I 'm partial to cloth napkins and one of my favorites is classic white cotton damask. My grandmother placed starched stacks of them in her huge linen closet. As a child, I remember feeling very grown up and elegant when I smoothed mine across my lap at her formal Thanksgiving dinner table. I have some of hers now and happily set them out for special dinners and something about their substantial heft is very pleasing and reassuring and makes even the simplest meal that much more meaningful.
I recently scooped up a cache of lovely vintage damask napkins (circa 1925) that are similar and very soft and drapey. I was told they were stored for years and forgotten in a dowry chest. Hard to know for sure but these nicely preserved 16" x 16" squares can be an "instant heirloom" for your own special occasions. We have a few sets of 6 at the shop or on line:
http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/vilidana.html
Comments