Marriage material

Thoughtfully chosen textiles – from monogrammed French linen to antique Ottoman embroidery - make great wedding gifts, says Celia Rufey

- Celia Rufey

When there’s a wedding in the family or among friends, the usual question after learning the date is where to find the couple’s wedding list. If the marriage is between a long-established couple, if it’s a second marriage, or if the couple are renting, the gift choice may well be left to the guest. Crucially, an antique gift cannot be replicated by anyone else. With the variety of prices across antique textiles, one approach is to think through the essential pieces every home needs.

Let’s begin in the kitchen. Antique French tea towels, known as torchon, are highly rated because they’re generally larger than current versions. They’re also superior, being woven in pure linen that’s highly absorbent but also dries quickly. Su Mason is a dealer known for antique French textiles in every category, from toiles to tea towels. Most are striped in red, some with embroidered initials. 'The French used torchon across a wider range of tasks than we do,' Su explains, 'which accounts for their more generous size.' Another kitchen gift a couple can share is the linen crossback apron with generous front pockets from Toast (