The Importance of Table Linens

Why do we have table manners and place settings in our society and does it really matter?

Early in my life my mother insisted that we make and use fabric napkins at table and while we did not starch and iron these squares of printed cotton we always knew that table linens were an integral part of dinner. What I did not know those many years ago was the notion of saving trees would be the reason paper products fell into disrepute. Mother felt paper napkins were a waste of money and ‘cheapness’ at table she wished to avoid; saving trees was the last thing she would have considered.

Many friends have argued with me about the pretensions of using table linens; who washes and iron table clothes and napkins; and why? Pretension of status by using colorful, printed fabrics at table? What a ridiculous idea.

As for washing and ironing I too avoid those tasks to whatever extent possible but still I have napkins and placemats on the table every day and tablecloths for use in our formal dining room. Care and keeping will be discussed later but for now let us think about the purpose of the social table.

Civility at table is essential in any society that desires a peaceful existence according to Margaret Visser. The author writes in her books Much Depends on Dinner and The Rituals of Dinner and explains the importance of table and dinner service:

“Civilization itself cannot begin until a food supply is assured. And where food is concerned we can never let up; appetite keeps us at it.

The active sharing of what we are going to eat is only the beginning.” (Rituals, p. 2.)

Remember G.B. Shaw’s Pygmalion or perhaps the more widely known version: My Fair Lady? Did not Shaw make the case that a lady’s speech may say more about her than anything else? And need I remind you that “you only have one chance to make a first impression”? Countless times I have been at a luncheon or meeting with someone thought to be educated, civilized and socially acceptable – until the eating began. Eating form so gross and debased, no person would want to eat across the table from that everyday.

Acceptance by your peers may be the best reason for table manners and the basis of my argument for table linens. The table itself sets the scene, the use of china, glassware and cloth napkins forces civility upon humans who are essentially just a veneer away from being barbarians. Resist if you will the notion of fine linens, porcelain and crystal but a welcoming table need not be set for a formal event. Count the number of times you eat dinner at home versus the formal dinners you may attend – repetitiveness alone should demand the presence of your best table if not your best behavior. If nothing else the use of linens will keep the table quiet; clinking and clanking table noises do not promote easy conservation.

CARE AND KEEPING OF TABLE LINENS


Press hems all around



Now to those who would argue against CARE and keeping of linens when most homes are servant-less and time pressures are ever present (and who needs more laundry?). Think of the dinner table as an opportunity to develop your personal style, practice creativity and recreate combinations out of your personal collection. My linen stash consists not so much of authentic linen-fabrics but an assortment of fabrics, weaves, prints, some received as gifts, some inherited from aunts and some found serendipitously at yard sales and thrift shops. Looking for prints, color and usability with various dishes is the first rule of acquisition but 100% cotton counts for most.

And once use demands cleaning how difficult is it to toss them in the wash?



Press flat; fold lightly



For our family Mother never had the convenience of an automatic washer/dryer until her children were all grown. Collecting napkins as been part of my domestic stash since my first apartment days but ironing was never a priority. Those deemed for daily use never get ironed (few would notice) and the table cloths are stored UN-ironed getting pressed only when actually needed. Ironing in not that good for fine linens and even when ironing is a must – the least amount is best.

As when taking pictures for posting on a blog; then I want the fabrics to look their best. Ironing for presentation means a hot iron and spraying with a dilute mix of liquid starch. Spray cans of starch are sticky messes I can do without and for my sewing needs I found that a spritzer bottle with a 50/50 mix of liquid starch and water works best. What I really want is wrinkle free and for a heavy weave as the woven placemats shown the use of a steam cloth works well.
What’s a steam cloth you ask? 

Pressing with Steam Cloth

 

Layer to press

Simply a square of 100% cotton fabric dampened with a spritz of water, nothing fancy. The one pictured is the last survivor of a napkin set but it has been the designated press cloth for years.

Heavy weight fabrics, dark colors and/or jeans will need a steam-press but NEVER place a hot iron directly on such goods. Using a steam iron, lay the cloth over the goods and steam s slowly. Then set aside to thoroughly dry. I have layered the place mats so that each one is steamed in order, rotating the top the back after each steaming. The method is much the same with napkins only without the steam-cloth. I spritz the napkin top with both starch and water – let them set for 10-15 minutes before ironing the back of the napkin laid flat; set aside to dry.

Never fold and press the crease in the goods as you only weaken the fibers and encourage wear and breaking at the fold line. When fine hotels and restaurants receive their linens from the laundry they are flat pressed or lightly folded. The waiters then shake them out and fold them into the fancy shape or pleat as demanded by the restaurant décor.

Folded napkins layered in drawer



Lower drawer holds placemats

The flat napkins are folded two together (we are a household of two), then into quarter folds and stacked lenghtwise in the drawer.  When needed I pull a layer and have two napkins ready for table - no ironing needed.

The lower drawer holds placemats; stacked flat. Very few need ironing and even those who could use some rarely get any.



Wonder Product



One last word before ending "Care and Keeping" - have you tried Shout Color Catcher? If not what are you waiting for? I use it frequently when washing blue jeans, red anything, and stained napkins. This stuff is magic and will remove just about any discoloration.

Who was it said "Life is too short to stuff mushrooms or iron napkins!"

Maybe that was me. bb