Heirloom lunch

Some people like to know the provenance of the food on their table, I like to know the history of the crockery and linen. This is just a quick picture to show off my beautiful new tablecloth. Brought up to London last week by my Mum, given to me to look after in trust by Cousin Trisha, this belonged to Grandma and was originally made by the mighty Auntie Flo.

embroidered tablecloth

All the ladies of the family – except for me, I think I must have some rouge clumsy genes – are very skilled with a needle, and this tablecloth is simple, but so beautifully done. The gradations of the petal colours are a delight.

40s embroidery

It got its first outing for a summer lunch, complete with Grandma’s Beryl Ware plates, and a trifle bowl lent to Grandma in a complex dessert-dish exchange with a local lady when she lived in Helford during the war.

4 Responses to “Heirloom lunch”

  1. lemony
    April 28, 2011 at 10:00 am #

    Oh so beautiful. Makes me want to try my hand at a bit of embroidery

  2. Cara
    April 28, 2011 at 2:10 pm #

    Oooh! Where did you get the blue bistro seat from?
    Love the blog by the way!

    • myfriendshouse
      April 28, 2011 at 8:33 pm #

      Thank you Cara! Bistro set was a birthday gift from my mum, from Tesco Direct. I’m not sure they’re doing them this year but Habitat have similar sets in blue or yellow.

  3. Kate Ward
    April 28, 2011 at 8:29 pm #

    The tablecloth is delightful! and I love the crockery as well 🙂
    Ive always wanted to make my own table cloth like it too.

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