I really like using cloth napkins. Not everyday, but whenever we have company and sometimes for a special meal for just the two of us. Then I wash the napkins and fold them and put them aside for "next time I am ironing". The trouble is that I don't iron as much as I think I do and the clean napkins start to pile up.
This morning was ironing day and finally I got around to doing the napkins. I actually like a bit of ironing. I love the crispness of a nicely ironed shirt.
My mom was the queen of ironing (or maybe the witch of ironing). She ironed everything: pillowcases, sheet hems, underwear. Yes, really. She would lug out the heavy ironing board and iron and set it up in the dining room. Then she would get the previously "sprinkled" bag of rolled up and now damp ironing out of the refrigerator and begin the task. As we got older, we were required to take our turn and minute inspection took place to see if we met her standard.
The former owner of this house built in an ironing station. There is a fairly unobtrusive cabinet behind a door that is rarely closed. Inside the cabinet is a pull down ironing board, a shelf for the iron and the spray bottle. There is also an outlet and a small spotlight that shines on the board. It makes setting up very quick and easy.
So now I have a nice drawer full of freshly ironed napkins ready for the next special meal.
To amswer some questions from comments:
Michael DeMeng is coming in April, Teesha and Tracy in June and Pam Sussman in October. Info will be online in late January.
Everyone thinks I am crazy, but I insist on cloth napkins, too. It just makes everything a bit nicer. And, what with Target and Cost Plus and seasonal sales, I must have 60 or more. Time to stop buying them, I fear. I like yours, Ginny.
Posted by: Judi | Sunday, 05 December 2010 at 06:38 PM
Yay, yay, yay. Sign me up. :-}
Posted by: Theresa | Sunday, 05 December 2010 at 08:35 PM
Yay!!!! Sign me up!!! Dang I am gonna be broke, or workin' like a dog this year... to have a lot of fun!!!
XO
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | Monday, 06 December 2010 at 07:05 AM
Wow!! I didn't think anyone else in the world had to iron their underwear when they were a kid! LOL! What a memory to bring back. I hated it, and today I never iron unless in an emergency. I love the crispness on my pants and blouses but these days I let the dry cleaners do it for me. LOL!
Posted by: Sharon Bennett | Monday, 06 December 2010 at 09:05 AM
i love the napkins on the far left in the top photo--super cute! however, i must disagree with using them for "just special occasions." use your cloth napkins every day! they say it's good for the environment but i say it makes every meal seem special. :)
Posted by: Andea | Monday, 06 December 2010 at 02:39 PM
I guess I have used cloth napkins for over 40 years. Not the same ones, mind you.. I often take them out of the dryer slightly damp and smooth them over the stair rail on the landing but even so I have a basket of ironing about. I think cold weather is just right for ironing!
Posted by: Maureen | Monday, 06 December 2010 at 09:46 PM
My grandma and my mom ironed in exactly the same way, and that is how I learned as a very young girl. I love to iron, too, and the the "brand new" look when everything is freshly ironed. Thanks for the great memory!
Posted by: Gayle Pritchard | Sunday, 12 December 2010 at 04:46 PM