, and purchases that you can skimp on. The trick is to understand how these decisions will impact the comfort and satisfaction of the inn customer, which ultimately impacts the comfort and satisfaction of your wallet.

For more information on our bedding or any other wholesale supplies we offer, please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Bed Bug Protection and the Bed and Breakfast Supplies Industry

Warning: This Post Is Not For The Squeamish

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has much to be proud of.

It is a unique city comprised of neighborhoods, each with its own identity. The quality of life is affordable. Sports fans are the most fiercely loyal (and unabashedly honest) in the country. Several of the nation’s finest colleges and universities calls Philadelphia home. The art and music scene is world-class. There are countless fine-dining experiences and even more amazing neighborhood restaurants and cool diners to satisfy any palate.

Hoagies. Cheesesteaks. Pretzels.

And then there’s the history. It goes without saying.

However, Philadelphia has just been bestowed a rather dubious “honor”, overtaking New York City, as being the most bed bug infested city in the nation, according to pest control giant, Terminix. Miami, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington DC have also been named as cities with a growing bed bug infestation problem.

In Philadelphia, as well as across the country, the rampant bed bug issue has become a major source of concern for the hospitality industry. Once eliminated by the use of DDT (which was banned for use in the US in 1972), bug bed infestation has grown steadily due to greater international travel, the use of non-effective treatments to which the pests have now become resistant, and a general disregard of the advancing epidemic over the years.

InnStyle, the source for innkeeper supplies and linens since 1952, offers many solutions to the bed and breakfast and the hospitality industry. For example, InnStyle carries products to enclose and defend vulnerable soft surfaces from the pests, such as mattress and box spring encasement, anti bed bug sheets and pillow protectors. InnStyle also carries Rest Easy Bug Spray, an environmentally green and all-natural product proven to kill bed bugs and prevent infestation. It is easy for hospitality staff to use and has a natural cinnamon scent.

InnStyle also offers tips on how to defend the hospitality property from this bed bug epidemic. Please visit their website to take advantage of this helpful tip sheet at: https://www.innstyle.com/images/BEDBUGSmay609.pdf.

With diligent attention and protective products from InnStyle, the hospitality property or bed and breakfast proprietor need not fear that these pests will negatively impact their business.

Even in Philly.

Contact InnStyle for more information on how to protect your property with Bed Bug Protection – Call us at 800-877-INNS (4667)

Wrinkle Free Sheets Our Customers Love

We always like to share comments our customers make, but our Wrinkle Free Sheets have created quite a ‘buzz’.

About our Wrinkle Free Sheets

We have been using these sheets since 2008. They have been fantastic, our laundry service, housekeeping, and of course our guests have commented on how nice the sheets are, and where they could buy them. We were very distressed in 2010 when they were discontinued and bought up whatever inventory you had back then.

At that time I thought there are a lot of “Sateen Sheets” that said they were wrinkle resistant I had seen from retailers. The problem with retailers is getting the quantity needed, with each store only carrying a few sets of sheets, but I had to try. I started buying sets of these sheets and taking them home to wash. None of the so called “wrinkle resistant” sheets where in fact wrinkle resistant. If the fabric didn’t show wrinkles the stitching all puckered up in one washing! The quality of every set I tried was very poor. It didn’t matter where I bought them, what the thread count was (400, 500, 600, or 1000!), the stitching puckered or the sheets wrinkled on one washing. The other noticeable difference was how thin all the other sheets were, and again the thread count did not matter, all were very thin.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Free Sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept their sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried.

I was very happy to see the return of this item. We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!! ~
Dennis Ynclan – Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

The Boathouse Bed & Breakfast ~ can not tell you how happy we are that the Wrinkle Free sheets are coming back!

Fig Street Inn ~ Can’t wait to see them! We have missed the 600TC wrinkle free sheets.

Boathouse Bed & Breakfast ~ These are the best sheets. Our guests love them and glad that they are back.

Pre-order the only Truly Wrinkle Free Sheets. !00% Cotton – 600 Thread Count Sheets save time & Money. Manufactured by InnStyle. Delivery Scheduled for July 2012.
Phone 800-877-4667 To Place your Wrinkle Free Sheet Order!

Sleeping on Wrinkle Free Sheets

Excerpts from Online Shopper
The New York Times
By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: March 22, 2007
E-mail: Slatalla@nytimes.com

“To get to the bottom of the mystery of wrinkle-free fabric that stays wrinkle-free, I phoned Cotton Inc., a trade organization, which researches fiber as part of promoting the interests of cotton growers.

“To get wrinkle-free sheets, the fabric should be finished the same way as for wrinkle-free khakis or wrinkle-free cotton shirts,” said Lee Snyder, the associate director of technology implementation, who has been working on specialized wrinkle-free finishes for Cotton Inc. since 1974.

He said you treat the cotton with resins so that the hydrogen bonds in the fabric stay flat, instead of getting all wrinkled up.

“Does the chemical treatment wear off?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “It should last as long as you’re using the sheet.”

That’s all I needed to hear. Eagerly I rushed to my computer, typed Innstyle.com into the keyword search box and prepared to elevate my bedding to the next level.

“The source for innkeeper supplies and linens since 1952,” the site announced, and the rest of the text on the site — phrases like “innkeepers only” and “wholesale supplier” — made it clear that retail orders weren’t encouraged.

I decided to investigate anyway. That’s how I stumbled upon a product description of 300-thread-count wrinkle-resistant sheet sets, 100 percent combed cotton with a sateen weave, available in four colors (sage, white, blue and cream).

I phoned Susan Sternthal, the site’s co-owner, and told her my story.

“This happens to people all the time,” she said. “I had my own nephew just stay in a hotel. He said, ‘I want those sheets.’ I said, ‘If you don’t tell me the name of the hotel, I won’t know what sheets they used.’ ”

“If I tell you the name of the inn where I stayed, will you sell me the same sheets?” I asked.

Ms. Sternthal said: “We had a retail linen store for 53 years in Pennsylvania, but we closed it last year, and now we’re not looking to sell to the general consumer. I will tell you that now.”

She paused.

I felt a glimmer of hope.

“But we will still take retail phone orders,” she said.

Then she added: “No returns. That’s because my manufacturers aren’t going to take it back unless it’s really damaged.”

Before she could change her mind, I said, “The inn where I stayed was called Cornucopia at Oldfield.”

Ms. Sternthal said, “Let me see what she buys.” She looked up the information. “She buys the 300-count sheets for the twin beds and the 600-count sheets in king size.”

“I slept in a king-size bed,” I said.

“Then the 600,” she said.

“I don’t see them on the site,” I said.

Ms. Sternthal said: “There was a change of who was manufacturing them, and for some of our customers, if the color didn’t match, they had issues. So we still stock some of the 600-count sheets for people who ask. But they aren’t shown on the site.”

I said, “While I have you on the phone, can you tell me what blanket they had on the bed at Cornucopia?”

“She bought the waffle blanket cover, the 60-40 cotton blend,” Ms. Sternthal said.

“I’ll take that, too,” I said.

“I’ll have one of my sales reps call you with retail prices,” she said.”

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are available in limited quantities, but more are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on “innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style”. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Wrinkle Free Sheets

The InnStyle 600 Thread Count – 100% combed cotton Wrinkle Free Sheets are back. Limited quantities currently available, but we are taking pre-orders for the next shipment.

Here’s what our Innkeepers are saying about these sheets:
We have been using these sheets since 2008. They have been fantastic, our laundry service, housekeeping, and of course our guests have commented on how nice the sheets are, and where they could buy them. We were very distressed in 2010 when they were discontinued and bought up whatever inventory you had back then.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Resistant sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept there sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried. .

I was very happy to see the return of this item. We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!!
~Dennis Ynclan
Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Why Cotton Sheets?

There is nothing like slipping between cotton sheets. That is because nature has designed the perfect fiber for softness and comfort. The superior characteristics of cotton have been praised for thousands of years, and today cotton is synonymous with quality, comfort and beauty.

Softness – The unique shape and dimensions of cotton fibers naturally
InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets

result in softness.
Year Round Comfort – Cotton bed linens keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Launders Beautifully – Cotton releases soil easily so bed linens are clean and smell fresh throughout their wear life, and cotton sheets become even softer through washings and use.

The most popular sheet offered at InnStyle is their InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets. They get such positive reviews because they have the comfort and softness of cotton sheets without the need for constant ironing because they don’t wrinkle like all the other cotton sheets. Please give InnStyle a call for more information about these sheets or any other of their hospitality products. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.

Helpful Hospitality Sheeting Terms

The thought of managing an entire property can seem like a daunting task. There is a wide range of skills needed to please guests ranging from bedding, to amenities, to food preparation, and friendly customer service. Sheets alone have so many different parts that are being intertwined. There are a few key words that property managers should be aware of when it comes to sheeting.

Sheeting Terms

Combing – A process where the short, coarse cotton fibers have been placed parallel to each other to create a finer, more silky yarn.
Egyptian Cotton – Fabric made of long-fiber cotton. Used to create soft, durable products that are exceptionally smooth.
Easy-Care Finish – A treatment applied to the cloth which becomes an
InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets

integral part of the fibers, creating the desirable aesthetic effect of easy care.
Fiber Content – Most sheets are manufactured of either cotton and polyester or just all cotton. Cotton polyester sheets are favored by those appreciating no-iron. 100% combed cotton is desirable for its softness, absorbency, breathability and pill-free comfort.
Finished Size – The actual dimensions of a sheet or pillow case after self hemming or after the addition of an attached hem.
Percale – A smooth, finely combed, and closely woven cloth with a minimum of 180 threads per square inch.
Pima – Cotton grown in the southwestern US that was originally developed from Sea Island and Egyptian seed. Pima Cotton is the US grown equivalent of Egyptian Cotton.
Sateen – Special weaving technique in which more yarns are brought to the surface of the cloth creating a satin like feel.
Selvage – Closely woven edge on each side of a sheet made of heavier twisted yarns which have been added to prevent ravelying.
Supima – An extremely rare type of cotton that has extra-long fibers giving the linen supreme strength and softness.
Thread Count – The total number of lengthwise and widthwise threads in one square incho of cloth. The higher the thread count, the higher quality the sheets.

The most popular bedding product offered at InnStyle is their InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets. Place your order now! Give InnStyle a call at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. You can also visit their website at https://www.innstyle.com/ for more information.

Choosing Hospitality Pillows for Your Property

The focal point of any guest room is the bed. A huge part of the experience you provide for your guest is the sleep experience. Tired pillows will not contribute to a better way to stay.

When it comes to your guests, everything should revolve around a good night’s sleep.

Hospitality Down Pillow — Cambric Down Pillow

Give your guests all the comforts of home and more with high quality pillows! Some of the more popular types of pillows are down and down alternative. A popular down pillow offered at InnStyle is the Cambric Down Pillow, and a great down alternative pillow that InnStyle recommends is the InnStyle Primasera ™ Down Alternative Pillow.

What are the standard pillow sizes?

• Boudoir Pillows – 12×16 can be used as travel pillows or to accent the bed

• Standard Pillow – 20×26

• King Pillow – 26×36

• European Squares – 26×26 – also called Continental. These are large pillows used propped up against the headboard for support or just for their visual effect.

• Neck Rolls – or bolsters are tubular pillows designed to support the head and neck while resting. The shape makes a nice decorative accent. The sizes vary.

InnStyle offers a wide variety of pillows with the needs of rental properties, bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, etc in mind. InnStyle has account managers who can help customers choose the pillows that will best fit their needs. Contact an InnStyle for more information. They can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.