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..
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.
Organizing Napkins And Linens
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.