table linen

[Drygoods]

Good Day All,

I'm thinking of making new table linens for my boarding house impression and wonder if anyone has seen any table linens done with a patriotic theme? You often see these patriotic themes with iron on transfers today, but did they do this sort of thing during the CW era? Think of napkins AND the table cover. I suppose it's high time that I thumb through my Leslie's Home needlework book.:confused_

I don't know if many of you travel with your own flatware, plate, and napkins, but we do and generally have linen with some sort of decoration on the napkins.

[col90]

Re: table linen

Good Day All,

I'm thinking of making new table linens for my boarding house impression and wonder if anyone has seen any table linens done with a patriotic theme? You often see these patriotic themes with iron on transfers today, but did they do this sort of thing during the CW era? Think of napkins AND the table cover. I suppose it's high time that I thumb through my Leslie's Home needlework book.:confused_

I don't know if many of you travel with your own flatware, plate, and napkins, but we do and generally have linen with some sort of decoration on the napkins.

I've been researching patriotic themed items for several years now, and at this point I have seen absolutely nothing that is like this, nor have I ever seen it mentioned. If someone else has, I'd love to know it and add it to my list.

Colleen

[Spinster]

Re: table linen

The only thing I've seen that fits this idea was woven to the purpose: A white on white jaquard woven tablecloth with a George Washington theme on a large central motif.

It is held in the collection of Historic Maghee Farm in Kushla, Alabama and has a written provenance that is pre-war and most definitely planter class. The house was built in 1840 and contains much of its orginial furniture and household goods.

[celtfiddler]

Re: table linen

You may want to try contacting the Winterthur Museum in Delaware or searching their iSeeDAPC resource (it's a bit of a pain, you have to search by maker)

http://dapc.winterthur.org/iseedapc/INDEX.HTM

Another thought might be to contact the DAR Museum in Washington DC

One online search option that might be useful

http://collections.si.edu/search/

[Hank Trent]

Re: table linen

Logically speaking, tablecloths and napkins were like bedlinens and underwear--they got washed a lot. Those things didn't tend to be colors other than white. But you never know what exceptions might show up. If they do show up, though, I'd expect they'd be on items not designed for everyday hard use.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Drygoods]

Re: table linen

Well, what I have in mind is simply a few linen tablecloths with either a center embroidery or something done in the corners with napkins to match. Having one's initials is pretty common, especially with some sort of wreath around them, but I thought something patriotic might be more interesting. I find it hard to imagine that with all the places were one would want to be showy with their patriotism that some of these articles no longer exist. I know that it will take me some time to get done, and likely a dumb thing to do for only a few hours impression, but I'm a firm believer in the fact that little things mean a lot, all those tiny details make for a better impression.;)

One thing that I did find that surprised me was a large knit table cloth. Now that would take a good deal of time to finish! It was from Frank Leslies Portfolio of Fancy Needlework, and was done for either a large table or could be used as a sofa cover.

[benjclark]

Re: table linen

The household textiles collection at Old Sturbridge Village may be helpful:
http://www.osv.org/collections/colle...G=6&SG=10&A=BI

[Hank Trent]

Re: table linen

Well, what I have in mind is simply a few linen tablecloths with either a center embroidery or something done in the corners with napkins to match.

It just occurred to me, are you talking about the kind of tablecloth that would be on a boarding house's main eating table, for example, or a tablecloth that would be on a less-used table or small decorative table? My answer would only apply for a tablecloth that's used for eating daily, but not to anything else; I expect there were all kinds of fancy tablecloths for other occasions.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Drygoods]

Re: table linen

Mr. Trent,

Actually, I'm in the process of making table covers for dining as well as for buffet serving. I need 3-6 large table cloths for the men's table, and the same number for a smaller ladies table, and another table that could be left for serving for tea. Most of the table linens that I've found in terms of embroidery patterns show flowers, bunches of grapes, leaves, feathers, this sort of thing. More than likely, I'll just do something at the corners, as it was often done with a table with two covers, the top cover being removed after most of the dishes are cleared, leaving cheese and cordials &c. Still, I wonder if something like an eagle or crossed flags would be appropriate.:confused_

Now if you venture into table covers in the like of penny rugs, or wool covers, you find all sorts of things like a tree of life, lion and lamb, eagle, anchors-hearts-cross motiff, all sorts of things. Linen might have been different, it's hard to say what people wanted on their daily dinner table and napkins.

Generally what I've done in the past is to leave the table clear most of the day, and at meal time have the different courses with staff serving and clearing away, not really what you would consider family style dining. It's a good impression, but I find it takes LOTS of plate and serving pieces. Well worth it though.:D