Dear Danielle: Monogram Ideas

Congratulations to our four lucky winners of the Dot & Army seersucker cocktail napkins, Allison P., Barbara E., Christine G. and Catherine L.! Please be on the look out for an email from us, so we can get you your prize ASAP. Even if you didn't win the napkins, don't worry - you can purchase them right here on danielledrollins.com/retail. A HUGE thank you to Dot & Army  for partnering with me on this fantastic giveaway and being an advertiser!

I email you to inquire where I might order some of your signature embroidered napkins.  My mom fell in love with these and it's so hard to buy for her because she has everything.  Might they be from Leontine Linens?  If not, where?  She especially loved the multi-color embroidery, and I'd love to surprise her and buy them.  We have a large family and she entertains formally at out family dinners.

Many thanks ahead for your response.  I wish you the best as you 'civilize' the world one beautiful party at a time!

Best, Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth:

Thank you for your support and attending my book signing!  Being at the Indianapolis State Fair was such a fun and unique experience for me.

To answer your question, you are absolutely correct!  My signature embroidered napkins (the ones featured in my book, 'Soirée Entertaining with Style') are by Leontine Linens.  They have so many elegant and timeless embroideries to choose from it's hard to pick just one!

Of course, monogrammed anything makes me swoon.  Perhaps it's the leftover nursery school child in me that likes the way they scream, 'It's MINE,' or just the simple mark of ownership.  But I think ultimately it is about taking something that is ordinary and turning it into something bespoke with a simple design fashioned from a thread and needle.  I also think that because I like to do needlework myself, I place a high value on owning something with the craftsmanship.

My other favorite sources for monograms and shops for linens are:

Walker Valentine Custom House 

Matouk

Sferra

Table Matters

Gumps

Belle Chambre

Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings

Leron

Monogrammed Linen Shop of London

Valombreuse in Paris

On the ultra-high end of things, I could spend DAYS looking through Loretta Caponi in Florence, Italy.  It's truly a treasure trove of needlework AND it is still done by hand on premise.

I hope your mother enjoys her gift!