F R E N C H D E S I G N
on Friday
~ Textiles ~
plus
9 Ways to Use Them
A N T I Q U E L I N E N S
très français
Vintage French linens with monograms can still be found in French flea markets because the younger generation is selling inherited linens found in armoires, chests, and attics. Could it be that the days of formal meals with trousseau linens gracing a table set for twelve are gone? Is the younger generation opting for more casual meals? Or using linens with THEIR monograms instead of grand-mères'?
Most vintage linens are white or ivory, but colored linens are popping up, either as new linens or dyed vintage linens. All three flea markets/brocantes I shopped in Paris had vintage linens with beautiful monograms, and I saw colored linens in two of the three markets.
Usually the monograms are what attracts me, but not with this one. The monogram on this table topper is stylistic without discernible letters to my eyes. What caught my attention and made me look at this piece was the beautiful damask Christmas holly pattern.
I love Christmas, and I love decorating with holly at Christmas. I couldn't put this table topper down once I picked it up.
I love Christmas, and I love decorating with holly at Christmas. I couldn't put this table topper down once I picked it up.
With the popularity of Fixer Upper, black is a trending color in kitchen countertops, cabinet hardware, metal window frames, and painted cabinets. One of my friends has beautiful black countertops and decorates with black throughout her home. When I saw this beautiful damask table topper at the famous Le Puces Saint de-Ouen at Porte de Clignancourt in Paris I immediately thought of Fixer Upper and my friend.
Recommended Reading
- Paris Perfect has an excellent article about Le Puces Saint de-Ouen. If you plan to shop flea markets while in Paris, I recommend reading her blog post.
- Oh Happy Day has a great post about HOW TO GET TO Le Puces Saint de-Ouen. She shares practical information about the Paris metro system and photographs of the area surrounding the Porte de Clignancourt metro stop. I'm not sure I could have found the real flea market without seeing her photographs of the Paris neighborhood.
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M O D E R N L I N E N S
très français
Let's talk about modern-day French linens that are beautiful and add a French Country look to kitchens. Vintage French monogramed linens are beautiful, but France is still renowned for creating beautiful linens today.
The names are legendary.
D. Porthault ~ Descamp ~ Garnier Thiebaut ~ le Jacquard Français ~ Yves Delorme
J A C Q U A R D
Jacquard is a fabric in which the design is woven into the fabric instead of being printed or dyed on. The black holly table topper is damask, one kind of jacquard, in that the pattern is woven into the fabric. For a more thorough discussion of the differences between damask, brocade and jacquard, see a post written by The Dreamstress.
Modern French linens have been catching my attention since the mid 1980s when I first began traveling to France. Heavy weight 100% cotton jacquard kitchen towels will be treasured sought-after vintage French linens in the future.
Look at the beautiful color of these towels. The jacquard design is visible on both sides because it is woven into the fabric. On one side the pattern is darker than on the other side because the pattern is created with a colored thread mixed with a white thread. Yes, these two towels have the same design, but are folded to show both sides.
The bleu and green linen on top with cupid is a napkin, and the other four are kitchen towels with a holly and berry design.
The napkin is a combination of damask and non-damask jacquard designs. The pattern in the white section is damask, a pattern seen by reflecting the light differently on the fabric. The colored borders and cupid are a different style of jacquard weaving.
How do I use these? As accents during special occasions. With Valentine's Day coming soon, the cupid and hearts napkin will be shooting arrows all around my kitchen.
What to do with the odd vintage linen napkin or lone kitchen towel?
- One underneath a table arrangement adds another layer to the centerpiece.
- Two of the same design laid end-to-end on a table become a table runner. When possible, buy two to use as a table runner or for an intimate table setting for two. Cupid is perfect for a romantic Valentine's meal at home.
- One works as a liner in a bread basket.
- Hanging on a kitchen hook, one or two become holiday decorations.
- Lining a cardboard box lid, one dresses up a cardboard carrier for taking a pot-luck dish. And looks so pretty when you arrive...
- One wrapped around serving spoons, ladles, pie servers, etc... keeps them together when transported to a pot-luck dinner. After the meal, wash your serving piece(s), and dry with the towel you brought. No looking around for one from your hostess. Rewrap for taking home.
- One folded on the kitchen counter with a silver-handled ice scoop on top is a pretty way to use an ice scoop. The towel absorbs water from the scoop after use and can be used to wipe any water from the counter.
- One draped over the side of an ice bucket holding bottles of wine. The black vintage table topper in the first two photos is used this way.
- Last... an idea for bloggers... use as a photo backdrop. You have seen this photo styling on most superstar bloggers' posts. Look at the stunning photography from others, and chances are, you will see some beautiful linens used. Copy that style technique shamelessly.
When you use both vintage and present-day French linens, you add authentic French design to your home. Details make the difference in overall design. You may not be able to afford an antique French armoire right now, but when buying kitchen linens, choose a French made jacquard napkin or towel. Just one or two add
je ne sais quoi
that little something, a quality that eludes description
Literal translation: I don't know what,
with a shrug of your shoulders
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Source for modern French textiles: I Dream of France {no affiliation or compensation: I have not purchased from this site and cannot vouch for it.}
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F R E N C H D E S I G N
on Friday
Come back each Friday for another post in a design series that shows 1] a photo taken in France that illustrates French design and 2] how that design translates into our homes.
How do we know what IS French design? When selecting furnishings, lighting, and accessories, how do we decide what to use? Botanic Bleu will be providing examples straight from France through photos taken by me. Together we will study the photos.
For those wishing to have an authentic touch of French style, visit Botanic Bleu to go to the source through snapshots of French architecture, houses, textiles, metal work, food, woodwork, landscapes... and discover inspiration for creating
a French-inspired garden and home.
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For French Country Design from others, see Botanic Bleu's Pinterest board, French Country Design, and a group Pinterest board to which Botanic Bleu contributes, French Country Decor Ideas.
For more French style straight from the source, click on the French Inspiration links in the sidebar to read sites devoted to French joie de vivre.
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How do you use linens in ways other than their intended purpose?
drying dishes or wiping lips at dinner
