Our Dear Casey at Elegant Musings has a grand idea for sharing the special items we collect and cherish. I had a difficult time choosing because I do have a "few" collections. For this event I would love to present a small selection of Vintage Tablecloths. I have inherited some, found some in Antique shops, and some I really don't remember their origin. Some are in great condition, some show wear and some stains. All are cotton or cotton blends. Our tables always had cloths on them in the 50's and 60's. So here they are!
This collection is from the 50's except for the floral 4th from the left, it is 60's. It has a little polyester in the blend. These have been used, some many times over and have some color fading. I remember husband's Grandmother always had a sheet plastic protector cover on her kitchen table to protect the cloth. It kept the washing and ironing down. I used to dress the table every day or so with a newly starched clean cloth. If I were the only one living here that would be OK, it is not practical for everyday use for me. I do bring them out for family dinners, picnics, and events because they are so pretty, nostalgic and fun.
This one has the unlikely colors of a peachy/red for the fruit and blue leaves. The pottery is Westerwald, a soup tureen.
One of my favorites is this stylized floral bouquet in pinks, grays and an almost black. It has a Japanese floral sense, the Japan-ware is antique, pre-war. A tea pot, a sugar jar with lid and creamer, and a flower vase. A gift from a like-minded friend.
This 60's table cover is round. The colors are still bright and strong. It was obviously not used as much. It is hemmed by hand as well. The vase is a design of that era, a Van Briggle. The color is turquoise. A gift from MIL, classic.
The texture on this cloth is like barkcloth. The colors are quite faded on the photo, but not so much in life. I have a large collection of hob-nail pink depression glass, the silver is also antique. Needs polish I see!
Floral Bouquets
Happy little flowers in pink and blue, with a basket weave border. The pressed glass pitcher, juice glass, and plate are just a few pieces of a collection of L. E. Smith Glass Co. pieces. This was an area of many glass factories from the late 1890's until about 20 years ago. This company was bought by a conglomerate and continues to produce items. If you have seen all those hobnail and lovely glass pieces that Martha Stewart used on her show (pre-incarceration) they came from this factory.
Probably the best condition of this lot, this one is still very crisp, likely not washed much. The blues are strong and clear. The flowers still well defined.
An antique Meisen stoneware sugar canister. I do not collect these, at least I didn't until I dropped this beauty in an antique store, broke the lid, and chipped the rim. I glued the lid and kept it as a reminder that butterfingers are dangerous among pricey antiques. Yes, it cost a fortune and I had to pay it...lesson learned.
This a piece of bark-cloth panel. It was in a box with other tablecloths, but appears to have been a drapery panel at one time. The ends are hemmed by hand. There is no casing, but the size leads me to believe this. My daily teapot is a 2 cupper, ironstone from Scotland. I am Scoth-Irish on my Mother's side. I got this pot at our Highland Games that I faithfully attend in September. All I need is the sound of bagpipes and a little plaid and I am good to go!
I hope you enjoyed this little tour. Some other day perhaps I'll show others. Thanks for coming.
Gratuity Moment:A thank You to Casey, for hosting.
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Livi
Laurie...visiting from the blog tour