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[151949]

I have a few retro tablecloths that I inherited from my MIL. They are too small for our table and our table is octagon shaped and they are  square so I use them as toppers. Anyway, I was reading that retro tablecloths are a new trend. Anyone heard this? I love them - we don't eat on them - they are in the dining room and for show only. They are 100% cotton so they have to be starched and ironed. Mine seem to all be from the 50's era.

[ChynnaBlue]

I don't use tablecloths.

[luv-the-Q]

I have a collection of 50's and 60's tablecloths and I would love to see your collection.  I love them and I use mine all of the time.  Yes, they are a big trend now, but I've been collecting them for about 30 years or more from junk stores, estate sales and relatives.  They used to be very cheap, but now they are pricey.  I blame it all on Mad Men.  😕

[151949]

@luv-the-Q Having to wash & iron them I have worn some out, but still have a few left. Like you I have been using them for years & years. I love to look for them at antique stores and on e bay. Now they are trendy you can find them on sites on the web. I agree though that they have gotten pricey.

[Gram W]

I enjoy using table cloths.  They protect the wood, look nice and are an easy way to change the look of the room.    I also use my old ones for toppers.  My mother and her mother chroched.   I still have a few of their hand made treasurers.  I also have quilts made by my mother and my dad's mother.   All of these things have a treasured place in my home.  For those of us who have been around awhile " everything old is new again".   We know most good styles never go away they just take a rest whether it is fashion or home deco.

[151949]

@Gram W We are fortunate to have inherited some of these things. I think my DH likes when he sees things in our home that were around when he was growing up. It touches his heart. Occasionally I will see him just looking at something that was his Moms or he'll just put his hand on something - he says it is almost like being able to reach out to her.

[Jacie]

I have a collection of wonderful cotton cloths from a great Aunt who saved everything.

When I got them, some had never been used. They had those great prints that you often see in oilcloth tablecloths. Mostly from the 40's.

I use them! We live on a lake and often eat al fresco! I love the bright vintage against deck furniture!

[millieshops]

I gave 3 vintage cloths to the daughter of a friend when I sold my house a few years back.  No place to use them and not expecting to have a suitable table again. I kept just one, the smallestone 

Then just a few months ago I gave a huge, very old linen table cloth to two sister friends who are both crafty sewers.  I have finally decided I just have to let go of more things so I can actually be more comfortable in my apartment.

I know I did the right thing for me.  I hadn't thought about either "gift" for a very long time.  I'm glad I have a few items to remind me of people and places and events in my past.  I just can't give space to everything even when I like what I'm offering to others.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I like a lace tablecloth, with a few tabletop decorations, on my dining room table when we're not eating there.  When we do eat there, all of that comes off and a different tablecloth goes on, either a color that will coordinate to the decor or a seasonal one, it just depends.

In the kitchen, I accidentally set my turkey roaster on the table last year without protection underneath and made a pretty good size burn on the table.  I eventually want to paint the table and all the chairs, but haven't gotten around to it yet.  In the meantime, I've been using assorted tablecloths but none have been handed down.  All of those linens went to other family members. 

[151949]

Last summer we went to the Smuckers outlet store in Orville, Ohio and I bought a vintage print oilcloth apron. I keep it here at camp and wear it often. It gets a great many compliments, and a lot of attention.