Examining the Table Linen & "Table Talk" ~ Odds and Ends Series

"Fourth. Examine the trunk or closet of family linen,

and see what needs to be repaired and renewed."

~ Catharine Beecher & Harriet Stowe, The New Housekeeper's Manual, 1873

Welcome to the fifth installment of our monthly home maintenance series where we are continuing to follow some old fashioned, Victorian Era advice. This step involved examining the linen closet. Today we will be looking at the "table linen". It was once a source of pride and care for a homemaker. Perhaps we can nurture some love back into our linens?

"'Now for the table-linen."

This was in another drawer, and Margaret exclaimed when she saw how beautiful it was. The cloths were like satin, the napkins which matched lay in dozens by them; the every-day cloths and napkins were by themselves, and the small lunch-cloths had a pile of their own. The doilies were in a smaller drawer, all in piles, too, and the pretty centrepieces were fastened around stiff paper made into rolls.

"If you ever have lovely table-linen you will want to keep it nicely," said the aunt. "I think it is high time you had some, too. I believe in the old German custom of making a linen-chest for each girl... Perhaps a lunch-cloth or some embroidered napkins!"

~ A Little Housekeeping Book by Caroline French Benton, 1906

"She was mending a large long table-cloth of the finest texture, holding it up against the light occasionally to discover thin places, which required her delicate care."

~ Elizabeth Gaskell, North & South

For our monthly maintenance of "table linens", we first sorted through our tablecloths and examined them for any tears or holes that would require mending. Next, we re-arranged them into piles based on sizes (square verses rectangular). Then we placed the last season's prints at the bottom and kept the new seasonal colors on top (earth tones for fall and winter, pastels for summer and spring). 

To be honest, we don't use our fabric tablecloths often as it isn't practical when you eat three meals a day at home. These are reserved for company and special occasions (so they are used once every few weeks or so).

For our daily meals at the kitchen table we always use oil-cloth tablecloths because of its slick surface. These make it easy to wipe up spills, protects the wood or painted surface on your table, lessens your laundry load while being pretty at the same time (you can see our red/white pattern in the picture above). You can find oilcloth at your local fabric store.

Finally, we placed both piles of tablecloths in our linen area which is basically a cottage style bench with storage inside (which doubles as extra seating).

We will call it our linen "chest" to make it sound more romantic. Our home doesn't have any closets so we have to utilize every opportunity for space that we can. 

Next, we sorted through our inventory of napkins. We placed everything in appropriate piles by pattern (any worn-out napkins can made for outdoor use or if really poor, can be discarded into the rag pile). We keep our napkins in a large white, wicker basket on the lowest shelf of our baker's rack. This makes for easy access when setting the table and is convenient when constantly putting fresh linens away. 

If you have an abundance of napkins, now would be the time to go through seasonal colors and patterns and to put all the summer/spring prints away.

While we are on the subject of napkins, considering removing disposable paper napkins/paper towels from your grocery list. It is much funner (and economical) to purchase a pretty set of napkins for the price of a warehouse bulk purchase of napkins. Every year I splurge on an attractive set (around $20-25 at discount home stores) which ends up paying for itself in a few months. Not only is your table more of a joy to set, the grocery bill is lowered and good stewardship is being practiced. This yearly addition of napkins also allows for more "grace" in our laundering routine. We don't have to worry about having fresh table linens when there is plenty of stock to rotate. If you are going to start a system, I recommend having at least 3 - 4 sets to start with (we don't ever use a dryer so a decent inventory is necessary).

Homemaking Hints and History:

If constant washing of linens is a concern, consider utilizing the Victorian Era technique of using individual napkin rings. Each person should have something to distinguish theirs from all the rest (perhaps a different color per person or another form of identification) so that each person can reuse their own napkin for all the meals in a day (the Victorians would make it stretch until wash day attempting to change them at least 2 - 3 times per week). Though modern day napkin rings are more for show, you can see there was once a purpose beyond a beautiful display and that was the beauty of less laundry!

(This is my very first set of cloth napkins that I purchased. You can see the wear but they are still charming to me.)

Another idea I learned from this frugal living book was to invert your "used" napkin for the next meal so that you have a clean surface to start with. If you are really thrifty, you can get away with folding one way, then the other way for the next meal and then finally place the napkin inside out. I personally wouldn't recommend going that far if you are serving sticky meals such as ribs or any other greasy food which would be less than desirable to reuse.

If you are somewhat handy with a sewing machine, you can purchase inexpensive sheets with pretty prints and sew them into napkins. I have found beautiful floral (Ralph Lauren) bedding for $1-2 at a second-hand store that I have such plans for.

This one is a king-sized fitted sheet (all that needs to be done is simply cut off the elastic and you have a large piece of workable fabric in which to fashion some napkins).

This other fabric is a flat twin sheet (I do believe they were purchased at the Salvation Army Store where I find the best bargains). Many people donate odd and end bedding and these would make fine table linens (just wash in hot water and follow with a nice strong vinegar rinse)! 

For extra savings, consider hanging out your lovely linens to dry instead of using a dryer. They look so beautiful flying on the line and there are many benefits to using a clothesline. Just don't leave them out all day when very hot and sunny because the sun does bleach (which is good to some extent because it disinfects your linens)!

How do you organize your "table linens"? Do you have any tips or frugal ideas in this area that you would like to share with us?

And lastly dear reader, it is not about whether or not you use cloth napkins or if you use disposable. The important part is that you are preparing a table for your loved ones each night, not only nourishing them with food, but with precious prayers and family fellowship. The "breaking of bread" together in the home was a significant part of the Lord's ministry and should be just as important in the ministry to your family as "keeper of the home".

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying,

This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

~ Luke 22:19

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

~ Acts 2:42 (ESV)

"Wisdom has built her house...
she has also set her table...."

~ Proverbs 9:1a, 9:2b

Here is what we have accomplished thus far on our "Odds and Ends" Monthly Home Maintenance Series (note that some steps were placed together and altered to make for modern day needs):

Complete Steps in Series:

Step #1 ~ What Needs to Be Done in Your Home?
Step #2 ~ Restocking the Cleaning Closet
Step #2, 3, 5, 6 ~ Examining the Store-Closet, Pantry, Cellar and Such
Step #4 ~ Examining the "Table Linens"
Step #4 ~ Examining the "Bed Linens"
Step #7 Examining the Toolbox and/or "Junk Drawer"

Checklist for Preparing Your Own Maintenance:

"Odds and Ends" Monthly Home Maintenance ~ Printable Checklist

Are you ready to begin your monthly home maintenance?

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