‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining so I must dicuss one of my obsessions:  oilcloth!  Reminiscent of an era gone by – my grandmother had an oilcloth table cloth that was used for everyday meals as well as many rounds of gin rummy as I got older – oilcloth is still very practical today because it is a durable and wipeable surface, and it can add a splash of fun kitsch to any decor.  Currently, my oilcloth splashes are in my tote bags, cosmetic cases and my daughter’s lunch bag, but after finding a couple great shops that sell cut yardage in addition to finished oilcloth goods I am considering adding an oilcloth table cloth into my party closet.

Historically oilcloth was made with a heavy canvas or cotton fabric rendered waterproof with numerous coats of linseed oil; today plastic (PVC) or vinyl is woven into cotton and is far less time-consuming.  Most oilcloth is imported from Mexico and this tangerine inspired table cloth above would be perfectly on trend this summer!  Whether it’s oilcloth or laminated cotton, this old-school accessory is prime for modern day:  outdoor entertaining, a breakfast nook, children’s art tables and more.  Have a little fun and go retro in a fresh way!

There are so many uses for oilcloth today due to crafty oilcloth fans and the modernization of oilcloth production allowing for a wider variety in finished yardage.  If you are intrigued, then check out Modern June’s Sewing with Oilcloth book, Martha Stewart’s Oilcloth Crafts, Wipe Easy Tablelcloths for modern cut yardage, or just search the web and you’ll find a plethora of uses for oilcloth.

Image sources:  Coquelicot from Provence, Mexican Sugar Skull, Oilcloth Moth, Modern June, Pink Chalk Studio, Modern June, Martha Stewart