Vintage paper napkins. Great graphics and a simple item. I did a post on this collection in 2009. In that time span my collection has grown (of course) and I thought it was time to officially include it in the collection challenge category.
I often find these napkins in a stack with a single design of each. I think these were saved after a party as a sweet little memento. Occasionally I will find a full or partial pack of them, perhaps left over from a party that was thrown.
I will start with St. Patrick's day since that is just around the corner.
Easter would be the next holiday after that.
This unopened pack of napkins is a favorite. I love how the rabbit is dipping into paint cans labeled dots and stripes. Look how happy those newly painted eggs look.
Valentine's Day
My favorite napkins are probably from birthdays. These all featured birthday cakes. Cake..
after cake...
after cake. And all different designs.
Darling.
The graphics often extended onto all four folded panels of the napkin. I love this train track that circles the napkin. It travels through a tunnel labelled BEST WISHES.
More adorable graphics.
Huckleberry Hound dated 1959.
A cowboy themed party.
Napkins to ring in the New Year.
Napkins to serve with coffee and a treat for friends.
This is a another favorite design. It would surely make a guest feel welcome.
Dogs are cute.
Weddings and bridal showers.
Baby showers.
This darling stork carries a bag marked Dr. Stork, M.D. when he is out on deliveries.
Springtime flowers.
I found these napkins with meal blessings all at one estate sale.
Circus themed with the graphic all around. I like how the center of the napkin tent says BIG TOP.
And a circus parade with the fat lady in a cute little striped dress and matching hair ribbon.
I only have one lone holiday napkin that I could locate. I think I may have more in my Christmas bins.
The turkey on the right looks very worried on these Thanksgiving napkins.
I don't often run across napkins for a Hen Party!
Last but not least, these Halloween napkins are a favorite. These are a bit more modern.
These are older napkins, probably from the 40s and 50s.
Black cats and friendly pumpkins were popular.
Another unusual collection. I am always amazed that a simple thing like a paper napkin was saved. Thank goodness!
Whooooo has an idea for a future collection challenge?
If you do, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of _____." You just never know what challenge will show up on a Tuesday.
It's the graphics that get me every time. Wouldn't it be nice if today's products were given the same care and detail. What a fun collection.
If I could go back I would have saved a napkin from each of my kids birthdays and holidays. It would have been a fun memory.
Oh well, I guess this is why I collect other people's pasts! :o)
Posted by: Melissa | March 12, 2013 at 04:49 AM
Do you collect any dish ware? A china set, milk glass or any type of table ware? I noticed that the majority of the birthday cakes were pink. My favorites were the storks.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Remy | March 12, 2013 at 04:58 AM
Oh my goodness. The graphics are just incredible. Truly one-of-a-kind. They just aren't the same anymore. Great rescues!
Posted by: Kim Kenward | March 12, 2013 at 06:15 AM
Those napkins are wonderful! Oh what memories you bring back with the Huckleberry Hound. I loved to watch Yogi when I came home for lunch from school in the mid-60's... what a great collection Laurie.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one to save a napkin or two from each holiday; been doing that for years (hey, maybe one day someone will appreciate MY hoarding!) ;)
Posted by: Maureen | March 12, 2013 at 06:17 AM
I love the cowboy themed napkins. I would take those and frame them up to hang in Alex's bathroom. I have a rustic type theme going on in there. Is there anything special that you like to do with all of those lovely napkins besides just have them?
Erica
Posted by: Erica | March 12, 2013 at 06:39 AM
Oh, I had forgotten all about those birthday napkins we used as a child!! Every time I look at your blog I want to head on over to eBay and find something else!! LOL
Huckleberry Hound, here I come!
Dorothy
Posted by: Dorothy | March 12, 2013 at 06:58 AM
You've outdone yourself on this one! I love the puppy print myself.
Posted by: Barbara | March 12, 2013 at 07:18 AM
Another great chapter for your book! I always loved the napkins that had designs on all sides-- or even inside. Seemed extra special. Maybe I should get out more! Ha, ha...
Posted by: Diane | March 12, 2013 at 07:18 AM
What a fun collection and it answers a question... "who would buy these old, unwrapped napkins?". Love the Halloween and Hopalong Cassidy. Oh, and the floral and the Easter.
Posted by: Janet Johnson | March 12, 2013 at 09:10 AM
A great collection and I love the Easter and rose ones!! Have a great day! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | March 12, 2013 at 10:23 AM
I'm looking at my plain white napkins now.....how fun would it be to have something pretty in the napkin holder. Of course those were saved for special occasions.Can't believe how many birthday cake ones you have! Love the Easter ones (cute bunny and happy eggs)and the Halloween ones are my fave too. Actually they're all darling!The last ones made me do a double take, they look like hankies! Thanks for the smile on my face!
Have a wonderful day :-)
Posted by: Doreen | March 12, 2013 at 10:47 AM
I am a firm believer in PINK birthday cakes. Every one of those cakes is PINK. I knew I was right! ;)
Another great collection!
Do you collect anything made in Modern day? Like I collect Bluebirds of Happiness that are made currently. Pretty much everything else I own is way older than me! If you do, lets see it!
Posted by: Shara | March 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM
I love the Halloween napkins. Almost made me want to cry a bit. That was my mom's favorite holiday, mainly because it meant Autumn. I just lost her to cancer a year and a half ago :o(
Show me your collection of head vases.
Posted by: Maria | March 12, 2013 at 02:00 PM
I spotted my 6th birthday napkin in your collection! Thank you for a reminder of such a sweet memory.
Do you have a collection of:
children birthday party invitations?
cake/cupcake picks?
childrens purses?
college penants?
girl scout memorabilia?
santa/child photos from department stores?
Posted by: janie | March 12, 2013 at 05:27 PM
Love the graphics!! You have quite a large collection of paper napkins!! I'm shocked!
chris
Posted by: chris mckinley | March 12, 2013 at 05:31 PM
This is quite a collection! I have never seen meal blessing napkins. With you being such a Christmas nut, it is odd that there is only one lone Santa. They must be with Christmas, as you say.
Posted by: Annette | March 12, 2013 at 05:51 PM
This is one of my very favorite collections you have shown. I had to roll through the pictures twice to take a second look. Love it!
Posted by: Kathy | March 13, 2013 at 08:32 AM