Have you inherited your grandmother’s tablecloths or other table linens? Are you not sure what to do with them? Well, I have 7 key reasons why you should use grandma’s table linens.
Your grandmother’s linens probably aren’t your style or the color(s) you would choose. Right?
I get it. I really do.
I inherited a few of my Nana’s tablecloths when I also inherited her dining room table. And it’s true, for the most part, they weren’t my style. But then again, her dining room table wasn’t my style either.
But I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. I mean – a free dining room set and sideboard!
Yes, please!!
So, I gladly took the tablecloths, table runners, and other linens, too.
And you know what…I love them! Not because I think they are beautiful, or the perfect colors. But because they were my Nana’s. And I have very fond memories of her using them.
I remember sitting at her table with one of those tablecloths (that she loved using) covering it. That’s why I love them.
So, I am here to tell you – don’t pitch those inherited tablecloths or relegate them to the bottom of the linen pile.
No! Use Them!
Here are the 7 most important reasons to use your grandmother’s table linens:
1. Grandma’s table linens are probably antiques
Think about it. Most likely, your grandmother wasn’t buying new table linens. She probably hadn’t in years or even decades. So, naturally, they are antiques, just by their age.
Depending on how well they were maintained and the type of linens, they might have a good resale value.
Mid-century modern is very popular right now, and I have seen some old tablecloths fetch a very good price. You might be surprised.
Also, those old white linen and lace tablecloths can be quite pricey. You might be holding onto something valuable.
2. Grandma would be proud to see them used – honor her
Think how happy it would make your grandmother to know that you were using her table linens.
They are items she loved and used. To see you doing the same thing would really bring a smile to her face.
So, honor her by using them. You don’t need to use them all the time, but bring them out occasionally and find a use for them.
3. Your family will appreciate it
When your family comes over, or visits and they see grandma’s table linens, they will truly appreciate it.
Your mother, father, cousins, aunts, uncles, and whoever sat at your grandmother’s table will recognize the tablecloth or placemats. They will remark on it, which might very well bring up wonderful stories from the past.
Grandma’s table linens will encourage conversations and fond memories. Nice!
4. Old is new again
Think of the old adage: sooner or later what was once old is new again.
It is SO true. Past trends and looks get revived and become popular again. Think about what’s in fashion today, and how it was influenced from the past. Mid-century modern from the ’50s-’60s is hugely popular now.
Table linens are the same way. Those tablecloths your grandmother has had since the ’60s are popular today.
And of course, there is the classic white tablecloth that never goes out of style.
5. Handmade crochet/lace = made with love. Love them back
Most likely you have inherited a crocheted or embroidered table linen that was created by your grandmother. Think of how much time she put into her creation. That she picked the design and the colors for the tablecloth. She had an intended purpose for the table linen. She didn’t just pick it up at the store on a whim.
Look at those handmade table linens with great appreciation for the time and effort she put into making them and then use or display them in your home.
Those handmade pieces are becoming a lost art. Treasure them.
6. They were meant to be used – not stored.
Table linens are meant to be used. Not stored away, never to see the light of day.
Your grandmother bought them to place on her table or use in the kitchen. She didn’t buy them as an investment that would later have a great monetary return. That just doesn’t happen with table linens.
Trust me – that antique tablecloth won’t make you rich. So enjoy using it.
7. Think of Grandma when you sit down at the table
The best reason to use your grandmother’s table linens is that it will bring up memories of her. You will think of her when you use them. When you sit down at the table and see her tablecloth, her placemats, or her napkins; you will think of her.
When your family visits, they will think of her too. Fond memories will be shared in the kitchen or around the table. And to think, it all started with Grandma’s table linens being out for others to see and use.
There is no better way to honor and remember your grandmother than to use her table linens.
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