Table Dresses

Thursday, August 26, 2010

To be fair I just can't call them simply "table cloths".  They are so much more than mere cloths and have the ability change the look and mood of a vintage kitchen in an instant. 
Now, I know several of you share the same fondness as I do for great vintage textiles, so I thought I would spotlight some of  my own dear table dressings. 
I have been collecting for about 25 years now and following are just a few that have become the "old standbys" and are very precious to me.

I absolutely adore anything vintage South of the Border so when I found this at the Rose Bowl Flea Market,
I just about squealed with delight...
It matches my little mexican bandido on a donkey so well and it's fun to serve Mexican food with this little vignette.




His poor little burro has the task of carrying the heavy salt and pepper jugs as well, but he is such an adorable little
beast of burden.



I love the look of  abstract 1950/60's pinecone design and I found this amazing aqua table cover at an Estate Sale...



The cool thing is that I already had the dishes that matched!



I can mix and match so easily with this design. 
Just look how darlin' my vintage casserole dish fits in.

 

Cocktails anyone?

There is just something about this vintage pinecone design that makes me feel peaceful and happy.

Pink, Pink, Pink, how I adore thee...



Every vintage kitchen has to have a  pink and white striped cutie like this one. 
Oh, and a Spaghetti pitcher and tumbler set to match...a must have!


I get giddy over pink melmac!

Wowie, how many of you are state proud like me? 
I love vintage California memorabilia and I cherish this lovely piece of history. 


All of the famous locales are featured here and it's such a fun conversation starter. 
Have you ever been to...


Iron out your favorite and spotlight it on your table for a special meal tonight!

I hope you enjoyed today's offering. 

It's really fun to share my things with all of ya!

16 of you say...:

Vintage Coconut said...

Love your table dresses!
I especially adore the pinecone one.

Mad Men Girl said...

Hey! I love your vintage tablecloth collection.. I've recently begun acquiring one of my own (thank goodness for thrift stores and their wonderful prices!). I love the way you've accessorized them, too. I thought I was the only one who did that!

My husband goes into fits of laughter when he sees another package arriving in the mail (confirmed Etsy and Ebay addict here)... he says "let me guess... another tablecloth?". It usually is. Have you seen the holiday vintage tablecloths? Swoon!

Listen, if it's not too much trouble, would you pop over to my blog and cast a vote for me? I'm in a contest, and I'm trying to get as many fellow bloggers to support me as I can without being a complete pest. It takes two seconds tops, and I would SO appreciate it.

Thanks, and happy retro-collecting!

Unknown said...

What a great post! I love your kitchen, table dressings, and your fab dishware.

Keep up the great posts!

XOXO
Dollie

Zootsuitmama said...

Love them all! I have the first one, and my kitchen is all 40's Mexican textiles. I'll have to do a post like this...You know your Atomic Glass coffeemaker that lights up? What part lights up? I found one, and I cant find where the light goes. Your house is so sweet, I feel at home just looking at it! Keep posting those pix! It makes my day! Zootsuitmama

BugnLVoe said...

I am DROOLING over the pinecone tablecloth! Perfect for November - January. Love it!!!! :-)

XOXO

ina said...

Wow, I love the one with pinecone design. Never would have thought it could match so well with so much pottery. Looking good!

Anonymous said...

Love the Mexican cloth! VERY cool, lady. Of course, I've always told you your home is like going to Heaven... :)

P.S. I'm in a Mad Men Contest too, lookie there! :)

vintagejoann said...

I've been collecting 50's tablecloths and kitchen stuff since I was a 18 year old in 1976. I have many of my grandmom's roosters. All my stuff is red but I adore all your turquoise and pink also. I finally have the 50's kitchen of my dreams.
Tablecloths still make my heart thump. Totally enjoy your posts and pictures on your decor and life!!!

Mary said...

They are all so pretty. My favorite is the "California". I was visiting my aunt a few weeks ago and she has an "Alaska" tablecloth. Her daughter sent it to her when they were touring Alaska. My aunt & uncle used the table cloth as a map to follow their travels.

Mrs Cleaver said...

I adore your beautiful house it is so wonderful!You have done such a fantastic job with your decorating.
That table cloth collection is devine!I agree with you about the pine cone pattern,very calming.I luv pink melmac too ,that little set of yours is gorgeous.
Thanks for such a lovely blog i enjoy it very much.
Have a wonderful weekend. xxx

Frankie's Wife said...

Thank you all for your wonderful comments...

MMGirl and Darlene-I have been voting for you both, Good Luck to each of you as you both fit the ticket of the show!

ZootSuit-my pot lights up from the bottom. There are two round lights where the heating element is. If yours is a "light up" you should easily see it from the inside. Hope this helps!

Jackie, Ina, Mrs. Cleaver, Melzaelf- thanks for sharing my love of the pinecone design...not many people recall that this was a popular 1940's/MidMod design image.

Vintagejoann-wow! I would love to see your long-time collection.

Mary-I love the California one also...its fun to see the vintage POI's characterized on it.

Thanks Girls!

Retro Keith said...

well am i the first retro daddy-o to join this snazzy blog? well im joinin' ladies!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I love them all...but the pinecone one would definitely go here in Oregon! How fun! I used to go to the Rose Bowl Flea Market when I lived in Cali! I bet it has grown!

Unknown said...

I would love to have a cup of Sanka and banana bread while taking an intense look at the great state of California depicted on this beautiful table dressing!! So awesome!!

Mrs Cleaver said...

I saw these & thought of you so i thought i would give you the link.I love them but the postage would be monstrous to Oz & i'd be afraid of them breaking along the way.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48152393/9-pc-blue-and-gold-gorgeous-vintage?ref=sr_list_22&ga_search_query=1950%26%2339%3Bs+pinecone&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title
Sorry it's huge.

SusieQT said...

Another tablecloth collector here- I love the pine cone one! I have a set of TV trays that would match it.