Our dinner guests are always surprised that we use cloth napkins in our house. It's not because we like to be formal or fancy, it's just that after years of collecting the napkins, we've accumulated a sizable collection. Sometimes a plain white napkin just won't do for a nice, holiday dinner. Here's an easy way to add seasonal flair to any of your linens without having to buy a new set for the holidays.

Supplies

• fabric ink
  
• brayer
  
• napkins (prewashed and pressed)
  
• leaves (pick ones that are not too dry or brittle)
  
• newsprint
  
• plate for ink (not shown)
  
• iron (not shown)

Position the Leaves

Start by positioning the leaves onto the napkins where you are thinking about putting them. This will give you a visual sense of what the napkins will look like before you apply the ink.

Appy the Ink

Apply a generous amount of the ink onto the back side of the leaves (where the veins are more prominent).  Apply the ink gently so the leaf will not tear.

Place the Leaf

Place the leaf ink side down onto the napkin.

Press

Lay a sheet of newsprint over the leaf and roll the brayer (or glass) to firmly, but gently over the leaf. Remove the new print and gently lift the leaf by the stem to reveal the print. Repeat if you want more than one print.

Set the Ink

Let the ink dry overnight. Use a hot, dry iron to heat set the ink. Depending on the type of ink or paint you use, you may have to wait a few days for the ink to set before you wash the linen. Be sure to read the instructions on the back of the ink/paint.

There's so many ways to use this technique to customize your linens for any occasion.