Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Paper or Linen

We all have heard the familiar question when at the check out counter, "paper or plastic." Well, here's a question I had to begin asking myself lately..."paper or linen?" What do I mean by that you might be asking. Simply, do I want to continue going out and buying paper towels so that we can use them at our meal times and then toss it. Out in the trash is a sometimes barely used paper towel but more importantly...in the trash goes our hard earned cash too.


(our breakfast table)
After scouring through the linen closet & dining room buffet, I pulled out our linen napkins. Granted, we don't have a ton of them, but we do have quite a few that honestly have never been used. Instead of keeping them stored on the shelf or in a drawer, I decided now is as good a time as any to pull them out & give them a good freshening up and then placing them on the table for use.


(our dining table)
I found some really nice patterns that I forgot we even had. Many came from our dear Aunt B, who passed away a few years ago. Among many reasons why we loved her, one such fond love memory of her is based around the holidays. She loved to celebrate the seasons around a table full of family and good food. Oh how I miss those times with her. Aunt B had such an eye for decorating, as does her sister, another dear person that remains close to my heart. So today, I decided to make Aunt B proud ~ out came the linen napkins and napkins rings that she had and decorated our dining room and breakfast tables.


(aren't these napkin rings pretty!?!)

Not only will this make us feel like she's a part of our every meal, it also saves us big time in not having to buy paper towels so often.

11 comments:

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

You know that's really a good thought! We go through so many paper towels, and it really is wasteful, not to mention expensive over time too! It could be a good excuse to get some really pretty prim napkins, right?

Have a great WEds!
Tammy

Pamela said...

I love this post and you have so inspired me to dig out all our cloth napkins and follow your lead. My question is, how often do you wash them? After every meal, daily, when they look like they need it? I read somewhere that napkins that were not really soiled (you know, just used to blot the corners of your mouth, lol!!), were just placed back in the ring and used for the next meal. What do you think?

Sandra said...

I made us a bunch of cloth napkins and I also pick them up at yard sales when I see them, if they are in good condition. I also started using our small dessert plates for sandwiches instead of reaching for the paper towels. I'm washing dishes anyway so how hard is it to go ahead and just wipe that dish?

Keeper of the Home said...

Pamela ~

In regards to washing them...my motto is this "if it doesn't look or feel dirty, then it's good for another use." So once a week, when I do my normal linens and such is when I'll wash them. Unless of course they get grungy before that time, I will spray them with a stain pre-treat and then throw them in the linen hamper. If it's not time to wash a load yet, then I'll pull out my next set of napkins to use in the meantime. This way I'm not constantly running the water bill up on wash water.

~Mrs. M

Keeper of the Home said...

Sandra ~
I was just thinking this morning about making some napkins myself. I have some spare fabric that I think might work nicely.

We too have stopped using paper plates or towels for sandwiches and hand held finger foods. Your thoughts are mine exactly...how much extra work is it to wash another plate when it saves me money on not throwing it out in the trash.

~Mrs. M

Jamie Stroupe said...

I like this post also... we use cloth napkins almost all the time!! I use my older and more used looking ones for when it is just us and I have several that look like new that I keep for guests. Although I will admit, I am a little jealous that you have napkin rings this is something that I do not have... ebay here I come!!

Coming from the Stroupe home

Renee said...

What a great ideal! I am just learning to sew (I'm a late bloomer in regards to home keeping) and this sounds something that I can easily sew. Thanks so much for all your helpful posts!

Lori said...

Things like this save money, but it also makes a home more "homey" :)

Conny said...

I think it's a wonderful idea!! I wonder how many of us have lots & lots of linen napkins tucked away for a "special occasion" - why not make EVERY DAY special! And how easy to just shake the napkins out or throw them in the wash. :)

Mrs. B, a very peculiar person said...

I LOVE the new look on your blog!

Good post, I hope it inspires others to reduce the use of paper.

Note: Just a quick check in on a borrowed computer - still not quite in a postion to blog about our travels. Looking forward to my next opportunity to "pop" in.

Mrs.B

Keeper of the Home said...

Mrs. B ~
I am so glad to hear from you. I have been thinking of you and wondering how things were going. Looking forward to your next visit and/or blog post. Have a great time!

~Mrs. M