Between Naps on the Porch: A Little Secret That Will Delight Your Dinner Guests

Mar 21, 2009

A Little Secret That Will Delight Your Dinner Guests

If you're like me, you rarely iron these days. I tend to iron a lot more in the spring/summer months since that's when I'm wearing a lot of cotton and linen clothing. It's perfect for those hot, balmy days and evenings here in the south.

When it comes to ironing my tablecloths and napkins, I have a little secret I thought I'd share with you today. Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but I love to use scented linen water. :-)

Linen water comes in lots of different scents...like 'Grapefruit'...which I've used before...or 'Sweet Pea' as shown below.

My favorite, though, has to be lavender.

It reminds me of the French lavender I have growing in my gardens...

But, the best part about ironing with scented linen water is the delight on the face of your dinner guest as they unfold their napkin to place it in their lap, and suddenly catch the heavenly scent of Sweet Peas or Lavender! :-) Now that's worth just a little bit of ironing! :-)

Labels: Gardening, Linen Water, Linens

47 Comments:

At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Deanna said...: Susan,
Very lovely table setting.
Refreshing like a gentle Spring rain.
I am so very glad that I came across your site. You have a WONDERFUL blogspot!
I'm enjoying all the ideas and hope to participate on a Monday or Thursday sometime this Spring after I get help posting pictures on my blog. Ouch...I'm not very techie minded.
May you have a wonderful Spring.
God's richest Blessings to you,
Deanna
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Chandy said...: Susan, I just love taking a peek at your blog! I always find something beautiful!

I wish I can grab all of my other dishes out of the storage so I can play with a lot more, lol!

I'm so glad I found your blog; I am having so much fun participating in all of the memes! Last TT, I posted about all the great hosts of the ones I've participated in. It was such a fun post to do!

Here's the link if you didn't get to visit last Thursday:

http://whatnowtablescapes.blogspot.com/2009/03/post-for-hosts-who-posts-to-host.html

Thanks, Carolyn (Chandy)
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Stacey said...: Hi Susan. I use linen water every day. I spritz it on my bed just before making it up. The smell is soft and wonderful at night. Honestyly, now I'm realizing that maybe that's not what I'm supposed to do with it. Oh well. :)
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Kathleen Ellis said...: What a great idea, Susan! I use scented linen water when I iron my pillowcases and the top part of my top sheet..for my bed and the guest beds...it is such a treat. I also use scented lavender rinse for my bedding (when I wash it) as well...between the two the scent lingers for several days!
I also spray it on the bedding in the guest rooms to keep them fresh.
But...I have never thought to use it on my napkins, which I almost always iron before using...thanks for the great tip!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Happy Spring!
;-D
Kathleen
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Jean said...: Hey Susan, Where do you get the linen water? I have never seen it anywhere. I always love your blog, and look forward to it.
Jean in Virginia
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Glenda/MidSouth said...: What a nice idea. I rarely use a tablecloth and cloth napkins, because I dislike ironing so much. I know I would have a prettier table if I did. When the Grands come, placemats and paper napkins just seem to work so much better. Hope you are having great weekend.
Glenda
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...: Your tablesetting is just lovely and I am sure the sweet smell of some lovely lavender would really be a delight. I have not used the scented water, but I will give it a try. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tip. Hugs, Marty
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Shaam said...: How lovely! Thanks for the idea.

All the best,
Allison
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Bo said...: Hi Susan...Now that is a great idea! I especially love the scent of lavender... ;-) Bo
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , The Raggedy Girl said...: What a lovely idea. I like to iron. When you can't make life work out the way you want, you can make wrinkles smooth out by ironing. Makes a person feel good and I love the idea of spritzing lavender on my ironing.

Roberta Anne
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Admin said...: Thank you for the great ideas!
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Four Paws and Co said...: What a great idea! How do you store your tablecloths & napkins? Are they rolled or hung up??? ♥ Diane
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Blondie's Journal said...: Susan,

I agree that ironig is a lost art indeed. I go into a trance when I'm doing my table linens! I have a little vintage glass bottle with a sprinkle cap. When I touch up shirts for my boys or husband, I put a few drops of their favorite cologne in the water and they love the subtle scent!

xoxo
Jane
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Hi Jean,
I purchased the linen water shown on my blog at Costco, but when I Googled it, I found it on Amazon.com, too. I would be surprised if Bed, Bath and Beyond didn't have it.
Diane, right now I store my tablecloths and napkins in the drawers in the lower half of my china cabinet. It would be great to store the tablecloths on hangers though...the way Bunny Williams shows in her book, An Affair with a House.
Stacey...it's a great idea to spritz it on your bed linens, too! :-)
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Cathy Miller said...: Yes, I use the linen scent too..I usually use rose scented..I found it at the Dollar Tree and bought about 5 bottles of it. Heavenly!
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Martha said...: A lovely table but blue and white tables always are!

I, too, use linen water -- and I make my own from the lavender that grows in the garden.

Linen and lavender -- that is a match!
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Deb said...: I always used the lavender linen spray. Can't remember why I stopped...but I'll go to World Market to get some.
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...: Of course you know I love lavender!! I use the linen spray on my bedding. Such a soothing way to fall asleep...

Thanks for the inspiration for Met Monday. I will join one day soon, I promise!
Hugs,
Penny
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Tomarie said...: Well I'm so glad to now about this! And I just read what you wrote about spraying the bed linens too! Thanks for the "smell goodie" tip!! :-) L~
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Cottage Rose said...: Hello Susan; Wow scented water to iron with... I am going to have to go and look for some. I just love the smell of Lavender, how great it would be for my bedding...

Hugs;
Alaura
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Anonymous said...: Wonderful post, Susan! Thanks for the inspiration. I'll definitely be doing this.
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Silvia said...: great idea susan!,i might just try this one..have a great weekend!.silvia.
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Tardevil said...: That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing your secrets! If you get a chance, come by and join my giveaway (before Tues.). Have a good weekend.
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , cedwards55 said...: Don't you love linen water? I've been known to spritz some on drapery panels and let my steamer "set" the scent. I've found TJ Maxx to be a great resource for linen water too! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
C
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...: Susan, I love this stuff, too. Especially the lavendar in my bedding. It's so relaxing.
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Tara said...: Hi SUsan

My first visit to your blog, what a lovely respite here! I know I'll be back!
At Saturday, March 21, 2009 , Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...: I love you blue and white dishes and the way you tuck the napkins between the charger and the plate.
I always iron my table linens so I will try using some linen water next time.
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Deb said...: Hi Susan! Great tip and your table and garden looks great! Deb
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , xinex said...: Thanks for the great tip, Susan! Those linen sprays smell so good. I use them sometimes on pillows.Thanks for your visit on my blogs, glad you enjoyed them. If you ever want to visit here, you can be our guest and we can show you around!...Christine
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Maryrose said...: I love the idea of linen water for the napkins. I will be off on a shopping trip tomorrow. Your napkins always look so fresh and crisp.
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Barbara said...: Susan what a great idea, I can't wait to try it. I usually wash my linens in scented wash, but never thought about napkins. You table setting is beautiful. I hope to participate in TT this week, I have never done that.
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Reanaclaire said...: hi..wonderful to come by here to read yr blog for the first time.. i like it...very nice blog u hv here..
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Susan @ The Good Life! said...: I use it too! I think the one I use is lavender and sage? Anyway, I use it on everything I iron. 2/3 water and 1/3 linen spray! I like it better then anything else!
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Risa said...: I'm going to get some linen water today!
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Melissa Miller said...: Lovely idea Susan!
I have seen the linen water at Marshalls and not bought any yet.
It's not my favorite chore but you're right the fresh scent should inspire me.

I have an Easter table ready for a TT post but I'm waiting until it's a little closer to the actual Holiday.

Happy Spring to you!
~Melissa :)
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Kathleen said...: This is too funny! I just bought some at Christmas Tree Shops..to freshen the cushions.
Now I will try it on the napkins too..I hate to iron though!
I spread them out damp and press out as many wrinkles as I can with my hands and let them dry, then just do a touch up..
I think ironing 100 white napkins after a party did it for me! :)
Thanks for the tip!
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , jerseygirl211 said...: Hi Susan,

I have a funny story to share about scented linens. I always line my bread basket with a cloth napkin when I'm serving bread. So one day when I had company, I put the warm cresent rolls in the napkin, lined basket. One of our Grmaddaughter's, anxious to be the first to get her roll, smiled broadly, took a big bite and then yelled, as she started spitting the roll out of her mouth. :( We couldn't understand what was happening, as we all watched in horror over her sudden distress and tears. Well.... It seems that the napkin got into a load of wash, by mistake, where I used fabric softner in the wash, and the hot rolls absorbed the perfumed, scent and tasted just awful.:( I had to throw the whole batch out and bake new ones, which ended being ready just in time for dessert. ;)

Your post reminded me of that happening.

Hugs
'D'
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Helen said...: Hi there! Your post just reminds me I am NEVER too old to learn something new .......... thank you.
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...: I have done that too! Not for a while though, you just reminded me of it! Beautiful placesetting also!
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Elenka said...: Thanks for the tip!
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Helen said...: Hi again ... forgot to tell you I went back to see Cate/Joy's bannister decor on 12/4/08 ... it is really lovely and since I also have a bannister, I plan to take some inspiration from her.
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , Anonymous said...: What a great idea! I have never seen that any where. I can imagine how nice everything smells ♥
At Sunday, March 22, 2009 , English Cottage in Georgia said...: Susan, I too love the lavendar water. How do you keep the Georgia clover out of your lavendar?
At Monday, March 23, 2009 , Debra from Bungalow said...: I use linen water on my bedding. The scent lasts a long time. Great post with tons of ideas! I've joined Met Monday,

Come on over, I'm having a GiveAway.
At Monday, March 23, 2009 , Sarah said...: Great tip on the linen water! Thank you for sharing! I love your dishes! So pretty!
At Friday, July 10, 2009 , Betty said...: Susan, where do you buy scented linen water? BB&Beyond? Doesn't lavender help with insomnia? I don't iron any pillow cases anymore because they don't need it if I get them out of the dryer right away but I do have the old fashion dresser scarves that I must iron.
At Friday, July 10, 2009 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Hi Betty...you can usually find it in Bed Bath and Beyond and recently I saw some in a TJ Max.
Lavender would be great for sheets and pillow cases since it is supposed to help you relax. :-)

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Between Naps on the Porch

Mar 21, 2009

A Little Secret That Will Delight Your Dinner Guests

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