Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Laundry Room Success

I'm sure you'll all be happy to know I've had some success in the Laundry Room. That stain remover stuff works pretty well and I've finished ironing all the napkins. I'm looking forward to ironing the tablecloth this evening. Exciting life, huh?



How about the rest of you? Do you use cloth napkins? Here Amongst The Oaks we use them all the time, even outdoors and in the kitchen. Consequently, I have lots of napkins and tablecloths. Here is one of those cupboards in the Living Room full of table linens. And there are more in the kitchen.



I guess I just like the homey-ness of cloth. And the warmth and substance. And the designs and colors. I think a family needs to sit down together and make an occasion of meals. And cloth table linens help make each meal an occasion. So I guess I'll just keep spraying and washing and ironing and trying to make each meal an occasion here Amongst The Oaks.

8 comments:

  1. You know, that reminds me, how would you recommend ironing a veeeeeeeeery long tablecloth? I can never manage it without half of it puddling all over the floor and getting dirty, dog-hair-covered or re-wrinkled? I need tips!

    I ironed all my napkins two days ago but am still putting off the tablecloth because of this reason.

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  2. We use cloth table linens, too. I have my napkins in several drawers, and I put the tablecloths on hangers in a spare closet.

    Pretty tables make me happy.

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  3. Pippa,
    I iron tablecloths in my bedroom with its clean carpeted floor because mine puddle too. And yes, they do sometimes get a little re-wrinkled. I was thinking of maybe making a larger ironing board just for them, but haven't gotten around to it.
    ~Laura

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  4. Your linen closet looks charming. I love a real tablecloth, especially one with a runner or central tablecloth with a bit of embroidery on it. But linen table napkins are too much to ask! You can buy very, very pretty paper ones (also very expensive), but I do pull those out for special occasions. I like the different accent they can lend to the table, too.

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  5. I love to use cloth napkins and tablecloths too - and I really enjoy ironing them. Sometimes, when I feel extra stressed I will empty all the linen storage out and refold and re-iron everything.

    I like the feel of the linens, and the look of them, and of course the eco-ness of them. We haven't had a paper towel or paper napkin in our home in over 20 years. We use old t-shirts, flannel jammies or flannel sheets for clean up rags. I like to make my own napkins - sometimes I buy a neat old tablecloth at Goodwill and cut it up - I especially like the woven plaid ones - I have green/white, blue/white, black/white and some with a variety of colors - along with plain colors made from cotton fabric and many vintage ones also. For our daughter's wedding I made 250 napkins for the dinner - and the guests were invited to take home a set - purple, lavendar or green.

    Happy Ironing - love your linen storage.

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  6. I love that you use cloth napkins...why save the good stuff just for guest. I know your family must enjoy it! The only place I know to buy Spode Tower is on eBay...just have to check periodically. I have managed to collect 12 place settings off eBay. I have a lot of platters but would still like a butter dish. I've even seen them on there but they are always way beyond my price range...I keep hoping though. :-)

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  7. I like the way you store your linens. I have a linen press my dad made for me. But I have games and puzzles in there. Maybe I can find a new place for the games and puzzles and store my linens in the linen press. Hmmm...I will have think about that, because I don't know where to put the games and puzzles. sigh....

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  8. Is there anything nicer to look at then neatly folded cloth I ask you? I just love the way it looks and we use cloth napkins often at our house as well!
    Hope you are having a wonderful week!
    ~Tam :)

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