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.