New Year's Day gives me the sense of wanting to accomplish something useful, but not too arduous. Something a little more practical than rearranging knick-knacks, something a little less taxing than cleaning out the basement. Something like ... cleaning out the drawers in the dining room armoire that hold the table linens. Plenty of opportunity to look at pretty things, while at the same time reclaiming two drawers that were so stuffed full they were hard to open.
I found the napkins and tablecloth that we used when we were allowed to play with the tea set.
I rediscovered one of my favorite little tablecloths, with a teapot applique that's open along the top ...
just big enough to tuck in a tiny lacy napkin.
I found all six petit-point daffodil napkins ...
and all four of these linens, that I think are oversized guest towels, but that I thought would look nice with the right table-setting.
I remembered how much I like these little basket liners (which probably have a real name that I don't know) ... they fit in a basket or bowl, and they have four flaps that are folded over bread or rolls to keep them warm. (The one on the left, which belonged to my mom, says "Hot Biscuits.")
I covered a box with some vintage fabric and got all the napkin rings collected in it. The bird napkin rings remind me of last summer's nesting bluebirds. I sorted and stacked and even ironed a little, and I decided that I do not need five white damask tablecloths, at least not taking up valuable space in the dining room.
And when I was done, I felt as if I might get this whole house organized after all.
I love January, it's my "celebrate my anal side" month. I love to organize and put everything in its place! xo, suzy
Posted by: georgiapeachez | January 01, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Things around here stay organized for about 2.2 milliseconds, so I have decided not to bother this year. HAHAHA!
I would rather be sewing anyway...
Your bluebirds sure are sweet and springy.
Posted by: Sarah | January 01, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Happy New Year! I'm all excited to start this year. The number 9 has always been lucky in our family so I feel like this will be a good year!
It sure started off good and bad. I received an exciting gift in the mail from a sweet blogger friend, Ann of http://protectorofvintage.blogspot.com/
yesterday. Then I woke up to day with cold.
I hope you had a wonderful New year's day! Lindsey
Posted by: two crazy crafters | January 01, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Oh my dear,
I LOVE Those blue bird napkin rings!! They are adorable!! That would make a beautifully set table!! When you get done organizing you want to come lend me a hand?? I have been trying to get this done at my house for the whole year of 2008!! ;-)
I stopped by my dear, to let you know that I have tagged you for 2009/
Bless you my dear! And Happy New year!! :D
Debi
http://whatscookninjunk.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Debi | January 01, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Hun,
when we make warmers, (ours are horse shoe shaped) for the neck or whatever aches...
we use either rice, or beans. And have never had any fires!!! We warm them for 5 minutes with a cup of water in the microwave, and they stay hot for quite a while.
I hope your warmers work better, no more fires hun!!
Debi
Posted by: Debi | January 01, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I would love to get organized. The toys alone are sending me into a big TIZZY! I love the bluebirds. Adorable! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Gail | January 01, 2009 at 10:39 PM
It is fun to organize when you get to play with pretty things!
Posted by: karla nathan | January 01, 2009 at 11:05 PM
I spent part of the day organizing too. I love that sense of accomplishment after getting things just so. May your linen drawer stay tidy all thru 2009!
Posted by: laurie -magpie ethel | January 01, 2009 at 11:46 PM
What lovely things , lovely photos, and a lovely way to start the new year!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | January 02, 2009 at 12:33 AM
Hehehe! I don't know what it is, but my husband and I usually spend New Years Eve, not partying, but organizing something. This year our master closet...weird huh?? Love all your linens!! Very pretty!
Posted by: Jenny | January 02, 2009 at 08:47 AM
You're off to a beautiful start!
Posted by: Beth Leintz | January 02, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Oh boy do I need to do that too!!! Love the bluebirds.
Posted by: Vicki | January 02, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Those basket liners may have been what started my love affair with linens. My mom had some that were not vintage but I thought they were so pretty. I love seeing all of your beautiful stuff, Barbara. Now I feel like going through some drawers. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Patty | January 02, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I think bluebirds look so sweet on linens. I'm going to tear into my house today!
~ Hearts ~
Posted by: Holly | January 03, 2009 at 09:28 AM
how lovely it all is
especially loving the blues.....
see now when i saw the little pot i thought of putting in a tea bag....am i weird?
Posted by: susan | January 06, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Beautiful collection!! I have been a fan of your site for a few months now and i still haven't backtracked all of your quirky and informative posts laced with mesmerizing photos of your hip collections.
I've been trying to find some advice on cleaning up my linens i've been collecting for the last year. Any advice on what the best practice is for laundering out there?
Thanks for any help and good luck with your makeover projects!
Sincerely,
Posted by: Whit | January 13, 2009 at 04:38 PM
I have a weakness for old linens, and I love bluebird things, and the real ones too, so this post has been a true treat to see....especially that top photograph. It's so pretty!
Posted by: Lena | January 14, 2009 at 03:13 PM