Last Christmas I got ambitious, I asked my 3 aunts what color their dining rooms were. I was planning on embriodering cloth napkins with their last initial. Then I found out how much it would cost to buy enough napkins for each of them plus my grandma and my mom. However, I still need to make something for their formal dining rooms, but I don't know what. I think placemats might look tacky with their fine china that they pull out for special occasions and I don't know how long their tables are for table runners.

They're kind of expecting something, but I don't know what. Anybody got any ideas?

A table topper my fit your needs. Lots of styles and patterns to choose from. Do a search on the QB and see what inspires you. Rhonda has lots of beautiful ones.

Do you have a Sam's Club membership, or know someone who does? I get all my napkins (and tablecloths) to embroider from them. Here's their cotton/poly blend. less than $1/each

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/pr...tId=prod340288

they also have 100% poly for even less.

When my dining table is stretched out my table runner is too small, so I just turn it sideways ;)

What about some fabric bowls? or bread baskets with fabric liners? Food themed wall hanging...

If you really want to do napkins... make your own napkins. Buy your fabric, cut 18 1/2 x 18 1/2, hem & embroidery. Lots cheaper to buy your own linen or whatever. I have made hundreds of napkins this way.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-84437-1.htm

Here is a link to a tutorial on this board for making bread basket liners. I have made several as gifts & everyone loves them. I do like to make mine a bit bigger than the tute- about 20".

that's an awesome tute! hadn't seen that one.. another project on my to do list!

I think you should make your own napkins, too. How about something like this?

http://projects.cuteembroidery.com/1...ee-Napkin.html

And you could add your embroidery to it.

sorry, forgot the picture....

Cheaper than making your own napkins is searching thrift and consignment shops for antiques. I bought a bunch this morning. A table cloth can be cut up to many napkins, bread basket liners. My fave to look for is white damask. White battenburg will work, too. Or make a lace bowl or tabletopper on your embroidery machine. Criswell has some beautiful designs.