I don't iron. I haven't owned an iron for about 8 years. A few years ago, my daughter and I went over to a friend's house to hang out a bit. She had her iron and ironing board out, and my little girl pointed to it and said, "Mommy, what's that?" Exactly.
Last weekend, as I was prepping for a reception, I used this awesome steamer to steam out all the wrinkles in the linens. I thought to myself, "I really should at least have an iron." Then, last week, as God would have it, I was shopping at the best grocery store in the world, when I saw a steaming iron. I think it was maybe $10. I decided it was time to break down and get one. (I even grabbed the ironing board for $8 while I was at it.)
So, then, this morning, while the kids were playing happily, I decided to work on a new tablescape. I've been wanting to play around with some vintage finds that I had recently collected from estate sales and clearance racks. And, plus, with my hubby having night class two nights in a row, I figured we could use a nice sit down dinner all together. So I dove into designing.
With my handy dandy new steaming iron, I freshened up the linens...almost ALL the linens. I got a little carried away. I couldn't stop! It was absolutely addicting! I knew there was a reason why I didn't have one. I now understand why my grandmother would say "those creases in the linens were her pride and joy".
I've always loved vintage pieces. They have such a story to tell, and they are all crafted so beautifully. As, I took everything out, I was really pleased how well all the pieces went together. Usually, when I'm on the hunt, I don't try to match with what I have. I just grab what I like that's a good price, and then try to find a good spot for it.
I couldn't wait to sit down with my family for a nice dinner together. But, then I remembered what I had made for dinner prior to designing the table. Any guesses?
Of course it was spaghetti! This post makes me smile. I agree...sometimes when I start ironing, I actually enjoy it. I like the smell of freshly ironed vintage linens. I never dreamed that I would say that I find ironing relaxing, but I really do. It's a great time to think and reflect. Thanks for sharing your charming table design. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteYour linens are beautiful and pressed to perfection. A lovely table set for family dinner with baked spaghetti.
ReplyDeleteAll the Best,
Requi
I didn't guess the "baked" part, but the "spaghetti" part was a given. :-) Your table looks beautiful, and I loved your post.
ReplyDeletePS - If you're ever looking for something to iron, please give me a call.
Oh wow... I love it! I love the mix and no matchy matchy. It is just beautiful! What a special table for your family to sit together. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing what you are creatin' this week!!
Cute table! I avoid ironing as much as possible too : ) The steam makes all the difference though.
ReplyDeletePS Thank you for visiting me at The Tiny Tudor yesterday!
What a wonderful setting with all the different pieces brought together. Nice use of the varied textures and designs.
ReplyDeleteDebbie@houseatthelake
I keep wondering where can you get an iron for $10 these days? :) I like how you mixed all the vintage pieces together. Beautiful table! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI like how both Aldi and I make an appearance in this entry. Did you do it to antagonize me?
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of your ironing.
I am such a fan of vintage linens, and yours are lovely AS IS the whole table. I love the mason jars for glasses. Perfect vintage touch.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found the TT party! Now, I'll look for you again because I know that I will like it!
Goodness Gracious Alive..your table setting was beautiful! In love with the vintage linens and when I first saw yours, I immediately thought of my grandmother. :)) Such a nice walk down memory lane..thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs of Georgia Sunshine,
Terri
Love your linens. You made me laugh so hard by not having a iron, I have one but do not use it. I teach a homeschool class for girls 3rd through 5th grade and one of the things I am suppose to teach this year is ironing, I am hoping that since you seemed to have no problem jumping back into ironing that it like riding a bike and I will be fine. So glad you shared you are a bright spot in my day.
ReplyDeleteCha Cha
TOO funny about the ironing! There is something immediately rewarding about it (and vacuuming and cleaning toilets). You can see your progress...I love that! The table turned out *great*! Of course, it was baked spaghetti. Now onto stain-removal (another "rewarding" household chore)! ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Fun post to read! Ironing is a lost art! If I could be at home more (not at work) I'd love to have everything all freshly pressed! Your tablescape looks very pretty - hope not too much spaghetti landed on it!
ReplyDeleteDD
I've gone thru the same experience with ironing and sewing. I used to think they were so much work, and now I love doing both. When I am sewing, I just shake my head and think how lazy I must have been when I was younger and thought making a bobbin and ironing fabric took SO long. Now I actually enjoy both. It's so interesting how we change over time. Love how you set the table--how special and festive!
ReplyDeleteI have an iron for one reason, only...linens! I find it very relaxing to iron napkins and tablecloths.
ReplyDeleteYour table looks lovely, hope your napkins and tablecloth didn't suffer too badly.
Have a great weekend, Melissa.
You ladies are so sweet! Thanks for all the encouragement. I never knew I could love something I hated so much!
ReplyDeleteOh, and Kari, I knew you'd love that. mwahaahaa. ;)
Wow. We don't have one either. My mom thinks it is horrible! I keep meaning to get one.
ReplyDeleteYour table looked gorgeous. What beautiful plates and linens. Just stunning. Glad the ironing torned out to be therapuetic. : )
Oh, you have inspired me to have a tea party with my girls! How beautiful! It makes doing things that I'm not fond of {laundry and cooking} a work of art {which I do love}.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous!
I, too, hate the iron. I just don't understand how people can make this a weekly chore. However, if my ironing were to help in the production in a table such as yours and I viewed it as a pathway to ART, perhaps I could drag it out...once in a while.
ReplyDeleteYour finds and bargains came together so beautifully. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous...I don't iron either.....Love your blog...
ReplyDeleteI am smiling and soaking up all of your table "beauty".
ReplyDeleteLoved your ironing story-- I can so relate--ironing is last thing I want to do, but when
I'm flattening all those wrinkles, I feel so accomplished. Love your blog!! :D
So beautiful!! I'm afraid I use my iron quite a bit, but have learned to find something entertaining to listen to while I iron - it makes the time pass quickly!
ReplyDeleteLove this post-- the ironing thing, the vintage finds-- the tablescape! Beautiful
ReplyDelete