Category Archives: Misc but important

Pinterest!

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Love it! It’s so much fun, it’s so easy and oddly,-it’s incredibly rewarding considering you don’t have to do much. I have become addicted to it.  What is it?  Pinterest is a place to organize and share online images that you find interesting or inspiring. Once uploaded or shared on Pinterest, these images become known as Pins, which the user can place on customized, themed Boards. You can create Boards for any topic imaginable.  The possibilities are endless. If you want to check out Pinterest, though, you have to be invited. You can sign up for invites on the site (prepare for a wait), or chances are you already know a Pinner who will gladly send you an invite. Check out all the details in this nifty post. In a nutshell  ” it’s like thumbing through magazines and ripping out all the pages that inspire me–x 1000! It’s a great way to relax and get inspired”  said one user and I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you are having a wedding it is a fabulous spot for inspiration and you can make as many Boards as you want with photos of gowns, rings, flowers – it’s endless. “Many brides-to-be have replaced bulky three-ring binder wedding planners with the simplicity and portability of a Pinterest account.”  Knock yourself out! Just remember to take a break and eat once in awhile – it’s very addicting! You never have to search for an inspirational photo again or rip a page out of a magazine from the dentist’s office.

A Few Good Words to Know.

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Bengaline- (behng-ah-leen) A lustrous, durable fabric with ribs running in the direction of the filling.

Brocade- (broh-cayd) Rich jacquarded woven fabric with raised floral or figured patterns emphasized by contrasting surfaces or colors. Often metallic threads are used.

Chiffon – A lightweight sheer fabric known for its easy draping effect. Best Dressed Tables’ chiffon is 100% polyester and is wash and dry for easy care.

Crush – engineered wrinkles that will not wash out.

Damask – (dam-ask) Jacquard-woven fabrics with elaborate floral or geometric patterns. The pattern is distinguishable from the ground by contrasting color or luster and is reversible. Similar to brocade but flatter. It is one of the oldest and most popular staple fabrics originating in Damascus.

Dye Lot – The color variation that occurs from one batch of dyed fabric to another batch.

Embroidery – Raised designs created on fabrics by stitching a motif or pattern with colored threads.

Face- The surface of the fabric that is intended to be seen because it presents a better appearance than the other side.

Ground – A general term for the plain base or background of a decorated fabric.

Hand- A characteristic of fabrics that is perceived by touching, rubbing and feeling the fabric. Describes characteristics of softness, drapeability and resilience.

Hem – The manner in which the raw edges of the fabric are turned under and then sewn down to finish off the edge of the manufactured product.

Moire- (mwaah-ray) A French word that means water. The finishing process produces a wavy or rippling effect.

Organza- ( ohr-gan-zuh) Light weight transparent fabric in plain weave.

Peau de soie- [poh deh swah]- A heavyweight soft silk or manufactured fiber satin with a dull luster.

Pintuck – a very narrow tuck, as made in cloth by sewing

Polyester- Thw workhorse of the tablecloth industry. This fabric is available in over 50 colors – with one to suit your decor, event or kitchen. Easily washed and stain resistant this fabric will always be ready to party.

Spun- Although it is 100% polyester it has the feel and absorbancy of cotton and it will hold a napkin fold! Available in over 50 colors.

Toile – (twahl) French for a cotton or linen cloth having a colored pattern on a light colored background.

Topper- A decorative round or square tablecloth that sits on the top of the table with a drop of about9-15 inches from the edge. Should always be used with a full undercloth and not used used alone. Also can be used as a fluff cloth for a buffet or bar.

A Tablecloth Blog?

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Here I am, doing my little public service just teaching the world about tablecloths in my lowly little blog and someone wants to question the validity and purpose for such a blog topic. Now, I am not saying that a tablecloth is going to change anyone’s life, although if you ever chat with some brides – not getting the right tablecloth is cause for ruining their wedding. And I am not saying that a tablecloth will create world peace, however, a few more meals eaten at home, with a tablecloth, will surely make for peace and harmony in more that just a handful of homes. And have you ever seen all those Summit talks on C-span, always a tablecloth on the conference tables. In fact, I think that if you ever did a study, you might be surprised to find out that there is a direct correlation between the tablecloth quality and the success of those international forums and conferences. I am just saying.

Yeah, that’s the White House using those pretty green tablecloths.

If you start to look around, there are tablecloths everywhere. So, who in the world would want to nay say a tablecloth blog? Well, that someone happens to be a client who not only rents tablecloths on a weekly basis but, in the course of our recent conversation also wants to purchase a tablecloth for her home. Yet, curiously enough, she fails to see the value of a tablecloth blog. Go figure! Now I am not naming names but you know who you are girlfriend and just like I promised, this blog post’s for you!!

Client: Don’t take this the wrong way but…. Do people really blog about tablecloths?  I understand brides doing that - they have thoughts to share about everything.  And aren’t we all the richer for their generosity. But the public at large?  I’m intrigued.  But maybe you are thinking I’m the one who should stop sharing.  How dare you!

Have a great weekend!

Me: Oh ye of little faith. Of course you need to know about tablecloths. The world would be so much happier if they all sat down to a nice meal with a tablecloth once a day instead of eating out of a bag in the front seat of their car. Come on, a tablecloth makes everyone want to sit down and spend a little time over the meal. It feels special and everyone wants to feel special. And how many times have you been to a trade show, or a market and they always have tablecloths on their tables. You would be surprised my friend just how important table cloths are! And not just for those fancy, smancy parties you’re always making.

Plus, you never know what interesting facts you might find out about tablecloths and fabrics that might just come in handy someday when you are actually entertaining your family at home. So get with the program and keep checking out the tablecloth blog.

Client: How right you are!  And how long it’s been.  I just might have to bring back that dying tradition and set a nice table for the family now and again.

Still not sure about the blog.  Actually I’ve never blogged, nor tweeted, nor twittered.  Don’t IM either.  Do text.  Guess to me it’s similar to emails and you see I don’t mind writing.  Perhaps some day when I’m feeling reckless…

Me: I am going to make my next blog about people who question the need for a tablecloth cloth blog!

Client: Damn You!!

Me:  Oh, put a tablecloth on it and call me when dinner is ready!

Although I have to admit, this is a very interesting concept. Of course, one quick stop and those fries are shooting directly into those vents!!

For the love of fabric.

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We all know how much I love fabric. Luckily for me I found a way to make a living loving fabric. I make it into beautiful tablecloths and rent it out so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of a great looking tablecloth. Unfortunately, I think it is more than a material attraction (no pun intended). You see, sometimes when the tablecloths come back and they are covered in candle wax and schmutz I feel a little sad. Not sad that I have to wash and clean them, I am sad that someone treated the tablecloths like a rag. I know, I should get out more often. But here is the thing, it turns out that a lot of people love fabric and sometimes it is the love that turns the fabric into a rag. You see that raggedy scrap of fabric that has been washed, bleached and rubbed within an inch of it’s raggedy little life? That “blanket” is the most beloved piece of fabric in one little girl’s life and it is a source of pure comfort and joy just to have that in her hand. Now that is really loving fabric!