Aprons 101

To initiate my blog "Aprons in the Kitchen" I think it appropriate to educate readers about aprons and their place in history. According to Wikipedia an apron is an outer protective garment that covers primarily the front of the body and is worn as an outer protective covering. Until the 1960's, aprons were common in the home for domestic housework and cooking to protect women's delicate clothing from wear and tear. However, cheaper, mass-manufactured clothing and automatic washing machines made aprons less common world-wide but particularly in the United States. Donning aprons, by both men and women, has seen a resurgence in the last few years. The Wall Street Journal published an article in 2005 claiming the apron was "enjoying a renaissance as a retro-chic fashion accessory" in the U.S. Just type "aprons" on any web search engine and you can easily search and buy the style of your liking without leaving home. Or, if you are like me and enjoy browsing antique shops, country stores, and garage sales, you can find your treasure in some body's trash for just a few dollars. To create a vintage, cozy feel or to rekindle your memories of grandmother's house, install a simple pegged hat rack in your kitchen and nonchalantly adorn it with some vintage or hand-made aprons.  Don't be afraid to wear one, especially when you entertain family or friends and smile cheerfully when you tie one on your volunteer pot-washer!