Napkin Details by Margaret Caselton

This book still demands attention, especially with Christmas and presents looming ever closer. A book solely on napkins could be decidedly dreary but not this one. Margaret Caselton has created an imaginative book on the subject. Once read, and it is short, you will be itching to get practising newly learnt skills of origami of the material variety.

The book has been put together in the best possible taste, from the spiral binding to the outstanding photography of David Loftus. Who would think that photographs of napkins could arouse sighs of satisfaction? When you first sit down at the table, no one can deny that the smell of freshly starched linen heightens ones expectations of the food and wine that will follow. This book will help you to complete that picture with instructions for folding a myriad of creations, such as a guard of honour, or perhaps a tuxedo. Do not be alarmed by these names, the napkins look upmarket. The results when you do this at home are not too far off those shown in the book either. Starch is such a godsend.

A short history of napkins is of interest and gives advice on the sizes required for various meals. One must remember that napkin etiquette was taken very seriously. There was a time when servants would tie napkins around their master's neck. The greater the importance of the master, the bigger the napkin. If, however, you ran a small household and were more economical with the linen napkins, the servants would say that they ‘could just make ends meet'.

Napkins by Margaret Caselton will make the perfect present for the person who has everything. It is different and original and for those with a fetish for collecting table linen, this book will give succour to your fantasies.

Publication Details:
152 pp. Photography by David Loftus.
ISBN 1841723568.
Published by Ryland, Peters & Small
2002