Funny you should ask... I'm almost finished making a "church ladies" apron from one of Mom's vintage tablecloths. I'll post a pic when I finish.

My DM and DMIL left me a nice collection of vintage linens & doilies. The everyday tablecloths make good bread basket liners too. Quilter7x post a super easy tute that I've used over and over. http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...er-t84437.html

I have also incorporated some of the finer embroidered linens in pillowcases, pillow shams and neck roll pillows for my guest room. Like Dianemarie said "I use them where they won't be damaged by daily use; but still useful and appreciated". Don't get me wrong - I don't cut all of them up - just the ones that aren't useable.

I used a bunch of the fancy doilies at my niece's shower. Each long table had a large vase of flowers in the center with rows of pretty teacup & saucers on cute little doilies to both ends. The teacups held mints, mixed nuts or a single floating carnation. My niece asked if she could keep one of the doilies since they were her Grandma's so I let her pick some out. I love keeping them in the family.

I'm inspired by some great ideas here.

I love vintage tablecloths, particularly Florida-themed ones. In my opinion, these were meant to be used, and I can't see them if they're hidden in a closet, so use them I do, every day. But (and it's a big but), I keep a piece of clear plastic on top to protect them. I can see and enjoy them without worrying about ruining them. Plastic can be purchased in different thicknesses on a large roll at JoAnn's.

A few years ago I was at Goodwill looking for fabric . I saw what I thought was a large silk piece . By golly thats just what it was. A silk sheet with lace . I grabbed that thing with the gusto of a hound dog and lo and behold it was only $3.00 . YIPPIE. But I still can't bring myself to cut it. hehehe

Now I know what to do with all of my hankies. So pretty and I love this.

I have seen some beautiful vest make out of old linens and I have a lot so hope to make one "one of these days"

I use them in vests and purses.

I have several that are cotton that I have picked up at estate sells, I though maybe make a whole cloth quilt with them...

that is delightful! love your style. website w more?

I incorporated some very old pieces into my wedding gown, my daughter did the same with hers and on Baptismal dresses and suits too. Pieces of embroidery cut from torn tablecloths become accents on pillows etc. Just too pretty to keep stored away.

Before I married my second husband my sisters went together and bought me a handmade antique lace table cloth, which I love. The included card read: We figured your husband, by marrying you, is getting something old and used. We wanted to keep it fair. Love, your sisters. I about fell over laughing.