On ebay this week is a Calaprint tablecloth like the one in the kitchen on I Love Lucy. This pattern came in different color styles so we don’t know for certain which color was used on the show.
Tablecloth like Lucy’s
Category Archives: Calaprint
Lucy’s Leaf Print Tablecloth
Lucy’s Leaf Print tablecloth was made by Calaprint in the 1950’s. This tablecloth was made in a few color schemes. Recently we saw the following two versions for sale on eBay – a green version and a red version. Previously (in this post ) we looked at a green and pink colorway of the same print. We can probably assume the colors of the one the show had green in it rather than red because the set colors tended to be chosen to compliment Lucy’s red hair even though it was filmed in black and white, furthermore the red one would have appeared somewhat darker in grayscale . This tablecloth was seen in several episodes and even appeared later in the Newport house in a kitchen scene when Lucy is ironing it.
I love Lucy’s Vintage Print Tablecloths
Above is a screen grab of Lucy and little Ricky seated at the kitchen table, set with a leaf print Calaprint tablecloth and Franciscan Ivy breakfast set. One of the easiest ways to add a touch of instant vintage to your table setting is to throw on a genuine vintage print tablecloth. Luckily there are lots to be found on eBay and Etsy and other vintage re-sellers online and possibly at your local garage sales.
In the Love Lucy episode “Sentimental Anniversary” the Wilendur Dogwood print tablecloth takes center stage when the Mertzes decide to throw a surprise party for Lucy and Ricky’s wedding anniversary. Wilendur is a popular vintage brand of tablecloth that is easily found on eBay.
The Calaprint ( a D.B. Fuller & Co. brand) design has been seen in different color schemes apart from the green and pink above. The Wilendur dogwood print designed by John Stanley Madsen for Weil & Durrse is also seen in seen in various colors.
I see a Wilendur 6 Napkins Tablecloth Pink Dogwood Floral Cotton set on ebay pictured above similar to the one that Ethel brought over to the Ricardo’s apartment to set up the dinner table on the “Sentimental Anniversary” episode of I Love Lucy.
Tip: Use Oxyclean to clean vintage cotton tablecloths. Oxiclean Versatile Stain Remover, 5 Pounds
Reference:
- September 27, 1956 Tri-City Herald from Pasco, Washington · Page 7
3-Tablecloths, reg. 3.98 ‘ Calaprint, mercerized cotton, large pattern, 54×72