the delicate details of antique napkins

Jun 28, 2019 | French

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

In our May Blue & White box we chose to include an antique napkin as our brocante piece. We sourced a huge selection of antique and vintage napkins, all white, some on damask linen, some made of pure linen and some a beautiful cotton-linen mix.

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

These napkins are anwhere from sixty to one hundred years old, and besides the beauty of the embroidery, or the fine fabric, the things that surprises the most is simply their size.

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

Antique napkins can measure up to 32 inches square. That’s big! Really only a good idea in the days when houses had staff to handle the laundry because they need washing and ironing after each use.

The good news for today is that they can be hot machine washed, and preferably hung out to dry. Linens always prefer to dry on a line rather than in a dryer, which can weaken the fabric.

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

Embroidering the monograms is sadly a lost art today. They were either embroidered over an ink outline which then washed out, or for the very big monograms, they could be embroidered over a pre-made letter which gave instant bulk. These old letters are sometimes to be found at brocantes, they are called ‘plumetis‘.

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

We hope you are enjoying using your antique napkin, either as an accessory on your cocktail bar, or as a small tablecloth. It is also pretty laid in the centre of a big table, and layered over a plain white cloth.

why are antique napkins embroidered? - MY STYLISH FRENCH BOX

Latest Posts

five must visit restaurants in saint-tropez

five must visit restaurants in saint-tropez

We're jetting off to Saint-Tropez for the weekend for some much-needed sunbathing on Pampelonne Beach! Join us for breakfast on the terrace of Sénéquier and gourmet dining at L'Auberge des Maures. Here is our guide to the five must visit restaurants in Saint-Tropez....

marlette madeleine recipe

marlette madeleine recipe

For everyone who joined us for the May Box, we are happy to share the Marlette Madeleine recipe in English! Ingredients to add: 3 eggs165 g of soft butter5.5 cl of milk (55g)For a Vegan-friendly version, replace the dairy and eggs with 200g of apple sauce and 110g of...

a bouquet to pamper you with

a bouquet to pamper you with

We know that a lot is going on in the world and we want to pamper you for this coming May Box. It is such an honor to have the chance to send you these boxes every quarter and give you something to look forward to. So while we wait for the delivery of the May Box, we...

0 Comments

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop