Oilcloth 101

This isn't my first confession on ShelterPop, and it certainly won't be my last: I'm a country girl. It's totally true. I grew up in southern Indiana with Melloncamp in my ears and mud on my feet. As I grow older, I find myself continually reverting back to my roots and infusing southern decor into my home. Which is funny, because my first love has always been midcentury and, well, the two mix almost as well as oil and water.

Speaking of oil, this week I'm craving an oversized oilcloth to drape over my dining room table. As a young girl, I remember being mildly obsessed with the oilcloth my grandmother used on her front porch. It was the perfect outdoor fabric, as spills were easily wiped up, never to be seen again. I've spotted a few goodies on Etsy and am trying to decide between this or this, with a beautiful image from Country Living as inspiration.

And why should I stop with a tablecloth? There are so many uses for oilcloth, including adorable cottage pillows, placemats and (eek!) reusable lunch bags. Oilcloth is super inexpensive, so it's perfect for adding a few personal touches throughout your home.

Want to know a few other fun ways to use oilcloth in your home? Keep reading.

Outdoors
-Keep a roll of oilcloth handy to use as a picnic blanket. The durable fabric won't soak up dew from the grass, and I hear it's a deterrent for ants, as well!
-Line a few baskets with oilcloth for an extra dose of pattern.
-Sew a grill cover -- it beats the masculine version that came with your grill.


Indoors
-Wrap a hostess gift with oilcloth for two-gifts-in-one!
-Cover a few recipe books with a lovely oilcloth to streamline your kitchen.
-Use oilcloth as a drawer liner (you know I love them!) for a surprising pop of color in an otherwise dull dresser.

The kitschy-chic vibe makes a fun addition to entertaining, so I always keep a few rolls around the house. And once you've advanced to Oilcloth 201, you can even make the stuff yourself. Class dismissed!