Brini Maxwell: April 2012

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Perfect Cucumber Sandwich

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Hi people!
Brini here, this week with the perfect cucumber sandwich! These little morsels are a delightful addition to tea, wonderful canapés at a party and just down right tasty for a lunch time treat. They're easy to make too. Here's the recipe:

You'll need:
Cucumbers
White bread
Butter
Chives (optional)

Begin by slicing your cucumber. You can leave the peel on or you can peel them. If you decide to leave the peel on it's nice to groove it with the tines of a fork. It makes the slices look pretty. The cucumber slices should be extremely thin. It's been said that one should be able to read the London Times through the cucumber slice. Once you've sliced your cucumber (you should have 3 to 4 slices for each sandwich you're making), you can turn your attention to the bread. The bread should also be thinly sliced -- it should allow light to pass through it -- and it should have the crusts cut off. I like to use a Pullman loaf of bread -- the rectangular loaves that are baked in a pan -- and once I've cut the crusts off I cut the slice in half to make a small, delicate sandwich. Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of bread, then make your sandwich with 3 to 4 slices of cucumber. This is the traditional English cucumber sandwich. I like to Americanize them by sprinkling finely cut chives on the buttered bread before adding the cucumber. It gives the sandwich a subtle kick that I find very pleasant.

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini on the Web ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com/

Brini on YouTube ► http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook ► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The Maxwell Moment: Not Even for Ready Money - The Perfect Cucumber Sandwich

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Wednesday

AskBrini.com: Make That Wedding Special

Our question today comes from "llestat1" in Bayonne, NJ , and she asks:

"Brini Darling, My daughter Laura is getting married and I'd like to know what's the thing I should have to make her wedding the most memorable? It would mean the world to me if you can help. All my love Lisa"

It's very simple and requires just a gift from your past. Giving her something from your own wedding or another important ceremony in your life will create a through line of history that can be carried forward to her children as well. Establishing connection and continuity is what the major events in our lives are for and what better way to do that then bringing some of your own history to your daughter. May the blessings of the day be upon both of you.

Love and best wishes,
Brini

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

What's Your Problem?! Go to ► http://AskBrini.com

Ask Brini Anything at AskBrini.com! Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Sabrina "Brini" Maxwell is a fictional character created by actor Ben Sander. Described by Guy Trebey of the Village Voice as the "prototypical, pre-feminist, 1960's homemaker", Maxwell has also been described as a composite of Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Auntie Mame, That Girl and Donna Reed and came to prominence in the late 90's as the host of her eponymous television show on Public-access television cable TV in Manhattan.

Brini on the Web ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com/

Brini on YouTube ► http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook ► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Question taken from http://AskBrini.com ...
"Brini Darling, My daughter Laura is getting married and I I'd like to know what's the thing I should have to make her wedding the most memorable? It would mean the world to me if you can help. All my love Lisa" -- "llestat1" in Bayonne, NJ

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Renovation Design Scheme

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Up to now, I've been showing you a lot of dirty, scruffy grunt work in this renovation series. I thought we'd take a little time out to showcase some of the more decorative detail decisions I've made for the apartment. They include vintage wallpaper with a collection of neutral paint colors to harmonize, plush carpeting, vintage switch and outlet covers in a Hollywood Regency style and dead-stock tile. The overall palate is based on a mural called Memory Lane that has been sold by the Thiabaut company since the 1960's. I found an unused vintage one and it will be the focal point of my living room. The color story it suggested features soft greens and off whites, with pops of brighter green and burnt orange. Be sure and come back often to see how it all comes together!

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Sabrina "Brini" Maxwell is a fictional character created by actor Ben Sander. Described by Guy Trebey of the Village Voice as the "prototypical, pre-feminist, 1960's homemaker", Maxwell has also been described as a composite of Doris Day, Mary Tyler Moore, Auntie Mame, That Girl and Donna Reed and came to prominence in the late 90's as the host of her eponymous television show on Public-access television cable TV in Manhattan.

Brini on the Web ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com/

Brini on YouTube ► http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook ► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season.

The first season of The Brini Maxwell Show for the Style network was taped in the summer of 2003 with studio production taking place on the main stage at Unitel Studios on west 57th St. in New York City. Location shoots for the season were taped over a period of 6 months in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Wednesday

AskBrini.com: Entertaining While Recovering?

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything ► http://AskBrini.com

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Entertaining While Recovering? Let Your Friends Carry the Burden!

Welcome to Ask Brini!

Our question today comes from "Newdeen", Atascadero"
"Brini, Recovering from foot surgery, it's mandatory I keep my foot elevated. Naturally,many doting friends wish to visit.How do I properly entertain, unable to prepare their favorite beverage&snack?Bandaged foot propped above my heart notwithstanding"

When it comes to convalescing from an illness or surgery, don't let your concern for other people outweigh your need for downtime. If you have friends who want to come and visit, they're probably hoping to help you out in your hour of need. Let them have the pleasure of "doing" for you. Sometimes, the most generous way to give is to receive.

Thank you for your question and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
-- Love, Brini

Ask Brini Anything at http://AskBrini.com
Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised there and the Midwest. She was a child prodigy in the area of domestic science, piping perfect mashed potatoes at the age of five and redesigning the rumpus room in her family home by age 10. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, between spontaneous bouts of cleaning and organizing the student union she achieved a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the fashion industry for 5 years, never finding fulfillment until she started developing her television show.

Brini still lives in the same tiny intricately apportioned New York City apartment used as the set for the original television show. She spends her time between shooting the television show and making personal appearances, doing needlepoint, shopping for inspiration in thrift shops and vintage stores and spending time with friends. She's currently shopping for a second home in Palm Springs California and looking wistfully at vintage 1960's convertibles on eBay Motors.

Ask Brini Anything: http://AskBrini.com

Brini of the Web: http://www.brinimaxwell.com/

Brini on YouTube: http://Brini.TV

Brini on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Brini Shop ► http://FelixPopuli.com

The Brini Maxwell Show

The pilot for the original show was produced in 1996. The show debuted on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on January 1, 1998, and aired for 5 years featuring tips, recipes, entertaining ideas, craft projects, home renovation and interior design schemes. It was produced by Sander's production company V.R.U.S.P. Inc. and directed by Sander's mother, Mary Jane Wells.

In 2001 Sander was contacted by Amy Briamonte, east coast director of development for west coast based Termite Art Productions (now Creative Differences Productions). Briamonte and Sander developed a pitch for the show for the Bravo network and received an order for a pilot. The pilot was produced in the summer of 2002 for a show titled Charming, Needs Work. The premise for the show was Maxwell lived in an apartment that she redecorated every week. After Bravo passed on the show Briamonte, Sander and Termite Art pitched it to Stephen Schwartz and Heather Moran, newly named VP's of programming for the Style network. The pitch resulted in an order for a 13-episode season

Linen Napkins by Brini Maxwell ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Swirl Your Napkin

http://Brini.TV ► Jane Napkins by Brini! ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins ◄

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

How to fold a french style cloth napkin.

Brini is using her "Lipstick" Red Jane Napkin
► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

If you're challenged when it comes to napkin folding, this fold is for you. It's the simplest of napkin folds and looks great too. Start with a napkin, laid flat, face down. Begin rolling it into a tight tube starting at one corner. When it's completely rolled, fold the tube in half and tuck it into a wine glass. It's that simple! These napkins make a dramatic presentation on a table, because they stand so high. Impress your guests tonight!

ABOUT NAPKINS:

A napkin, or face towel (also in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia: serviette) is a rectangle of cloth used at the table for wiping the mouth while eating. It is usually small and folded. The word comes from Middle English, borrowing the French nappe—a cloth covering for a table—and adding -kin, the diminutive suffix.

In the United Kingdom and Canada both terms, serviette and napkin, are used. In the UK, napkins are traditionally U and serviette non-U. In some places, serviettes are those made of paper whereas napkins are made of cloth. The word serviette in lieu of the term napkin is not typically used in American English, though, as discussed is not uncommon in Canadian English and Canadian French. In Australia, 'serviette' generally refers to the paper variety and 'napkin' refers to the cloth variety.

Conventionally, the napkin is often folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant setting or a caterer's hall, it may be folded into more or less elaborate shapes and displayed on the empty plate. Origami techniques can be used (replacing the traditional paper method with the serviette/napkin) to create a 3D design e.g. a crane (bird). A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be contained with a napkin holder. Napkins were used in ancient Roman times. One of the earliest references to table napkins in English dates to 1384--85.

Summaries of napkin history often say that the ancient Greeks used bread to wipe their hands. This is suggested by a passage in one of Alciphron's letters (3:44), and some remarks by the sausage seller in Aristophanes' play, The Knights. The bread in both texts is referred to as apomagdalia, which simply means bread from inside the crust known as the crumb, and not special "napkin bread".

► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

http://Brini.TV ► Jane Napkins by Brini! ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins ◄

Wednesday

AskBrini.com: Clear the Clutter for a Pretty Potty!

AskBrini.com: "How do I clean my oven safely?"

http://Brini.TV ► Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► http://AskBrini.com ◄

Buy "Jane Napkins" by Brini ► http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

► http://facebook.com/Brini.TV ► http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Visit my official site for more info ► http://www.BriniMaxwell.com

Welcome to Ask Brini!

Our question today comes from "overitjacob" from ATX:
"Brini, I love you! Longtime fan. Recently I cleaned my oven with a leave-on foaming spray. Worked like a charm -- but now I'm terrified to use it, in case I didn't get all the stuff out of there. How can I make sure all that's in my oven is oven?"

Thank you for your question Jacob!

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of lye and sodium hydroxide.
-- Love, Brini

So... What's Your Problem?!

Ask Brini Anything at http://AskBrini.com ...

Problems with soap dish jelly? Recalcitrant egg-whites? Cranky spouse? Should your carpet match your drapes? Proper etiquette while eating a corn-dog with Republicans? What else can you do with that stripper pole in your bedroom? When is an ice-cube in your mouth a good thing? Whatever it may be, Brini is here for your every need and ready to serve you.

OVEN CLEANING:

No matter how many precautions we take, the day comes when a meal boils over onto the bottom of the oven. In that instant, we feel powerless. We can't stop and wipe up the spill due to the burning risk in a hot oven. We can only stand by and wait as the oven cools down, and the spill burns on. Then we assess the damage and start to clean.

Know Your Oven Type:
Before you can clean your oven, find out what type you have to prevent damage. Determine if your oven is a self-cleaning model, a textured model, or a regular non-self-cleaning oven. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for maintaining your oven.

For Self-Cleaning Ovens:
Run the self-cleaning cycle for your oven as often as you need to. It reduces almost any spill to a powdery gray pile of ash that can easily be wiped away at the end of the oven's cleaning cycle using a damp cloth. Make sure you have a window open during the process, to help keep smoke from sticking to walls and your ceiling. You may need to wash down the oven door and frame with a gentle cleaner to remove soil residue. Don't scrub the rubbery gasket that seals the oven door. Just rinse it with dish soap and then water. Don't use abrasives, or oven cleaners on the interior of the oven.

For Textured Ovens:
Textured ovens are sometimes called continuous cleaning ovens. They have a special surface that has a rough porcelain layer that is supposed to burn off food gradually as you continue to use your oven. To clean this type of oven, you should only need to wipe down the inside with a damp cloth when your oven is cool. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or oven cleaners.

For Regular Non-Self-Cleaning Ovens:
Each time the oven is cooled off, wipe up any spills with a hot, wet cloth. If you do this each time, food will not build up or burn onto the oven surfaces. Some people prefer to cover the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil, but you'll need to make sure that no vents are blocked if you choose this prevention trick. For really stubborn stains or buildup, you'll need an oven cleaner and a plastic scrubbing pad or brush. Make sure you use good ventilation when using an oven cleaner.

For self-cleaning ovens, you may want to remove plastic knobs for the duration of the cycle. There have been several people with warped or melted plastic knobs once their oven is finished cleaning itself. Baking soda can be used on regular non-self-cleaning ovens as a gentle abrasive that also soaks up grease and oily stains.

What You Need
Manufacturers Instructions
Damp Cloths
Mild Detergents
Non-Self Cleaning Only: Oven Cleaner
Non-Self Cleaning Only: Aluminum Foil (optional)
Non-Self Cleaning Only: Plastic Scrub Brush or Pad

MORE ABOUT BRINI! ►

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

Brini on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Brini.TV

Brini on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Jane Napkins by Brini: http://amzn.to/JaneNapkins

Monday

The Maxwell Moment: Fold The Lobster!

Brini.TV ► Jane Napkins by Brini! ► amzn.to/JaneNapkins ◄

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► www.BriniMaxwell.com

How to fold a french style cloth napkin.

Brini is using her "Buttercup" Jane Napkin ► amzn.to/JaneNapkins

When it comes to a pretty presentation, this fold is a good bet! Start with a napkin folded in half. Bring the corners of from the fold down diagonally to the center of the hemmed edges, then bring the outside corners up to the point. Turn the napkin over and fold up the center portion, leaving the points below. Fold the napkin so it stands, then fold the points back over it. I know it's hard to understand without visuals. If this doesn't make sense, then read it while watching the video!

ABOUT NAPKINS:

A napkin, or face towel (also in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia: serviette) is a rectangle of cloth used at the table for wiping the mouth while eating. It is usually small and folded. The word comes from Middle English, borrowing the French nappe—a cloth covering for a table—and adding -kin, the diminutive suffix.

In the United Kingdom and Canada both terms, serviette and napkin, are used. In the UK, napkins are traditionally U and serviette non-U. In some places, serviettes are those made of paper whereas napkins are made of cloth. The word serviette in lieu of the term napkin is not typically used in American English, though, as discussed is not uncommon in Canadian English and Canadian French. In Australia, 'serviette' generally refers to the paper variety and 'napkin' refers to the cloth variety.

Conventionally, the napkin is often folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant setting or a caterer's hall, it may be folded into more or less elaborate shapes and displayed on the empty plate. Origami techniques can be used (replacing the traditional paper method with the serviette/napkin) to create a 3D design e.g. a crane (bird). A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be contained with a napkin holder. Napkins were used in ancient Roman times. One of the earliest references to table napkins in English dates to 1384--85.

Summaries of napkin history often say that the ancient Greeks used bread to wipe their hands. This is suggested by a passage in one of Alciphron's letters, and some remarks by the sausage seller in Aristophanes' play, The Knights. The bread in both texts is referred to as apomagdalia, which simply means bread from inside the crust known as the crumb, and not special "napkin bread".

► amzn.to/JaneNapkins

ABOUT BRINI MAXWELL:

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

► facebook.com/Brini.TV ► twitter.com/BriniMaxwell

Ask Brini Maxwell anything at ► AskBrini.com

Visit my official site for more info ► www.BriniMaxwell.com