Give a Wedding Gift That's Thoughtful and Timeless
Vintage linens are a unique wedding gift that helps start a tradition
Do you remember the last wedding gift you gave? Was it a stainless steel pot or bedding set off the couple's registry? Or did you decide to think "outside the list" and give something original, but useful?
I seldom buy a wedding gift off a registry. It sounds rude, since it is a list of stuff the bride and groom specifically signed up for. I prefer to give something unique and memorable. So instead, I like to present the wedding couple with a set of vintage linens. Specifically, a large tablecloth with 8-12 matching napkins is a lovely wedding gift.
A Tradition of Happy Memories
To me, vintage linens represent a continuum of tradition. Somewhere, at some time, another happy couple owned the set and used it for family get-togethers and happy holidays. Now this new couple can continue to use this set to decorate the table at their holidays and large dinners. And some day, I hope they pass the set onto a child who will appreciate it because of its place in their memories.
It's not hard to find vintage linens, if you know where to look. A great place to start is a local antique shop. You'll have the best chance of finding a complete set with matching tablecloth and napkins, all in excellent, unstained condition. Depending on your tastes, it's relatively easy, but it's also the priciest choice.
I'm pretty picky with my taste for styles and designs. Weddings are usually known months, if not years, in advance, so I start my quest early. I frequent estate sales and often pick up beautiful sets for a fair price. My absolute favorite sets have monogrammed napkins with just the initial of the last name. These linens are harder to find, but worth it for the added value of personalization.
If you strike out at the antique shop and don't "do" estate or garage sales, the Internet is your best resource. eBay is an obvious choice, but don't overlook the multitude of niche sites that specialize in vintage linens. If you plan ahead, you can probably enlist a few of them to look out for a particular monogram.
A word to the wise: keep it simple. Unless you know for sure that the couple's china pattern is one color, don't go wild with the table linen color or pattern. A white design on white background goes tastefully with anything. And be careful choosing the shape--know if they have a rectangle or oval dining table.
Be sure to launder and press the linens, and place them in a box with tissue paper and a personal note. Voila, you have a lovely, unusual and useful wedding gift that special couple will cherish for years!