Posted by Julie Miller, June 26, 2009
Decorator Jenny Peters' dining room in Coconut Grove
photographed by Tria Giovan
There's nothing quite like the simple beauty of a white tablecloth to cool down and clean up a space. Whether you're spreading out a gauzy rectangle, an antique French linen square, or a classic hotel version from Williams-Sonoma, a snowy white tablecloth is a true classic, like a crisp cotton button-down.
19th-century French damask napkins and tablecloth; photographed by Monica Buck
an 1890s damask set from Provence
And don't worry about inevitable spills and drips on a pristine white cloth. The summer sun can be your best asset in that regard. Gay Wirth of the Magazine Street shop Wirthmore Antiques says to pat the stain with lemon and salt or soak the cloth for a few days in a bucket of water with mild soap. Rinse gently without wringing, pressing to expel the water. Lay the cloth over a bush or grass and let the sun's rays naturally bleach it.
