Vintage treasures from Mom

My appetite for travel is something that I most definitely inherited from my mom. While I was growing up, if she wasn't jetting off to a foreign country then she was packing us—her two girls—into the car for weekend jaunts to the beach. 

In addition to being a consummate traveler, she was also an insatiable collector—or as we like to say, a hoarder! She would always bring things home from her trips: anything from heirloom-worthy pieces from Europe to whatever was the latest trend in Japan or the US or wherever she happened to be. I remember being the first family we knew to have a Discman and to wear t-shirts emblazoned with the faces of The Simpsons (whom I thought were really ugly and weird) as early as 1990.

Mom has since declared her jetsetting days pretty much behind her, except for the rare occasions when my sister and I succeed at convincing her to get on a plane and visit us. But some of the things she picked up on her travels still remain. And since we've been ragging on her to de-clutter, she decided to pass them on to us, her two daughters. 

So out came the tablecloths she amassed in Europe over 20 years ago. Not only are they beautifully handcrafted, but now, they're also vintage! #doublewin

I was torn between this lovely ecru lace cloth from Portugal, above, and an embroidered cutwork tablecloth with handmade lace, from Belgium. Each fits a table for 10-12 persons and comes with matching cloth napkins.

After much agonizing, I chose the latter. The details simply won me over.

Mom decided to wrap them up for Christmas—you know, just because it's more fun that way! 

She also threw in a set of handmade Belgian lace coasters...

... and matching cocktail napkins. I've never used cocktail napkins (I didn't even know such things existed!), but now I'm racking my brain for an excuse to debut them. 

Finally, Mom brought out the most delicate little demitasse cups in refreshing pastel hues. That was when I squealed like a tickled piglet.

Aren't they cuuuuuuuute?

Even Marlon, who's been known to veto any additions to our home that are too overtly girly, couldn't help but be charmed.

Feel free to come over to our house anytime for the most precious espresso ever.

Really. It's my pleasure.

Now this is how you recycle gifts for Christmas. Thanks, Mom!