Here is a roundup of table linens that have my modern sensibilities and are anything but frilly.
Top Row: (from left to right)
1. A modern twist on a traditional table cloth, this one is pricey but will last for decades. Fabel Tablecloth by Matteo Home, $295
2. Basic linen table napkins from H&M home, £3.99
3. Silhouette placemats by French Laundry Home, $95 for 4
4. Lotta Jansdotter Striped Runner, Fishs Eddy $24.95
5. No need to worry about the dry cleaning bill with this metal runner, Z Gallerie, $29.95
Bottom Row: (from left to right)
6. A modern interpretation on a snowberry by Marimekko $34.95
7. Washed Linen table runner, Williams-Sonoma, $69.95
8. Medieval style dining with a metal chain mail inspired silver runner, Sur La Table, $40
9. Vintage Ticking stripe napkins, Pottery Barn $18 for 4
10. To bridge the gap between paper and cloth napkins, try out a roll of perforated tear off napkins that wash up to 6 times, CB2 $19.95
(Images: As credited above.)
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I have a vast & gorgeous collection of pure linen napkins & tablecloths from the Goodwill. The catch? The napkins are often in uneven numbered sets; three or five of them. Or a single. Recently, I found nearly a dozen singles in tones of white & cream. They look really pretty mixed on a moss green linen tablecloth. And at $1.99 per napkin, I can afford them! Linen lasts for ever, so learn to recognize the distinctive feel of it, and hunt them down while thrifting.
I couldn't believe that price for no. 9, and sure enough, the numbers are reversed. The Pottery Barn ticking napkins are 4 for $18, not (alas) 18 for $4.