Question:
I have a bunch of Vintage Christmas table linens, mostly tablecloths. I am guessing 50's 60's for most of them. Is there a good website dedicated to Christmas Linens?
One other question- Did Holt Howard do linens? I think I remember reading that was how he started, I can't find my HOlt Howard book , it's in the garage packed away somewhere. I have one tablecloth with designs that looks a lot like his Christmas Tree shaped candy dishes.
As always Thanks in Advance for your help,
Denise
Answer:
Denise, you could be right about the 50s and 60s tablecloths but they were also very popular in the 40s and even earlier. Some of the most sought after Christmas cloths are actually from the 40s.
I seem to remember seeing a Holt Howard tablecloth but I'm not finding it at the moment. Can you post or email me a picture of the HH cloth and I'll see what I can find out for you.
Why not post pics of several of your cloths here. We'd love to see them.
Joan
jamsmith at cox-internet dot com
Answer:
Denise, I happen to have my copy of Dworkin's Holt-Howard book handy. After a quick scan I can't find any mention of linens in his book. Though since his book concentrates on ceramics I suppose that doesn't rule out Holt-Howard tablecloths.
OK, I just reread the "Creativity was a Hallmark" section and I found aprons mentioned:
"For the kitchen, there was breakfast and luncheon tableware. Trivets, cutting boards, gourmet cookware, canisters, coffe and tea pots, mugs, creamers, sugars and juice picthers with matching glasses were just some of the items that were always in abundance and offered to the consumer. For outside the house, Holt-Howard offered many barbecue and picnic accessories, such as aprons, food umbrellas, corn holders and stackable, portable condiment jars."
In chapter 12, "Merry Christmas from Holt-Howard", Dworkin states "...Holt-Howard has captured these memories for us forever in their wonderful ceramics, and other Christmas related gift wares." And "Although Holt-Howard created numerous paper, cardboard, foil, wood and other material Christmas decorations, this chapter will be primarily dedicated to the company's ceramic creations."
Please do post photos if you get the chance. I think I might have a tablecloth book around here somewhere too...
Tanya
Answer:
Thanks Joan and Tanya!
I'll try to get some photos later this afternoon.
Thanks again,
Denise