Vintage monograms

The monogramming of linen to (literally) mark a special occasion is a time-honoured tradition adopted by kings and farm wives alike to personalize life's precious moments. Emblazoned on crests and seals, monograms signal nobility and authenticity, but when hand-stitched onto pillowcases, towels and handkerchiefs, monograms-with their graceful turns and delicate curlicues-speak to family... shared history and everyday moments made extraordinary. Whether your favourite comes from a past-its-prime napkin handed down from your grandmother or an old hanky found in a hatbox, make your own treasures with these simple ideas to tie its charmed history to yours.

What to look for
Three-letter monograms were the standard in the 19th century, with the large centre letter representing the last name, and first and middle initials flanking it. Today, the visual simplicity of one or two initials seems to win over convention.