I love table linens. And, when I say I love table linens, I mean I have two drawers full of beautiful linen and cotton napkins. I’m drawn to the color, the patterns, and the natural fibers. Linen napkins are by far my favorite. We get so many people in the store that like our linen napkins, but they always say, “I’ll have to iron them,” then make a twisted face. Well, I say forget the ironing! One, who has time for that? Two, who cares if your linens are ironed? And, three, well-worn and wrinkled napkins mean regular dinners with family or dinner parties with friends. They mean fellowship and connection over a meal together. I can’t think of anything more lovely. 

During the pandemic when there was a shortage of all paper products, I started to pull from my drawer of linen napkins. Now, they are all we use. They have gone from crisp to crinkled and from brilliant color to faded hues, but I don’t care. For me, each one reminds me of the time I spent with my kids. While it was a terrible year, one silver lining was all the time we got to spend together, particularly before Will leaves for college.

My family has always prioritized meals together. Dinner is a sacred ritual. It keeps us connected. We share our days, we discuss the state of current affairs, we debate, and we plan. If that sounds familiar to you, then don’t worry about the iron and use your napkins. They will serve as a reminder of time together well spent.

If you need to replenish – or even start – your collection, then here are just a few of the napkins you can find at Red Barn Mercantile:

1.  Set of Two Linen Blossom Napkins, $32.50

2.  Set of Eight Cotton Chambray Napkins, $65

3.  Set of Four Linen Tulusa Chimera Napkins, $80

4.  Set of Four Linen Tulusa Navy Mums Napkins, $59

5.  Set of Two Linen Black Stripe Napkins, $32.50

6.  Set of Two Linen Botany Napkins, $32.50

7.  Set of Four Cotton Natural Stripe Napkins, $35