Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Do We Still Use These?

I started thinking about what I was going to share with all of you visiting my blog, I had several options, but for some reason I thought I would share my vintage tablecloths. As I was photographing them I realize what a nice collection I have acquired. I basically buy them and put them away in a linen closet. I either sell them or hold onto them for that certain occasion. But what is that certain occasion?
These are such fabulous old prints from the 30's and 40's, it just makes you wonder how often these were used back in that time period. I do remember my mother using tablecloths and most likely they were prints similar to these.
My question now is, how many of you use tablecloths? I know I don't. Place mats seem to be the popular choice, less work no one irons tablecloths or place mats these days. We simplify, then how did the women in the 30's and 40's have more time than we have now? Interesting question as they did not have all the easy appliances that we all take for granted. Back then most women had a wringer washing machine. This meant that they had to stand there and feed each article of clothing through the wringer. Where would we find the time to do that? Life is good now-a-days, but if it is easier, than why don't we use things like tablecloths?

What I have decided to do if offer one of my beautiful vintage tablecloths in a drawing. So come on and enter to win one of these beauties.
All you have to do is put your name in and next Friday, August 10th, I will put all the names in a bowl and draw. Who knows the winner just might start using tablecloths.

35 comments:

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Yes, I still use table cloths ! I guess because while I was growing up all my Auntie's (five of them) used them....
you have a wonderful collection.

Whimsy Pink said...

Hey sis~ Ilove vintage tablecloths! I have a stash of vintage linens..there is just something so sweet about them!

Anonymous said...

M~I love that picture~ I recognize so many of those tablecloths~ mmmm I wonder where they are now. ~S

Charmingdesigns said...

Beautiful photograph! I would love to sign up for one of your table coths. I use them once in a while. Laurie

Anonymous said...

Pretty photo! I have one vintage tablecloth that is blue and white and features pink roses. I use it all the time on the patio table. Just love it! Sign me up. :))

Miss Rhea said...

I have a stash like yours, but I don't use them, I'm afraid of getting a stain on them. I have them hanging on a multi towel bar in my kitchen so I can admire them every day. So, I guess I do use them !! As eye candy ! lol Your collection is very pretty !

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Hi Michelle! I love vintage tablecloths and old linens and lace! I do have a tablecloth on my table too! The one on my table right now isn't vintage but I love it too! And I do have a stash of them and am always adding to that collection! I can always treasure one more of them, so I hope you will sign me up! I have a standing towel display that I plan on painting and using in my kitchen to display some of them. That is one of many on my list of projects to do! Plus, I really don't mind ironing them. In fact sometimes it is kind of relaxing! Is that weird?
Hugs,
Barbara
Southern Lady's Vintage

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Michele- love those tablecloths - they really are so pretty! I only have one old one. I don't use tablecloths too often - my kids eat too much - I would be changing them constantly! And thanks for visiting my blog!

Sweet Remembrance said...

Michele...Loving the tablecloths!
They are a passion of mine & yes I use them! I have several I don't use but I try to use tablecloths as often as I can!
Yours are beautiful...

Jen Kershner said...

I adore vintage tablecloths. They have so much character!

Unknown said...

I have a small collection . . . and I use them often. I'm sure my some of my guests wonder why I would use faded, slightly stained, little holey table clothes but I love them. I figure I may as well use them now and enjoy them - life is short.

Lori said...

Yes I use mine too! I like to keep the table in the kitchen pretty cause it always makes the kitchen neater even when it isn't! Lori

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

OH I love vintage tablecloths too!! I have quite a collection of them and love to use the ones that have a few little flaws on my porch. Yours are just beautiful!

Beautiful Blog! Heather

Amy said...

I use tablecloths too, I grew up in the 1970's when they were still being used, my mother and grandparents used them and I was gifted some of my grandmother's old vintage and retro ones last year that I love to use!

Kathleen Grace said...

I use my vintage tablecloths all the time. In fact my teenage daughter just had a party for one of their friends and used one of my tablecloths outside for the party last night! I love finding them at garage sales and church sales. By the way, I just found your blog tonight. Love it!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

I love vintage tablecloths and have a fairly large collection.

I have a select group of cloths that I actually use.
Although not on a daily bases, they do come out when we have cookouts or card parties.

These have some light stains or small holes. You know...just "imperfect" enough, that I wouldn't be crushed if a plop of mustard got on it. LOL

Beautiful picture of your collection!

Kimberly :)

Cherry Hill Cottage~ said...

I use vintage tablecloths all the time! And I would love to cover my table with one from YOU! What a wonderful give-away!

Anonymous said...

I use the tablecloths and always have one on the table....changed out with the seasons or occasions.
The vintage ones have such a nice worn, used, and loved appearance.

Caleen said...

I do remember well those tablecloths, we had a lot of the
fruity kinds. I love those linens.
Thanks for visiting my blog!! Iam glad I was connected to your wonderful blog..

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Oh I love your tablecloth collection and would love to own one! I do use tablecloths. I always leave a tablecloth on the kitchen table and put a tablecloth on the dining room table when I am using it!

Natasha Burns said...

Hi Michele,
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Yes I use tablecloths, I like to layer mine, usually a round one on the round table topped with a smaller sqaure one so you see the underneath one. BUT, lol, we don't eat on the table!hehehe! we eat either on the coffee table or on trays in the lounge room. Terrible huh?! But if we ever do eat on the kitchen table, we put placemats down on top of the tablecloth too.
Your collection is beautiful!
Natasha : )

Michelle said...

so funny, I just finished making three little tablecloths today! I am not sure why I do sometims because my kids are not always so careful but I do love them. And I have a few of my grandmothers that look just like yours so please enter me! Oh and I have been having a giveaway over at my blog: ginghamworld.blogspot.com. Love your blog!

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Hi Michele! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and your kind comments! I haven't had a Krispy Kreme yet, it's not arriving till October-sigh!! It's so great to find your gorgeous blog-I love your vintage tablecloths, and will definitely be visiting you often!!

Sweet Necessi-Teas said...

Michelle,
I also collect vintage tablecloths. I have a 48" round table in my kitchen. One year for Christmas, my DH bought me a glass top so I can display my tablecloths with out the worry of staining them (even with small children at the time). I change them out periodically and love that I can use and display them!

Thanks for the sweet post on my blog!

Marilyn said...

I love the look of vintage tablecoths, but my dining room table gets cleaned off once a year at Christmas! The rest of the year, you can't see the top of it, as this is where I do all of my sewing. I like Rhea's idea of displaying them.

Reflections from the Stone Nest said...

Hi Michele,

Thx for stopping by my blog and leaving comments. Those tablecloths are so very nice. Are you sure you want to part with them? It's quite a nice collection.

Have a wonderful day!
Kitty

Elle Jay Bee said...

What a lovely blog you have!! And those tablecloths...well I can certainly picture one on my table. I am in the process of a table makeover, but summer is just not the time. So, I use pretty tablecloths until I can complete the job. I don't think I'll pack them away when I'm done, though. They are just too pretty!

From one vintage-style girl to another,
Linda

Elaine said...

I just found your blog, today, from a link from Laurie at Charming Designs.

I do use a tablecloth on my dining room table, but not on my kitchen table.

I can't wait to peruse the rest of your blog!

~elaine~ from SoCal

ancient one said...

I have a table cloth on my table in the dining room, but not on my kitchen table where we nearly always eat. I would like to be entered in your contest! Thanks!

Sharon said...

Love your table cloths. Yes I do use them and I'm also old enough to remember wringer washers. Lots of work but they got clothes cleaner than the automatics of today.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhh I love vintage tablecloths ! It looks like you have a wonderful collection ~

Anonymous said...

Hi Michele,
You have some gorgeous tablecloths! Love the vintage ones...I have 2 vintage ones and am too scared to put them on the table in case the kids spill something and ruin them. But I do use my less special tablecloths to protect the table top from scratches. Plus it looks pretty and brightens up the room!
All the best,
Kathy :)

Cottage Collections said...

Love.. love LOVE vintage tablecloths. Please add my name!!
By the way.. you have been tagged!

Cathy said...

Michele,

you've been tagged again. I guess we all love you.

I think you already know, I adore vintage linens.

Cathy

Unknown said...

I use tablecloths all the time for special occasions and decoration. However, I use oil cloth for the kitchen table. My 12 and 7 year old sons would destroy my linens!

kj