Vintage handkerchiefs

March 6, 2014

I have more than two dozen vintage handkerchiefs currently stashed in my closet in a little basket. In keeping with my philosophy of using or displaying what I have, I have been thinking about what to do with them. They need some "air time."


This is one of my favorites. Love the colors, and just too cute.



I have actually used them for their intended purpose, but really don't want hard-to-get-out makeup or lipstick stains on them. Someday I think I will make pillows with them, or airy kitchen curtains, or use them in a quilt (that somebody else makes).

But for now, I think at least I can display them. I saw this little napkin holder in a case in the local consignment store a while back. So pretty, with a "doily" etched on it that looks as if it's inside the glass.



When I brought it home and looked at it again, all I could think was that it looked like a Stand 'n Stuff taco shell. See the similarity?



Look at these beautiful crocheted edgings . . .




Pretty springtime colors . . . 






I found this recently. Perfect to tuck into a shower gift for a vintage-loving mom-to-be.


So I've filled my "taco shell," and will put this on my dresser for the time being.



At Christmas-time, I can switch these handkerchiefs out for these . . .



What do you do with vintage handkerchiefs?

My hankies in a taco are partying with . . .

Home and Garden Thursday

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20 comments

  1. Love the little napkin holder - it is so beautiful. Your collection of vintage handkerchiefs is wonderful.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  2. It doesn't look like a taco holder now! What a pretty thing. So glad you snapped it up. You wouldn't have wanted to miss it. I know, I have a few of my mother's and my grandmother's and I have never known what to do with them. This way, out on display they are such a conversation starter!

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  3. Beautiful! And so loved.:) Your home is the heaven where all vintage handkerchiefs dream of going... Lori

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  4. What a lovely collection! I'm a new follower,
    Karee

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  5. What a beautiful collection of vintage handkerchiefs, all of them so dainty and delightful! I LOVE your lacy napkin holder and it does a fine job displaying these lovelies. Very pretty! Thanks for sharing, Deborah.

    Poppy

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  6. Oh my, you have shared some incredibly beautiful items :) That napkin holder is amazing! And those hankies...so pretty :) Happy weekend!

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  7. A wonderful collection. I love the ones with the crochet borders.

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  8. Oh I just love these..remind me of my grandmother. That kangaroo one IS adorable and the crocheted edges on some of them are oh-so-pretty, like the old pillowcases. I don't have any pillowcases or handkerchiefs that are vintage...it is nice that you found a way to display them : )

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  9. I also love and collect vintage hankies. I recently organized and now I have a small suitcase full of them. I am still debating what I want to do with them. I really like the hanky holder that you have, it's a great idea to display them.

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  10. Oh, what beautiful hankies you have collected! I love the one covered in daisies. Your look-alike taco holder is PERFECT for displaying them. Thank you for sharing such a sweet collection. I can't imagine what work went into crocheting the edges of these hankies! When did mothers and grandmothers have time to do such things? I guess they weren't driving kids around or blogging! Great post!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  11. Such a lovely collection......and love the napkin holder too...lots of sweetness. HPS Michelle

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  12. They are all so pretty. You have a very lovely collection. I love the ones with the crocheted edges. Too bad we don't use these any longer.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Janet

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  13. Most people do the same thing as you do with them, stashed away somewhere. I have several vintage that came from family estates. I have not come up with a good way to display them and preserve. You have some very pretty ones.

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  14. I love vintage hankies too and have lots of them. I sometimes use them to line a bowl when I am displaying items. I love the napkin holder you found perfect for displaying, Laura

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  15. My mom still uses those vintage hankies - I never could do that.....grew up on tissues, I guess. :) I love the old hankies for decorating though.....and yours are beautiful. Gentle Joy

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  16. Well, I did think the holder looked like a taco holder, but oh boy did I get hopeful that you were going to display those handkerchiefs in it! I have a small number of vintage (grandma's) handkerchiefs. Some have stains that won't come out :( but I love them anyway. I have them with me in my purse for "light duty" (no messy stuff of course, yuck). Anyway, If I could've snatched them all (taco holder and all) from the screen, I surely would have! I love making things digitally with my photographed handkerchiefs.

    I so enjoyed your post. I love your hanky-holder and hankies!
    Happy Pink Saturday!

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  17. You have some pretty ones, the Christmas ones are especially nice!! My mother collected old hankies, I have her collection, about 500 hankies, needless to say, they are in a container, but I do bring the odd one out at times for decorating.

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  18. You have such a pretty collection. I wonder why they quit making those pretty hankies? I love your idea on how to display them in your "taco" napkin holder. Thank you for sharing this at History & Home this week, take care. Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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  19. Deborah, I'm so happy to see your hanky collection b/c I have one that looks so much like it. They were all given to me by my husband's grandmother, and they are so lovely, like yours. Except -- I don't have one with Kanga and Little Roo on it. That one is precious and so unique! I love your taco shell find :) It's perfect. When you come up with a permanent way to USE the hankies, please do share. Mine are squirreled away somewhere in a box, and really, they should be on display, as you say!

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