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!
Yes, my mom had a tablecloth just like that and she had everything prepared ahead of time just like your mom. I wish I had one of hers but they are at mys sisters house since my mom lived with her a while after my dad passed away. I guess I should ask her for one. What beautiful memories we have from just a simple thing like this.
I love this post, Sandy. ♥
Yes, I have a crocheted tablecloth made by my Nana. She made one for each of her children and then those were supposed to go to the oldest daughter in each family. I’m the oldest in our family, so I have it. :) Your post is making me want to break it out.
An aunt gave me some floral napkins and doilies/runners that my grandmother made (maybe they were just hers… not made by her… I’m going to check on that!), and I LOVE them. Right now I have two boys (2 yrs. old and 5 months old), so I haven’t had a good opportunity to use them yet. I do look forward to the day that I can set a table with them, though.
Loved this! I have inherited some of my grandmother’s linens. I come from a long line of hostesses which totally blesses me. Many memories. Thank you so much for your call to hospitality. It really is a beautiful art and one that needs to be encouraged. You are doing a beautiful job. Blessing to you.
My mother also only used place mats but I love both.
Since I moved to a smaller house, I don’t use all the extensions on my dining table (and don’t have as many people over for a sit down dinner) so I gave all my very long tablecloths to my daughter for her long table.
I suppose the one I used the most was a combination of the red tablecloth underneath my favorite lace cloth. I hope she thinks of me as she uses any of them. She also now has all of my collection of vintage tablecloths which fit a larger table.
I now have a collection of smaller tablecloths (from elegant to vintage floral) purchased while thrifting.
Abby looks gorgeous in her toga! It reminds me of the time that our small group wanted to throw us a “unique” baby shower for our first child. It was a toga party, and I wore my favorite April Cornell tablecloth (because it’s the only thing that was big enough to go around!)
I miss my mom more on Mother’s Day than any time of year…
I do have other special linens of hers that I treasure..doilies, table runners, smaller items
My mom really never used tablecloths, which maybe is why I never did. She was more of a placemat kinda gal.
Oh gracious, this made me cry. What a lovely remembrance of your mom. Makes me want to go hug mine right now!
I, too, have several white tablecloths that were handed down but my favorite is a well-loved, mended pink one from my grandmother.
Lovely daughter in her “toga”. I have lots of tablecloths but not one that is an heirloom. When the GD was small and visiting at dinner time her job was to help set the table. She was allowed to go through the stack and choose the tablecloth and cloth napkins. Sometimes we had some pretty colorful combinations and we ALWAYS had fun!
Darla