In our kitchen, there is a bit of a problem.
Our Ercol dining table was an utter bargain, but someone, at some point in its life, obviously decided that it would be a good idea to revarnish it.
Not all of it, mind.
The middle bit looks like it is supposed to look. But the ends are – ugh! – bright orange, and very shiny.
I really should renovate it. But I’m not entirely sure that I wouldn’t ruin it. And of course, it would involve us managing for some time without a dining table.
So instead, my saviour is the humble tablecloth.
I usually have this one on the go:
However, despite judicious use of wipe-clean tablemats, it is getting a bit stained.
I’d like a replacement. Or even several.
Unfortunately, that requires three whole metres of fabric to be sacrificed to the staining influences of everyday dinnertimes.
Not easy for a fabric lover like me.
But I do love a tablecloth. It’s such a great way of adding pattern and colour to the kitchen.
I love them so much, I bought not one, but two recently…
Unfortunately, neither of my purchases is large enough to fit our table.
And both are too nice to subject them to the malign influences of mealtimes.
So I’m still on the lookout for three metres of loveliness, of a kind that doesn’t show stains.
And as for my recent purchases…
Well, I’m sure I’ll be able to find other good uses for those two table-top treasures. ♥
Sorry, this is going to sound like a totally quilty solution, but why don’t you cut them both into 6″ squares and sew them together in a chequerboard pattern. They are both lovely, and this way, you cover the table AND get to look at both your nice tablecloths. OK, I’ll shut up now…
Great idea Kate!! 😉
Ah, Kate – you are a quiltaholic! I’m afraid I don’t fancy the two together. And I have other plans for them. But yes, a patchwork cloth might be the answer!
I shall have a look in my stash when I get to the shop..but will keep an eye out for you if not! xxx
Our table top is similarly in need of covering and I have a sorry bunch of soiled tablecloths! So more pattern to disguise the stains! That makes sense. I love your new acquisitions and your big flowery original cloth. Enjoy the quest for that perfect 3 meters 🙂
I’m thinking that if my current cloth gets any more stained, a spot of over-stain applique or similar embellishment might just be in order! 🙂
Oh your current tablecloth is gorgeous! How about an oil cloth? It’s wipe clean and durable 🙂
Good idea, except the only oilcloths I’ve ever found that I like enough are these ones from Tinsmiths:
But at £23 a metre that would make a very expensive tablecloth!
Not to mention that it says they don’t stand up to oil-based stains like curry and pesto – two very common stain culprits in our household! :/
I know this isn’t long enough, but I just saw this on ebay and thought of you:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1960s-Daisy-Cotton-Fabric-/131122147205
Thanks Michelle – it’s lovely! 🙂
napkins to match. Lyn.