So I was going through my linen closet....

[suejai]

looking for a table cloth. I came across a couple of table cloths that I inherited from my grandmother. They are linen from Germany and have her initials embroidered in the corner and were part of her trousseau before she got married. I did some math and figured that she embroidered them in about 1925, which makes these table cloths 85 years old. They are in perfect condition, no frayed edges, no stains, it's actually quite amazing - they look brand new. Would you use them?

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Are they embroidered all over or just in corners and such?

I don't know that I'd use them as tablecloths, but I don't think I'd want them just stored in a linen closet either. Can you use them as wall hangings somewhere? That way, they can be enjoyed with less risk of getting dirty.

 

[froggygrrrl]

If they were meant to be used as table cloths, then yes I would use them as table cloths...but probably only for special occasions. To me it seems that keeping an item from serving its purpose is cruel.

If it was meant to be a tablecloth, then by golly, put it on a table! Let everyone enjoy it!

 

[suejai]

Oh, I guess I should have been more clear. She embroidered her initials in the corner, and they are just white damask and quite large. Good idea though.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Oh, I guess I should have been more clear. She embroidered her initials in the corner, and they are just white damask and quite large. Good idea though.

Then use them!

Take pictures of the embroidered bit while in their pristine condition, but then I'd use them for their intended purpose.

 

[nskjerven]

I'd say use 'em and when you do you are going to think of her and that's nice

 

[suejai]

Yeah, I'm thinking along the same lines. It would be a shame to keep them hidden in the closet. I was just amazed at how good they look when you consider their age, and really liked the connection to my Grandmother.

 

[pilotwife_02]

If you're afraid they would get ruined as table cloths could you them on serving tables with a running on top of them where the food would be so in case food that would stain drops on them they would permanently stain/ruin them?

Just another thought.

That's so cool!