How to Make a Memory Tablecloth for Your Holiday Table.

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By thesquirrelymom
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This is a method for creating a tablecloth that can tell a story over the years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Use the tablecloth for one occasion each year only, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. It is nice to have one for each.
Step 2

Have each person who attends sign and date the cloth with a pen or marker. They may even write a short saying if you wish, such as at Thanksgiving, something they are grateful for this year or at Christmas something on their wish list.
Step 3

After the meal is over gather your tablecloth and put it aside, but don't wash it yet! As soon as you have time, get your embroidery floss or liquid embroidery and embroider over all the new writings on the cloth, then launder it and save it till next year. Next year do it all again.

Tips & Warnings

You could use the same color of embroidery for the whole year then use a different one for the next year, or use the same color each year for the same people, or the same color all over. Just whatever appeals to you the most.
For babies and small children who can't write yet, you might want to do a hand print, then write their name and year on yourself. Or let a small child do a small doodle.
Go ahead and treat any stain you may have gotten right away. Try to spot wash it at the sink since you won't be washing it for at least a few days.