Tuesday, August 3, 2010

My Second White Wednesday




For last week's White Wednesday, I posted photos of the christening gown we brought with us to Canada.









Also in the crate of treasures that crossed the ocean with us in 1958 was this lovely tablecloth, a bon voyage present from my Grandmother. Coming from Ireland, it is linen, of course...imprinted with the words 'Irish Linen Double Damask'
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It is a beautiful cloth. An intricate Celtic knot border winds around the edge, and many small scenes are woven into the body, including that of a weaver. Celtic crosses decorate each corner.
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Also worked into the cloth are the four provinces of Ireland: Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Ulster..Ulster being Northern Ireland where I was born.

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It came with a set of eight napkins. When the cloth and napkins are freshly washed and starched, they are fit to grace any fine table.

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I do not get to use these linens as often as I would like. My prosaic menfolk fail to see its charm, and wonder aloud why I would make such work for myself, when paper napkins are perfectly fine!

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I am, therefore, happy to bring it out for display on this page. I hope it gives you as much pleasure to see it as it does me....
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Many thanks to Kathleen of 'Faded Charm" for hosting this event! To see more of White Wednesday, or to visit Kathleen's charming blog, please click on the link below....

11 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What beautiful and delicate work!

Olive said...

Lynette, what treasures you have! Celtic linens with crosses. I love it. We have Irish roots but sadly no treasures have been found. hugs♥olive

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

That is beautiful and something you will treasure for a lifetime. Thanks for sharing.

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Hi Lynette,

Your damask tablecloth set is a treasure - such beautiful details!

Amanda

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pieces - and such treasures to enjoy!

Jeannie B. said...

Just beautiful. What a wonderful treasure you have. I notice that just about everyone used the word treasure. We all appreciate what you have!

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Hi Lynette,
A gorgeous heirloom tablecloth...love it! So very special.
Happy WW!
xojanis
PS Where do you live in surrey----I am on the north side of the freeway/fraser heights area.

Katy Cameron said...

What a beautiful set of linens. Still, at least if the men aren't bothered about it, then they're not covering it in red wine and gravy stains either!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This is so beautiful - lovely to have something from the Old Country, still in such great shape all these years later. A little bit of home. One day I shall come for tea, we shall banish the menfolk to the billiards room :) and set a small table with it for tea. I only hope I dont spill the cup! This cloth calls for silver tea service and thin cucumber or watercress sandwiches. I so enjoy your posts! They are lovely.

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi. Thanks for visiting my White Wednesday. You are welcome to duplicate anything from my blog :) Hope your bouquet turns out lovely. I also love vintage linens. Thanks for sharing. It's great that you have things from your family.
~ Julie

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Dear Lynette,
Happy to make your acquaintance! Thank you for your visit and very nice comments. I see we have moved in some of the same circles. I want to visit around your posts again and become better informed, but I certainly enjoy what I see here! I have an obsession with vintage linens and enjoy admiring the beauty of yours. I also love WW. Glad you joined in! Jacqueline (My mother was a Kelley!)