I Chose the White Special Tablecloth
While organizing my tablecloths, I came across the beautiful white one that I inherited from my Mom. Of course it brought back many “good” memories, as I ran my fingers down the silky parts of the fabric, memories of Mom’s beautiful (but not perfect) table setting on a Sunday morning.
My mom almost always had guests over on Sunday for a big meal after church, and the table would always be set ahead of time.
With Mother’s Day coming up, I think about my Mom a lot. How organized she was, as she’d put the roast in the oven. She’d make her salads and peel the potatoes in the morning before going to church, and would have made the dessert the day before.
What an absolutely beautiful, knock-dead, gorgeous hostess she was, as she’d meet her guests at the door, apron tied around her waste, with Dad by her side.
Welcome … (she’d say.)
And then came the hug.
After mom passed away, Dad let us girls rummage though the hall closet where she hung the tablecloths, to find one to keep.
I chose the white one.
Even thought it’s too small for my table now, I will save it for my daughter, Abby. I’ll pass it down to her for what might be her first “table setting” in her first home or apartment.
It was special for me, and it will be special for her.
Which reminds me of this story (and photo) from when Abby had to make an elegant Toga for a school presentation.
Guess which tablecloth she used?
Yes, her Grandma’s beautiful white one!
Do you have an heirloom tablecloth that is special to you, or a story about one that brings a smile to your face?
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
My Grandmother handmade/sewed tablecloths for my aunt’s wedding in early 80-something. She was very special to everyone and was basically the glue to the family. She passed away ’94 and the family can still feel the pain to this day. When I got married in 2005 my aunt let me borrow the tablecloths for my wedding. Unfortunately they were never used but I treasure them and because she has never asked for them back I have never given them back. I was only 12 when my Grandmother died and b/c my aunt and cousin were so much older they got everything personal of her’s. So these are all I have.
It’s been 4 years without mom now. What a lovely post especially before Mother’s Day. Yes, I have two very special tablecloths and was just given a third. I have my mom’s, one of my husband’s grandmother’s lace ones and yesterday my SIL gave me a square tablecloth that my MIL made, embroidered with little forget-me-nots. I cried. Oh and the one my mom crocheted, that one too. Thanks for opening the door to many memories today. Be blessed.
What a sweet story. My grandma had a lot of linens and when she passed away, my twinsie and I inherited her table linens. We were shocked to see a table runner we had stitched in home ec years ago…but there it was nestled among her beautifully pressed tablecloths and napkins. What an impression it made on us!