History
of Table Linen
Table being used merely as display space are often
shown covered by a thick and gloriously patterned carpets. Tables in use
for study or reading sometimes have table cloth on them and are at times
bare. For mealtime a white cloth is spread over the table. Before table
linens were used as a sign of royalty and the poor people had no linens
or even tables.
- By the 12th century the custom of using table linen was almost
universal throughout France and Italy.
- Napkins have been around since the Middle Ages when stylish folk
stopped wiping their mouths on the tablecloth and started providing
individual linen squares for themselves and their sloppier guests.
- Napkins as they are known today traditionally originated in the
city of Rheims, noted for its fine cloth. The city presented King
Charles VII with a set of table napkins at his coronation in 1422.
- The use of table cloth spread quickly from the aristocracy to the
merchant classes and by the 15th century the use even spread in the
smaller sections.
- Fifteenth-century trousseaux included long, narrow runners, often
identical in length and decoration to the tablecloth, which were
laid over the cloth to protect it.
- Earlier table linens were made of linen and then the use of
cotton and silk also became popular.
- When cold collations (of sweetmeats and fresh and candied fruits)
were served in 14th and 15th century France, serviettes de collation
('refreshment towels') were hung in the room.
- Several types with innovative styles came into the market.
- Small flower patterns came in the early 15th century.
- Venetian style and Damascus weave came into existence during
Renaissance.
- Until 1625 table cloths were folded to get a more thick covering
on the table. Later an undercloth was created to make a base layer
for the cloth.
- During most of the late 1800s, Queen Victoria, who had lost her
beloved Prince Albert, made it fashionable to be a widow. With this
the custom of using darker shades came on and the table linen of
that time were also dark heavy tapestries, fringed Turkey Red and
white damask cloths, and heavily decorated plush and velvet table
toppers.
- Just prior to the French Revolution, the standard size of table
napkins was 45 by 35 inches, and the standard fabric white damask.
- Napkins and table cloths became a common sight in the 18th
century.
- Later by the end of 18th century the use of table linen elevated
to a greater standard and the idea of matching table linens
established.
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