Today's Journal

Easy Care Summer Entertaining

Finally, the warm, lazy days of summer are on the horizon.  We are all ready for more sunshine, which naturally brings a more casual, impromptu entertaining style.  Families are invited on the spur of the moment for hot dogs and chicken on the grill.  Cooking is easy and clean up should also be easy.  Incredibly, there are tablecloth options that provide an elegant backdrop for our meal yet are easy care.  We can still entertain in style!
 
A perennial favorite are  "Coated Tablecloths".  These fine quality French tablecloths are cotton damasks that have been treated with a protective coating which allows stains and liquids to stay on the surface. You simply sponge clean!  These tablecloths can be machine washed, although there is seldom a need to do so.  They are available in bright patterns, soft pastels but all are current patterns. You guests will be amazed!  They are available in a variety of sizes, but also can be custom sized so that if you like to combine two tables for large family gatherings, a coated tablecloth is an easy option.  Perfect for outdoor dining, barbeques and buffets!

The trend for stain repellent fabrics continue.  This season Garnier Thiebaut has introduced "Green Sweet", a collection of cotton jacquard tablecloths with threads that have been specially coated before weaving. The result...a stain resistant tablecloth...spills and stains remain on top of the fabric, waiting to be wiped away!  Until you see the spills bead up, you would never know this was anything other than a beautiful cotton jacquard tablecloth!  Wonderful patterns: High Tea Gris Ocean,  High Tea Printemps Bleu, Rose Anciennes Bouton, Nordic Light Brise , Nordic Light Sapin Vert, Sully Perla, Virginia Kiss Blue, Virginia Red Pink and Chevron Gris Brise.  Great style and easy care!

Also explore the French Provencal Jacquard cloths. These cloths are woven with Teflon coated cotton threads.  These tablecloths also feel like cotton, yet repel water and stains. They simply bead up on the surface. The fabric remains breathable and durable.  These can also be machine washed...but you might be surprised how seldom you do!