Oh, The Joy of Napkins.


 
Napkins. Napkins. Napkins. Oh, how I love napkins. Whenever I used to be a little stressed out, I would take out all of my napkins and iron them. To just be with my napkins was pure peace. Sometimes the napkins are the most fun part about setting the table. I do not however, indulge in any part of the napkin folding ridiculousness. No rose buds, no fleur-de-lis, no peacocks, no nothing. Just fold the napkin nicely like a lady and move on. I also do not love paper napkins. Maybe, in a pinch, but on the whole… Don’t do it. It is just as easy to use linen napkins and linen cocktail napkins. It’s also more economical. :-)




 
Embroidering/monogramming is super important. Equally as important as finding a solution for neurological diseases, childhood illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, and California drought, don’t you agree? I have a small addiction problem with monogramming. Not only do I have all of my pajamas monogrammed, but I also have my socks monogrammed. (My baby French blue cashmere socks are embroidered with script Madame Decret in orange thread.) While I appreciate the traditional monogram, I am more excited by today’s modern monograms. A company called Julia B does a great job with a chic fresh take on monograms. For the more traditional old-school linens, there is the fabulous Léron.





 
Whether it be a table napkin or a cocktail napkin, I think it’s so charming to use antique/vintage linens. They are so easy to find as well. Ebay, Etsy, flea markets, attic sales, brocantes or just steal them from your grandmother. They don’t even have to have your own monogram. Vintage linens add instant charm.



 
However, if you are one of those weirdos who doesn't like “used” things, there are a few places that I recommend for brand spanking new linens. My favorite is Leontine Linens. It is to die for. The owner of the company, Jane Scott Hodges, founded the couture linen shop in 1996 and has written a book titled Linens for Every Room and Occasion that is a must-have. A must-have!

 
Linens for Every Room and Occasion book
Purchase HERE
 


 
If you would like to see more linens that I love, check out my Pinterest page HERE. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on The Art of Entertaining. Hint: "In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends.” ― Kakuzō Okakura, The Book Of Tea

*Update on the lake house: we went to see it yesterday. I immediately fell in love. The floral wallpaper in the little salon is hand-painted and original to the house. The little garden was perfect with rosebushes lining the path to the lake and the setting on the lake was magical. I almost couldn’t speak, I was so in love. However, there are two problems. The driveway is treacherous for my wheelchair and the staircase to the bedrooms upstairs is super steep. Both problems for Madame Handicap according to my husband. Not according to me so I’m going to hold my breath and pout for a while until he changes his mind. Stay tuned.

21 comments:

  1. Ellie! You make monogrammed linen look like the most desirable necessity on this planet! Even in that darn wheelchair, you are sexier, funnier, more kick-ass then anyone I know! I can't wait to read your book! XXX elle

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  2. I have only recently "found" your blog. I love your wit, grace under pressure, honesty and love of "pretty things". I know with ALS one of these days you will be gone. Although we have never met I will mourn. You are an inspiration, truly.

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  3. I'd happily take any or all of these! The photos yesterday were just idyllic too--what a beautiful place!

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  4. I wake up every morning and look forward to your blog
    Thank you for brightening my day with your iridescent spirit!

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  5. What Ellie wants,Ellie gets. Have French husband carry u up the stairs!

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  6. Your blog is the best one out there because you write so well, are crazy funny and are very, very real….Oh and you have damn good taste! What's not to love?! b

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  7. First is was china...now napkins...I seriously love you!

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  8. When I open my laptop in the morning and see your email I am filled with joy. My dogs are curled around me, I have my coffee in a Moroccan cup, and then I have a one sided chat with you, my newest friend. I feel like that funny girl in the film, Notting Hill, who tells Julia Roberts that she always knew if they met they'd be great friends. I hope you get your pretty house, I hope you get everything you want and a million years to enjoy it all. xo Candace

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    1. Dear Candace, it doesn't have to be a one-sided chat! Here I am! So glad you like the blog. Thank you for your kind note and thank you for your well wishes. I hope I get my house too! XO XO Ellie

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    2. If I could write as well as Candace; I would have spoken her exact words as soon as I rediscovered you! So , I say "ditto" because Candace is a better writer......and she speaks my exact feelings......and I am sure those of all your followers. Bravo Candace! You are right about all of it!!!

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  9. Love, love this post. Just bought some beautiful monogrammed napkins myself. Annecy is now on the top of my bucket list. Trying to figure out how to get there next year. I hope you are there in that lovely home!

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    1. Dear Barb, where did you get your monogrammed napkins? Come visit me when you get to Annecy! XO XO Ellie

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  10. I'm always on the look out for antique napkins, especially for 10 to 12 places, as they're so hard to come by! If you come across any good brocantes that sell these online, do share!

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  11. I see ZERO problem with getting the house!FRENCH HUSBAND will make the bedroom downstairs........perhaps the living room will become your bedroom.........french doors to the garden from there?I do hope so.............Then there is a gravel driveway....??Take the rocks away..............not too practical but I'm a thinking!!!!XOXO

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  12. I eat with prone fabric napkins every night and luff them. People carry on about the admin of ironing them but they are small and it takes minutes x

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  13. Just found this, missed it. I'm with Contessa, other rooms could work, seeing the garden outside your french doors would be heaven, even some Meyers lemon trees if only in huge pots would be heaven on earth to me! Right out your door....I love monograms, I "only" use cotton or linen napkins, be hard to find paper in my house. It is easy. Funny, I iron mine too when I need to decompress with the loud world out here. I have no aversion to buying vintage and crave vintage French sheets. It's so hard to find a good place to get something monogrammed here. The same ole block, that's fine but I love different style options. I can't wait to visit your leads you shared here. I'd love some cashmere socks monogrammed, lol. XO

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  14. I love napkins, too and have several drawers full of them. Good news...many are monogramed. Bad news...not my initials! I use them anyway!

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    1. I am sure some relative or friend had all of those initials! My mother used to buy all the monogrammed things at Leron at their sales! Who cares what monogram if it is pretty!! And they all are!!!!

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