I. Old and damaged, or even perfect condition tablecloths make wonderful cafe curtains
Simply cut in half lengthwise and hem, adding either clips or ribbons to tie on a pretty rod...simple and beautiful! [plus, they launder easily and look lovely in the sunlight. Regular laundry will maintain their suppleness, and extend the life of the fabrics.]

II. Handtowels: If you have enough, make a pleated bedskirt from them. The varying textures and finishes will make a wonderfully eclectic look--fresh and new!

III. Feedsacks/flour sacks: I buy all the feed sacks I can find and use them many ways, but this is my most favorite: When having a dinner party and want a fun look for the extra chairs, simply slip feed sacks over the back of a chair and crush down for a great new look. Stuff it with a pillow for a plush and relaxing outdoor chair that is cushy and fun! Or, use two: one for the back and one for the seat--last night I did this and my dinner guests were relaxed and lounging after dinner and dessert!
IV. Window treatments with a new twist: want a clean look with texture instead of frills?
You need two parts to make this work: Antique linen or antique sheets, and find or recycle some old lace. The older and more intricate the better. Take the antique linen and make drapery panels, miter the corners for a nice "handsome" finish, and select the best and most re-usable parts of the old lace panels. Overlay the lace portion of the panels and hand stitch them over the linen for a lush look and a return to an embroidered look without the work! The added value is that the lace is removable for a different look.

V. Small tablecloths of interesting design can be used to make a pair of pillow shams, especially those damask ones and the fabric will wash and wear and last forever!

VI. Tired of those heavy duvets? It's time to dust off the covers and free up that goose down to breathe!

VII. If you are complaining of a bed that is too hot or you have a duvet that is too heavy to sleep under [we've all suffered for beauty, right?!] Here are some quick tips:

a. removing your duvet cover and using the naked down comforter over a sheet will protect it from body oils but allow it to breathe and perform better. Plus, you can use your Grandmother's beautiful tablecover as a blanket cover and enjoy it each and every day!
b. Launder your duvet and blanket covers to remove oils that affect their performance and longevity--plus, you'll find they are lighter and more comfortable for sleep. [Plus, If you can't launder those duvets, get rid of them--cleanliness is important to good health and well being.]
c. Buy yourself a down mattress pad and cover it with 2 fitted sheets and a flat bottom sheet. That separates you from the chemicals of your mattress and allows a corridor of breating space that is all natural.
d. Use linen sheets or the coolest feeling cotton ones that take your breath away when you touch them...doing so will make your night--and keep you cool!
e. Buy a down blankie! Yes, a super light, small duvet available is special sizes --or even to fit your own bed--and use it without a duvet cover. You'll never go back to those heavy feeling duvets again!
f. Uses VII. steps a-e for a cool, crisp bed and top it with a blanket cover or bed cover fashioned from your family's linens, then add pillows made from antique tablecloths, but tailored in a special way--add your own monogram, and drift off to the coolest and most comfortable sleep of your life!


Pandora de Balthazar
Antique European Linens and Decadence Down

Manufacturers of the European Sleep System "Decadence Down", a line of Hungarian goose down pillows and bedding, importers of antique European and American linens and textiles, and specialists for reconstruction and customizing of antique and new linens for those with discriminating tastes for sumptuous comfort and luxury. We believe that your personal comfort and luxury is an absolute necessity. Experience it!

In Pensacola, Florida and Round Top, Texas, with private trunk shows and stocking dealers nationwide. Call for your private appointment, or join the fly and buy program! 850 432 4777, phone; 850 432 0011, fax, Pensacola, Fl; 979 249 2070, phone; 979 249 2586, fax.