The artists reinventing embroidered table cloths

Published by Jasmine Langcaster-James on

‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’

-Virginia Woolf

The approach of Spring sees in a season of freshening up your table setting, and with covid restrictions being scrapped it’s also time to get penciling in some dinner parties and making up for lost time.

I’ve long been aversive to embroidered table cloths, through fear of having my table setting instantly look like my Grandmother’s with intricate florals and Victorian lace motifs. It works for some aesthetics, but not mine. When mixing old with new, I’d ordinarily go for simple, clean linens and traditional candle stick holders or crystal-cut glassware. Plus, in the words of Miranda Priestly herself, (The Devil Wears Prada), ‘Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.’

But enter a reinvigoration of embroidered table cloths with these delectable pieces served up by inspirational artists and collaborations, and I’m sold. Bold, unique and sure to start you off with some table-conversation fodder at the aforementioned dinner parties (and we could all do with that after a two year lack of human interaction, right?). Familiar, homely and delicious looking details embroidered onto the linen conjures a nostalgic feel, while inspiring for future occasions.

This beauty is served from Oeuvres Sensibles in Merseille, with owner and artist Sarah Espeute explaining that she uses ‘everyday imagery to tell familiar stories through functional yet aesthetically pleasing charming textiles… [they] recall poetic and convivial scenes of shared meals’. These made to order textiles take a minimum of three weeks and are a lovely investment piece. This navy, black and red scene of mussels, crabs and a baguette on antique cream linen is my personal favourite.

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The modernised floral print, with the subtle white plate and cutlery settings on this cloth below, comes in a close second (and I believe this one is ready to ship: bonus).

If commissioning your own table textiles isn’t within your budget, Maki Atelier on Etsy sells handmade pieces depicting minimal stylised flowers, foliage, pots and architecture serving Grecian vibes. A setting like this is sure to transport you to al fresco dining in the Mediterranean.

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Lastly, found on Instagram, the lovely embroidery artist Ellie Mac has collaborated with ceramic artist Alma Berrow in a harmonious marriage of their two styles with these striking illustrations that suggests a sultry night in with playing cards, bar snacks, matches, cigarettes and games of naughts and crosses. Just looking at it I can practically smell the cigarette smoke, hear the jazz music and taste the salty pistachios and seafood.

If I’ve whet your appetite for these beautifully statement pieces in your own home, click the links throughout to have a further look at each piece. Even if you’re not sold by the beauty and individuality of each piece, a reminder on your table cloth of which way round your cutlery goes is always handy.

Now excuse me while I get reacquainted with my vintage Singer sewing machine…

Categories: Lifestyle

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