Like laughter lines, stains on a well-loved table are a sign of a life well lived. We’re rethinking all those imperfections and taking a look at the marks, spills and stains that every table needs
Red wine
From that memorable dinner party where your friend brought an unexpected guest (who was that?) and they spilled a full glass of Merlot while reaching for the cheese knife, and then one of your other guests didn’t go home for two days because their hangover was so appalling and then Sunday lunch happened.
Candle wax
From the time your book club turned into a bit of a counselling session and no one noticed the candle burning too low and pouring all over the table top.
Sharpie pen
From the one and only time you forgot to put a plastic mat under a child’s artwork and they drew a (very unflattering) portrait of you complete with “bigg bottom”.
Curry sauce
From that evening when your best friend had had a row with her partner and turned up <just> when it was too late to stretch dinner, so you piled it all into Tupperware and phoned for a takeaway instead.
A deep scratch
After the time you briefly took up lino cut printing and got a bit over-enthusiastic with the small ‘v’ gouge while carving a pastoral scene into your linoleum piece.
White heat marks
From the lunchtime when you were so pleased with the paella you’d made, you put the skillet straight down on the tabletop without thinking.
Dents from shoes
From the day you had a few friends round and a quiet drink and some nibbles turned into impromptu karaoke and your sister didn’t take off her heeled boots before strutting her stuff on the table to Don’t Stop Me Know.
If you also see the joy of a well-loved kitchen table, you might like to read our My Place feature this month, which is looking at views around the kitchen table, such as the one by Samantha Hansard @vintagecuratorinteriors, pictured above.
