Doily
A doily (also doiley, doilie, doyly, or doyley) is an ornamental mat, typically made of paper or fabric, and variously used for protecting surfaces or binding flowers, in food service presentation, or as a clothing ornamentation, as well as a
Etymology
Doiley was a 17th-century London draper,[1] who made popular "a woolen stuff, 'at once cheap and genteel,' introduced for summer wear in the latter part of the 17th c."[2][3] At the time, it was used as an adjective, as in "doily stuffs" or "doily suit". Later, usage shifted to refer to "a small ornamental napkin used at dessert," known as a "doily-napkin".[2]
Usage
Headcovering
The doily is worn as a headcovering for Jewish women as an alternative to the traditional tichel (headscarf).[4]
The doily is used as a
Furniture protection
In addition to their decorative function doilies have the practical role of protecting fine-wood furniture from the scratches caused by crockery or decorative objects such as nativity scenes, or from spilled tea when used on tea trays or with cups and saucers. When used to protect the backs and arms of chairs, they are serving as antimacassars.
Flower arrangement
Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in posies (formal flower arrangements called tussie-mussies in the Victorian Era).[6]
Food service and etiquette
Doilies figure prominently in the custom of
Disposable paper doilies "were designed as a cheaper but respectable alternative to crocheted linen doilies" and are commonly used to decorate plates, placed under the food for ornamentation.
Techniques
They are
Contemporary designers continue to make patterns for modern hand craft enthusiasts. Although it may to some extent interfere with the original use, some doilies involve embroidery or have raised designs (rose petals, popcorn, or ruffles) rather than being flat.
See also
- Antimacassar
- Armenian needlelace
- Koniaków Lace
- Lace
- Medallion knitting
- Mountmellick embroidery
- Openwork
- Tenerife lace
- Placemat
References
- ^ "Doily". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009.
- ^ a b "Doily, adj. and n." Oxford University Press.
- ^ Harper, Douglas. "doily". Online Etymology Dictionary.
- ISBN 978-1-4165-3602-4.
- ISBN 978-1-4214-1371-6.
- ^ Felbinger, Elaine (May–June 2005). "Tussie Mussies". SUBROSA: The Huntington Rose and Perennial Gardens Newsletter (42). huntingtonbotanical.org/. Retrieved 26 January 2014.