Love them Hankies!

I love vintage hankies. They're beautiful, practical, and the best thing about them is that they're easy to find and pretty inexpensive. I seem to find them everywhere: antique stores, thrift shops, flea markets, garage sales. But what do you do with them once you get them home. I used to put them in a hanky box and practically forget about them. It's a shame to but them where they can't be enjoyed.

There's lots of ways to use hankies. Beside using them for their intended purpose, you can also use them to:

1. Use a hanky, instead of tissue, to line a gift box. I took a pretty 99 cent box covered in purple and lavender florals and lined it with a matching hanky and tucked in my gift. All it needs now is a ribbon bow on the top. The hanky becomes part of the gift.

2. I often use hankies as doilies when I want to add a touch of color. It's easy to change them out to match the season or holiday. The hanky is covered in large pink carnation and the teapot has pink roses. Even though the flowers are different, I think it looks great together.

3. I use hankies as gift quiet often. When it's a friend's or teacher's or neighbor's birthday, I tuck a pretty hanky into their card and mail it away. It's not always possible (or affordable) to buy and send gifts. Sending a hanky with the card is a great economical way to tell them they were thought of.

4. Ever have a odd shaped little gift, but no box? Wrap it up in a hanky, tie it with a ribbon and pin a rhinestone brooch on it. So Cute! Problem is that your friend may not want to open the gift because it's wrapped so sweetly.

5. I tuck hankies everywhere, even under teacups. They look so pretty to display this way. They're like tiny napkins that can catch drips and spills. Easy to clean, too.

So if you ever come across a hanky that you love but don't know what to do with it, Get It!! You'll find a way to enjoy it.

Patricia :o)