Organizing napkins and linens may not sound super exciting to every body, but it is to me. Just shut me in a room with nothing to do, and I’ll find something to rearrange or organize. I’ve been like this since I was a kid, which is kind of weird I know..
Organizing Napkins And Linens
Sorting out old tablecloths and napkins is one of those little projects I’ve had on my list forever. The funny thing is that it’s so easy to ignore what’s stuffed away in a drawer, because I don’t see the mess until I’m looking for something.
I decided one rainy morning last week to clean out all the extra stuff that has cluttered up the drawers in the old secretary desk.
You may recognize this secretary as one of my favorite pieces, which I inherited many years ago from my mom. It not only serves as our liquor cabinet, but has great storage in the drawers below.
When cleaning out a cabinet or drawer it’s usually easiest to empty the space first, then sort and edit items before placing them back in. It’s also a good time to vacuum or wipe down each one with a cloth.
By the way, since I didn’t know I would be turning this into a post, no gruesome before photos. Sorry!
Drawer Liner
Once the drawers were empty I went in search of something to line the bottoms to cover up the unattractive wood. Don’t you just love pretty shelf and drawer liners, and how fresh and clean they look? So do I, but the only thing I could put my hands on early in the morning was left over ticking wrapping paper. Hey it works, and no extra money spent. I like that too.
Organizing Linens
Originally all the napkins were folded and placed in stacks, but I found that too hard to see the lower levels. That’s probably why the napkin drawer looked so messy, because I had to dig to find anything.
Now I’m trying the filing method, which I hope will work better in this deep drawer. At a glance I can see exactly what I need.
Do you think I’m a little partial to blue napkins? LOL! Maybe I should broaden my color selection the next time I’m shopping for a special tablescape.
The bottom drawer holds a few tablecloths, table runners and a couple of ticking storage boxes.
Organizing Napkin rings and Cocktail Napkins
The top drawer looks almost empty with only a few napkin rings and cocktail napkins. I also have a few doilies and old coasters I’m not ready to part with yet.
I can’t believe how much I’m donating, but seriously if I haven’t used it in 20 years I probably never will. Of course there’s always an exception. I am keeping a linen cutwork tablecloth of my grandma’s that I’m pretty sure she made.
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Thanks for stopping by to see what I’m up to this week. For more ideas see my post Organizing A Kitchen.
Cheers!
© 2021 Organizing Napkins and Linens post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
HI Michelle, I love the filing method of the napkins. I am going to use that idea. I always stacked too and then missed so much stuff beneath the stack. Great ideas! Love the vintage cocktails book on the hutch!
laura
You have a good eye Laura and thanks so much for stopping by! Hugs!
Your mom’s secretary is gorgeous, Michelle! Using it as a liquor cabinet is a great idea. The drawers of the secretary are perfect for storing your napkins and other linens.
Thank you Paula! I forgot to mention my mom kept her napkins and tablecloths in here too! History just repeats itself LOL!
I love the fold and stack napkins. Redoing my drawers tomorrow!
Happy organizing! Even little projects like this one make me feel like I’ve accomplished something great! 😊
I’m SO surprised you used ticking stripe pattern as a drawer liner! (NOT!) I love the filing system. It’s what I use from my pillow covers, too! Pinned!
I knew you would be shocked LOL! Thanks for pinning sweet friend!
Love the filing method..I use it for clothes, but never thought to use it for linens…DUH! Brilliant! Now I need to find some drawers the right depth…
We’ll see how it goes! Maybe now that the drawers are cleaned out I can keep them looking like this. 😊
That is how I store my napkins as well. I too use the secretary desk from my Mom. Thanks for the liner idea
Thanks for the positive feedback Sandy! I gotta say, great minds think alike!!
Of course I love that antique piece you inherited from your mom! It’s beautiful! I’m a huge fan of cloth napkins and have used them for our everyday meals daily. Love the way stood them on end – I need to do this with mine! Thanks for sharing your organizing tips! Pinned!
Thank you Cindy, this is one multifunctional piece of furniture! 😊
HA Michelle you made me laugh – I was like that as a kid too! 🙂 Standing the napkins on end is brilliant! Another project for me coming up, I can tell! Thanks so much for the fun and the inspiration!
Haha thanks for getting me Barbara! Hugs!
you put my napkin drawer to shame
I so happy I finally cleaned it out! Thank you for stopping by Carol! Hugs!
Such a helpful post!
Thanks Amber!
Great organizing tips, I only have a chest to store my linen etc. but will try to incorporate your ideas.
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Love this Michelle. the file method for the napkins is genius! I love your mom’s secretary desk. It’s beautiful. XO- MaryJo
Thank you MaryJo! The secretary desk is a multi task piece, and we enjoy it so much!
Your organization for napkins and linens is amazing. It gave me motivation to get mine organized.
Happy Spring,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi! I’m always looking for organizing solutions to get me motivated too!