History of tablecloths
History of tablecloths
There are essentially two main types of tablecloths; one is meant to protect the table from spills and scratches, such as the plastic variety common in casual restaurants and family picnics; and then there are fancy, decorative ones that bring a sense of propriety and occasion to any dining room. You may be surprised to learn that these seemingly inconsequential household staples actually have quite a long history. The oldest and perhaps most widely discussed evidence of tablecloth usage dates back to Europe in the 8th Century. The Emperor Charlemagne reportedly used a tablecloth made from asbestos at his feasts in order to convince his guests that he had magical powers. He would throw it into the fire, the story goes, and everyone would be amazed when he pulled it out undamaged. Gradually tablecloths became a fixture in the dining ritual of aristocrats, and by the 15th Century, the habit had been incorporated into the lives of common folk as well. In the late 1800s, trendsetting Queen Victoria lent her style to the realm of table setting and consequently European linens of this era featured dark, rich fabrics with intricate decorations.
History of tablecloths
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