Paisley is justly immortalised in the Paisley tablecloth. With the Paisley shawl falling out of fashion in the late 19th century (not because it was Paisley, but because it was a shawl), it was the Paisley Pattern tablecloth, and more latterly the Paisley rug and Paisley duvet cover, that took over the mantle of being the largest promoters of the Paisley Print.
While the Paisley duvet likes to hide away in the bedroom, and the Paisley rug hides whatever hole needs filling, the tablecloth consigns itself to the kitchen.
Key Point: In an emergency, the linen tablecloth can be deployed as a lightweight sheet, even though it will likely clash violently with that Paisley duvet cover.
Like all tablecloths, the Paisley tablecloth is perfect for hiding the scabby minging table (if you are American, please feel free to Google the two words – ‘scabby’ and ‘minging’, not ‘table’. I know you know what a table is.
But the Paisley tablecloth is proud to do more than just cover tables – it likes to think it decorates tables, adds character to the kitchen, becomes a focal point of the dining experience, and provides a superb contrast to the plates you will be using – which should be plain.
I don't know if it has been suggested before, but your tablecloth should match your food. Such a controversial view is unlikely to become widespread, although I don’t know why – it all seems perfectly logical to me.
So, sit back – in a way that allows you to continue reading – while I suggest a food that should go with our Top 10 Paisley tablecloths. Maybe you will disagree with my choice of food for each tablecloth. If so, please comment, with your suggestions (and be prepared to be ridiculed like I am constantly).
Key Point: The Top 10 is not like a normal top 10. I am not suggesting that number 1 is better than number 10 – no, they are all equal (as all Paisley tablecloths and humans should be). So, instead of not numbering them at all – which was an option – I have marked them from 1 to 10 so that you have a rough idea of where you are in the article.
Clue – when you get to number 10, you are nearing the end of the article. So, it will tell you that you should be wiggling your toes, stretching your legs, and preparing to get up and walk to your kitchen to view the monstrosity currently adorning your table.
To keep the article brief – let’s face it, there is only so much you can, and should read about a Paisley tablecloth, I have placed the suggested food next to the number. So, let’s get started:
Foods that match your tablecloth
1. Blueberries - could there be anything more obvious than a blue tablecloth?
2. Bananas - they should be laid on a classic blue tablecloth
3. Ice cream - should be served on a light colorful tablecloth
4. Fish - any kind of fish is suitable for the classy beige tablecloth
5. Salad - it has got to be a summery patchwork Paisley tablecloth
6. Christmas dinner (including Brussels sprouts) - it needs to be a special Christmas tablecloth
7. Meat - red meat is a serious meat and should therefore go onto a serious gold tablecloth
8. Prawns - it has got to be a red or pink tablecloth
9. Chicken fajitas - a rich fun tablecloth
10. Lemons or other citrus fruits - a dark navy tablecloth?
And finally, to address that lifelong issue of whether you should go for the Paisley tablecloth or the Paisley table runner, here are the clinchers on the tablecloth side:
Why go for a tablecloth and not a table runner?
1. When you place a bottle of wine down on that exact spot where a table runner meets the table, due to the uneven surface created, the bottle is likely to topple over and spill its contents.
2. A table runner can only be used as a diaper by a baby, while a multiple-folded tablecloth could easily be used by a baby (with assistance from an adult) up to an XXXXL sumo wrestler.
3. There will always be one guest who decides to try the trick of pulling away the table runner to leave the wine glasses and plates still standing on the table – it never works and ends up with a mess on the floor, abuse, and massive fallings out. You won’t have that problem with a tablecloth.
That's it. Go and get that Paisley tablecloth... oh, and don't be too influenced by our selection of food choices for each featured tablecloth. We were having a bit of fun. Feel free to do your own thing!