The Family Tablecloth
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There are not many things much more fun than gathering around the table to enjoy a meal with family or friends. Over the holidays we visited my in-laws on their farm in North Carolina. I was happy to see this family tablecloth on the table when we arrived.
My mother-in-law began this in 1995. Every year, when we all gather together around the table, each family member who is present, with pencil in hand, adds a little more.
Sometimes it’s a poem about what happened that year.
Sometimes it’s a drawing. Or maybe it’s a simple outline of their hand.
Whatever the author chooses to add they sign their name and date it. Then, before the next holiday season arrives, Nanny needlepoints each mini artwork, readying the tablecloth for more. Nanny made the tablecloth from simple sheeting and attached red trim along the edge.
It’s been such fun to see it fill up over the years. The kids really get a kick out of looking back to what they had to say years ago. What a great idea. I hope we continue the tradition until there are no more white spaces left.
Do you have any cool traditions you’ve began with your family or friends?
Love this idea so much….just imagine all the memories this will hold over the years!
What a special idea. I love anything that brings back memories from year to year. This has given me the inspiration to start a tablecloth like this of my own. Thank you for sharing it.
OMG…..This is such a wonderful idea. I am such a sap when it comes to things like this but I may have to adopt something similar with my family. Now all I need to do is learn needlepoint.
This might be just about the coolest thing I have ever seen!
very good tradition, like hand ordamint for the tree
I’ve been doing this since 1997 and my tablecloth is my favorite Christmas tradition.
One of many reasons why I love my mom so much! The tablecloth, the annual Christmas programs with the kids are great memories. Thanks for posting this!
OH WOW! What an awesome tradition and a great memoir. that is amazing! 🙂
That is a beautiful tablecloth. It will be a beautiful heirloom to pass down. I wish my family would visit me.
We have been doing this tablecloth tradition for years and I treasure my tablecloth. My grandmother has passed away but her memories live on with the tablecloth and all the memories with the children and our holiday visitors throughout the years. We use fabric markers on the tablecloth and cover it with a clear tablecloth so we can dine on it during the holidays and admire the years past. With my first grandchild this year, another generation will be added to this tradition.
What a wonderful idea, a beautiful treasure heirloom I love the idea….. Bless you all……
When 911 happened we made a Thanksgiving table cloth. We made handprint turkeys and wrote what we were thankfull for. We us it every year.
For motherday we made a flower and bug table cloth with handprints
Easter we made a tree with birds
with footprints
All of family members and close friend. Also all the new babys
deffenty will be adding to each one