Two Kid Schoolhouse

• Mar. 21, 2006 - Cloth Napkin Snobbery

Last Sunday we had our fellowship group from church over - about 6 families that almost always show up, along with some guests.  It's a pretty big crowd.

As I was preparing on Saturday night I discovered that we were just about out of paper napkins.   Oh no!  I didn't feel like going to the store just for that, so I figured I'd just put out cloth napkins.  I have a lot.  Some of them are very shabby but they still work. And I had made a bunch for Thanksgiving.  I prefer cloth to paper anyway; they just work better!

As we were setting up C noticed the cloth napkins and said "just wait, [immature 30-ish guy] will say something about the napkins."  Sure enough, he did!   "Ooh, getting fancy!" he said to me.  Oh, please.  I just laughed and told the truth - no paper napkins.  Still, he seemed to think I was "putting on airs."  (Love that old expression.) 

Sometimes people make similar comments about tablecloths.  I have several cheap tablecloths that I use for these crowds, or for company.  I guess they look fancy. But I bought them because they are neutral color, cheap, and it's easier than putting out placemats for these big groups. (I sure don't have enough matching placemats!)  And I'd rather have someone wreck a $10 tablecloth than have a little kid gouge out my wood table with a fork, you know?  But somehow putting on a tablecloth makes people think I'm gettin' all fancy on 'em. 

It's just funny to me how things that seem very unremarkable to me, like using cloth napkins, create such a reaction in others.  Of course there are probably things others find normal that would cause me to react.  Naturally, I can't think of any because, well, my standard is the correct one, isn't it?  :-)
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• Mar. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lynan
I don't have any cloth napkins, but if I did I'd use them! Sounds very nice. And I'm with you on tablecloths!
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• Mar. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by momn4boys
I am just like you- I like cloth napkins too. My dad always looks at me like I'm crazy when he comes and I put out the cloth napkins. He said once I must like doing laundry. LOL no dad but I LIKE cloth napkins.
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• Mar. 22, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by norwester
I didn't know there was controversy over cloth napkins. I like cloth napkins too, and I always think I should get around to making some because I just don't like making needless trash! :)
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• Mar. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous
I use cloth napkins and a table cloth on a daily basis. They bring me joy.

Mrs darling
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• Mar. 31, 2006 - I like cloth napkins

Posted by homeskoolmom
We use cloth napkins almost always. Unless we're having a picnic outdoors. No more shreds of paper everywhere and less trash. The only downside is that I usually find at least one under the table later that night or the next morning :)
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