The Vintage Secret to Elegant Dining That Will Delight Your Guests!
August 7, 2024
Source: Reddit
Antique napkin hangers such as the one shown with metal chains and small champagne holders accent the idea of having a meal as a sophisticated event. These napkin hangers which were worn around the neck were functional and at the same time enhance the elegance of the dining table.
The Functionality and Design
More often than not, these napkin hangers had a chain or a ribbon which had clips on both ends of the chain or ribbon. The clips were employed in holding the napkin in place, so that it would not fall off the customer’s lap during consumption of a meal. Due to this, the design was functional in a way that made it easy for people to eat and not have to worry about food stains on their clothes something that was very important given that people dressed formally to dine.
The hangers themselves were not plain and usually had well-crafted patterns on them that depict the age of the piece. The champagne buckets in the image are a good example of this aspect of the products’ design. It was not only useful but also a way to form a conversation, and it brought a fairy-tale touch to the dining table.
Historical Context
Napkin hangers were much in use during the late Victorian era up to the early part of this century, an era when people paid much attention to mannerisms especially at the dining table. The upper class especially was quite particular about dining etiquette and hence, items such as napkin hangers were commonly used in upper class homes. These were frequently presented as presents and could be made in different styles ranging from the basic and classy to the complicated and embellished.
Collecting Antique Napkin Hangers
Contemporary, old fashioned napkin hangers are now valued and eyed by collectors and people who are interested in antique dining utensils. These are a nice piece of nostalgia and can be a nice piece to add to a collection of antique table settings. When buying such items, one has to take into consideration the physical appearance, the workmanship and the background, since these are the determinants of value for such items.
