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.