Textiles and Linens Discover many varieties of Textiles and Linens

What Are Linens

The History Of Linen: From Ancient Pharaohs To Modern Day Wedding Linen Rentals

When you are shopping for wedding table linens, you may not know that the fabric you are choosing has an ancient and elegant history. Linen started with humble beginnings-it comes from the flax seed and is the earliest vegetable fabric to be woven but soon became a symbol of refinement, dignity and good taste. When you are choosing wedding linen rentals, you can feel assured that you are following in the path of kings, priests and leaders of taste by selecting linens for your wedding linen rentals.

The Symbolism of Wedding Table Linens

Linen textiles may be the oldest in the world. Their history goes back many thousands of years. Fragments of straw, seeds, fibers, yarns and various types of fabrics which dating back to about 8000 B.C. have been found in Swiss lake dwellings. Linen similar to that used for your wedding table linens was used in the Mediterranean in the pre-Christian age. Linen was sometimes used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen because it was seen as a symbol of light and purity, and as a display of wealth. This symbolism suits wedding table linens perfectly, as a wedding also represents a moment of newness and pure love.

Wedding Table Linens and A Royal Past

In the earliest Biblical times, linen appears as the fabric of choice for high-ranking religious and government officials, not to mention the Saints! Priests of all denominations have been known to wear linen because of its purity, and linen was the favorite fabric of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs-often the fabric is one of the few surviving artifacts found in ancient ruins. For help with custom linens for your next special event visit http://www.magicalpartyrentals.com.

Nearly 4,000 years ago, the Phoenicians (known for their ships and trade on the high seas) opened up new channels of commerce to the peoples of the Mediterranean and introduced flax growing and the making of linen into Ireland before the birth of Christ. Hundreds of years later, Belfast would have The Royal Manufactory of Linen and Damask, and would serve some of history's greatest royal families with the highest quality linen fabrics, including providing for their wedding table linens.

Wedding Table Linens Today

Today, linen is embroidered all over the world, especially in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. The Italians have mastered the dying of this fiber, which results in its extraordinary variety and depth of color unequaled on cotton.

Egypt and Ireland are the two countries that come to mind in connection with the ancient history of linen, and up to the 1950's, Ireland, France and Belgium were considered the finest producers of flax. Now, it is also massively cultivated in China. So, when you are choosing wedding linens, you know that you are participating in the exciting history of one of the world's most widely respected fabrics.

From this history of linen we learn that linen is the noblest cloth, it is the strongest and purest material, it is unharmed by germs, and it resists time and humidity, while gaining extreme softness with time. You may have experienced the fact that the most delicious of all linen sheets are the ones that have been stored in grandmother's cupboard. Learn more about wedding linen rentals at http://www.magicalpartyrentals.com/rentals/weddinglinenrentals.html.

It was the cloth of Pharaohs, Priests, and Kings. It remains the noblest and most luxurious material for the confection of the finest lingerie and nightwear, bed and table linen, decorative fabrics and, of course, wedding table linens. From the finest handkerchief to the thickest double damask tablecloth, there are literally dozens of ways to spoil yourself with linen. Start with the linens you choose for your wedding and experience what it means to become a part of history.

About the Author

Janet Ireland is a special event decorating enthusiast and frequent contributor to
Magical Party Rentals.com
, a premier Internet resource for wedding
chair cover rentals
. Making dreams a reality online since 2003.

What Are Residents Saying About 92Y de Hirsch Residence?

Standard Butter Dish(Colors May Vary) $3.13 Use to seal butter, keeping it fresh. Durable construction. Top rack dishwasher safe. Size 3" x 7.79" x 2". Clear lid and red base....

Rubbermaid Servin´ Saver Deluxe Ice Cube Tray $1.95 Tray stack securely without sticking and twist for fast, easy release of cubes. White. 12.7" x 4.75" x 1.12"...

Flour Sack Towels Commercial Grade 12 Pack 28in X 29in $27.95 These multi-purpose flour sack towels are lint free and durable. They can be used for drying (fruits, vegetables, dishes and glassware), wiping-up messy kitchen spills, dry-dusting televisions and computer screens, cleaning windows and mirrors. Once you try these flour sack towels, you will never want to use any other brand. Professional quality for every home. Machine wash in warm water with like...

The Long Kiss Goodnight: Music From The Motion Picture $18.47 1. Woman - Neneh Cherry 2. Bring It On Home - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas 3. Stubborn Kind Of Fellow - Marvin Gaye 4. F.N.T. - Semisonic 5. Keep This Party Bouncin' - L.a. Ganz 6. Funny How Time Slips Away - Joe Hinton 7. Tomorrow Man - Gus 8. She's Not There - Santana 9. Next Time You See Me - Jr. Parker 10. Mannish Boy - Muddy Waters 11. Many Rivers To Cross - The Tom Tom Club 12. The Chair - Ja...

Rubbermaid 4D06 Configurations 23-Inch Foldable Laundry Hamper, Natural $11.99 Foldable for easy storage after the laundry's done, this handy laundry hamper collapses flat to fit behind doors, between the washer/dryer set, or just about anywhere. Easy to clean, the unit is equipped with a stain-resistant lining so you can chuck your muddy work or sports clothes in there and not worry about it. The hamper's neutral design blends with any home décor. And, a sturdy design ensu...

Felknor Ventures TT041112 Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter $2.68 The Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter is the most brilliant new invention ever for growing fresh strawberries. Because the ingenious Topsy Turvy is upside down, gravity naturally causes the water and nutrients to pour directly and freely down from the root to the fruit and each port hold 2 plants for even bigger yield! Simply place any strawberry or herb plant in the Topsy Turvy, add favorite potting...

Priva Ultra Plus Waterproof Sheet Protector, 34 x 52, White $18.99 Keeps sheets dry all night. Unique brushed polyester fabric channels fluid away from the surface for maximum comfort and ultra-dry surface. Absorbs quickly and locks in moisture for the best in skin care. Goes over the bottom sheet to protect mattress AND sheets from moisture and staining. No more middle-of-the-night bed stripping, simply replace the Priva sheet protector with a fresh one in secon...

Invacare Reusable Bed Pads $42.10 Invacare reusable bed pads for incontinence are the key to keeping ones mattress (or whatever used on) dry, clean and fresh. Not only is it waterproof but it also has three added layers for protection and extra comfort. On top is a comfy?50% cotton and 50% polyester?surface, beneath is an absorbent which consists of 65% polyester and 35% rayon, and on bottom is a completely waterproof 100%?vinyl b...

Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets, Outdoor Fresh Scent, 120-Count Box (Pack of 2) $9.94 6.4 x 9 in. Bounce gives you time-release freshness. Fresh Now: clothes towel, and bedding smell fresh out of the dryer. Fresh later: Clean-smelling freshness continues to release over time. Made in Canada....

Petmate 22040 Giant Litter Pan, Bleached Linen $19.96 Petmate Giant Litter PanAre you concerned about odors & stains on your litter box? Our Petmate Giant Litter Pan features patented Microban antimicrobial protection that helps prevent the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria on your litter box.Measuring 34.63" L X 19.75" W X 10" H, this pan with high sides will help prevent litter scatter and keep it contained, making for easier clean-up. With...

Wrinkle-resistant 300 Thread Count Cotton Sheet Set $38.99 Update the old linen closet with this solid-colored set of sheets. These 300-thread count sheets have a wrinkle-resistant finishing treatment and are calendared and mercerized for long-lasting comfort and quality.

Luxurious Egyptian Cotton Towels 6-piece Set $36.99 The towels in this 6-piece set were woven from 100-percent Egyptian cotton which provides for extra absorbency. These towels will make for an excellent update to any bathroom decor or linen closet.

Brighton White Linen Storage Ottoman $185.95 Upholstered in an elegant off-white shade that will match any decorating style, this ottoman is perfect as a seat or for storage.

Reflections Microfiber Tablecloth $24.99 Coordinate the look of your dining room with this elegant tableclothHome accessory is liquid resistant to protect against spillsTablecloth is available in pearl, khaki, moss, stone blue and merlot color options

Micro Fiber Reversible Chair Pads (Set of 4) $29.99 Sit in comfort when you add a pad to your chairChair pad is available in tan, burgundy, sage, olive, black and chocolate color optionsCushion features a very soft hand

Sophie Tufted Beige Linen Queen-size Platform Bed $370.99 Set includes: One headboard, one footboard, one set of rails, platform slats Materials: Wood frame, linen fabricFinish: Black

Signature Tan Linen Slipper Chair $245.99 Bold, romantic French script in shades of black and brown envelopes this stylish off-white slipper chair. Designed exclusively for Overstock.com, this furniture piece features non-mar foot glides, rich espresso-stained legs and an elegant accent pillow.

Sure Fit Cotton Duck Washable Chair Slipcover $34.49 Cotton chair slipcover is woven from 100-percent cottonSlipcover is available in seven eye-catching colors including natural, linen, sage, bluestone, red, burgundy, and blackSlipcover is machine washable for easy care

Adolfo Men's 2-button Tan Linen Suit $99.99 A two-button jacket with a notch collar and a single vent highlights this handsome suit from Adolfo. Flat-front trousers complete the design of this stylish tan suit.

Sussex Beige Linen Club Chair (Set of 2) $767.44 A refined elegance with a hint of regal inspiration sets the Sussex club chair in a class of its own. This chair features beautiful black stained legs with light beige linen.

Sarajevo Beige Fabric Column Queen-size Platform Bed $349.19 Set includes: One headboard, one footboard, one sets of rails, platform slats Materials: Wood frame covered with fabric Finish: Black

Egyptian Cotton 650 Thread Count Solid Color Pillowcase Set $26.09 Experience true luxury on this super soft set of pillowcasesSet includes two pillowcases Bedding is available in MD blue, LT blue burgundy, sage, black, gold, white, taupe, moss linen and ivory color options

Crown Top Ivory Linen Dining Chair (Set of 2) $226.99 This elegant 2-piece dining chair set features an ivory, linen upholstery with a hardwood frame construction. This chair set also spotlights a stylish tufted design, and a brown finish on the legs.

Faux Suede Chamois Hugger Non-slip Seat Cushion (Set of 4) $45.49 Create a new look to your dining set with these faux suede chamois hugger seat cushions. The seat cushions are thick, comfortable, and are featured in a variety of stylish colors.

Cherry Blossom 12-piece Queen-size Bed in a Bag with Sheet Set $126.82 This luxurious Cherry Blossom comforter set showcases romantic, rich, warm shades of red and burgundy against a linen background. Set includes a comforter, bedskirt, four shams, two decorative pillows, flat and fitted sheets, and two pillowcases.

Tafton Tufted Fabric Club Chair $373.99 With its deeply tufted back and studded perimeter, its clear that no detail was overlooked on this Tafton tufted fabric club chair. You can comfortably relax in this chair in any room in your home as the natural linen is sure to complement any decor.

Charles 7-piece Butterfly Leaf Dining Set $1203.99 This seven-piece dining set will add comfort and style to your home dining experience. The table extends from 60 to 78 inches by using the 18 inch extension leaf which conveniently stores under the table top when not in use.

Madison Park Emerson Damask 84-inch Curtain Panel $35.49 A special 'burnout' process to create the sheer damask motif floating on the lightweight semi-sheer linen ground. A creamy ivory linen background color gives a subtle touch of elegance to any room.

Luxury Linen 88-inch Curtain Panel $69.99 Linen curtain panel has a luxurious finish and sophisticated lookVersatile window treatment designed with a rod pocket and back tab panelsCurtain engineered with a flexible design perfect for updating your home decor

Black Linen Slipper Chair with Signature Pillow $225.99 Black linen upholstery highlights this elegant slipper chair. This furniture features espresso-finished legs and includes a pillow with a French script design.

Jenny George Designs Brights 200 Thread Count Twin/ Full-size Sheet Set $49.99 Add a splash of color to your bedroom with this Brights sheet set from Jenny George Designs. The bright color palette allows you to mix and match with a variety of bed linen designs.

Chatham Ivory Linen Storage Ottoman $197.25 This ottoman features square tapered hardwood legs that protect your floor and add style with their stately color and a hidden slide-out drawer. Designed with an ivory linen upholstery, the ottoman will complement any loveseat or sofa.

Adolfo Men's White Linen 2-button Suit $99.99 Hit the streets in style with this becoming men's white linen suit from Adolfo. This single-breasted suit features a 2-button entry, double side vents, a notched lapel and includes flat front trousers.

Sean John Men's Tan Pinstripe 2-button Linen Blend Suit $129.99 Subtle pinstripes and a linen-blend construction highlight this striking men's suit from Sean John. The flat-front trousers of this stylish suit are unhemmed for easy customization.

Tall Cabinet $168.99 Organize your home decor in style with this tall cabinetVersatile storage piece provides wonderful storage options in your kitchen and homeFurniture is perfect for canned or dry goods, dishes and even linens

Loire Grey Linen Nailhead Dining Chairs (Set of 2) $294.99 Loire Chairs (Set of 2) will work well with a wide range of dining and accent chair styles. Chairs features a solid beech wood frame and legs.

Seville Linen Dining Chairs (Set of 2) $154.99 The Seville Chair is a simple transitional dining chair with sophistication. The solid wood frame provides a quality chair while the linen inspired polyester fabric makes it affordable, durable, and easy to clean and maintain.

Tufted Signature Ottoman $221.99 This elegant ottoman showcases a light tan-colored linen top accented with button tufting. Carved wood detail on legs and millwork on apron completes the look of this ottoman.

Caelie Beige Linen Modern Lounge Chair $285.99 Materials: Linen, birch wood, metalBlack stained legsUpholstery materials: Linen

Classique White Linen Tower $104.4 Store your toiletries and towels elegantly in this Classique linen tower. This furniture features a white finish and sturdy construction.

Wing Chair Harvest Linen $220.99 Finish: Espresso Upholstery materials: 65-percent cotton/35-percent polyester Upholstery color: Butterscotch

Cotton Voile Ivory 15-Inch Drop Queen Bedskirt $34.99 With an 15-inch drop, this extra long bed skirt features a sheer cotton voile drop with separate lining in a matching color for opaque coverage. The voile fabric is softly gathered for a tailored look that will perfectly complement all linens.

Contemporary 1-light Brushed Nickel Floor Lamp $96.99 Update your home in style with this unique 1-light floor lamp. This fixture features a brushed nickel finish and a white linen fabric shade.

Gourmet Classics Microfiber Dish Cloths (Set of $13.69 These colorful towels from Gourmet Classics are perfect for all of your clean-up needs. Made of lint-free microfiber, this eight-piece dish cloth set is great for drying glasses or washing the car.

Stainless Steel Upright Paper Towel Holder $21.49 Give your home a touch of classic elegance with this upright stainless steel paper towel holderKitchen decorative accessory boasts a spring-loaded side arm that adjusts to the rollPaper towel holder features stainless steel construction

Marseille Beige Linen Nailhead Dining Chairs (Set of 2) $362.99 Marseille Chairs (Set of 2) will work well with a wide range of dining and accent chair styles. Chairs features a button tufted solid beech wood top frame and legs.

Parson Latin Script Linen Chairs (Set of 2) $143.99 Add a dose of contemporary sophistication to your dining area with a pair of elegant side chairs. These Parson side chairs are wrapped with linen fabric with elegant Latin script and light beige background.

Cotton Voile White 18-Inch Drop Queen Bedskirt $44.99 With an 18-inch drop, this extra long bed skirt features a sheer cotton voile drop with separate lining in a matching color for opaque coverage. The voile fabric is softly gathered for a tailored look that will perfectly complement all linens.

Linen Open Weave Natural 96-inch Sheer Curtain Panel $42.49 This open weave design linen sheer has a unique textured finish that filters out sunlight and gives your room a beautiful soft glow. This window panel is perfect for any decor.

Sutton Tufted Beige Arm Chair $264.99 The Sutton tufted beige arm chair features a timeless English parlor design. Crafted details are everywhere from soft curves and its turned mahogany finish legs to a smartly tufted back.

Technorati Tags: bookmarks, culturaltrends, economy, social, web2.0, what are linens