Table linens and vintage china don't have to sit stacked in the back of a cupboard. Materials such as cotton organdy look and feel special, but most can go through the gentle cycle of your washing machine. Don't be afraid to bring out your grandmother's plates. You needn't use entire settings — instead, mix a serving platter or dessert plates with your basic white tableware. Even one or two vintage pieces can make a table set with everyday china elegant.

Selections:
Pure linen napkin in khaki, $16, Area, 212-924-7084 ext. 25. Sethi & Sethi Trellis organdy tablecloth, $65, ABC Home, 212-473-3000. Fern Multi tablecloth, $100, Sethi & Sethi, for store locations, call 212-967-1248. Vintage white homespun cotton spread, $140, French General, 212-343-7474. Boxes organdy tablecloth in ecru, $130, Sethi & Sethi. Sethi & Sethi Fem White-on-White tablecloth, $90, ABC Home. Fem Multi napkin, $80 for set of six, Sethi & Sethi. Sethi & Sethi Empress tablecloth, $165, ABC Home.