.... except that I never would use these lovely towels for tea or anything else that might stain them! I use fine quality, decorative linen towels as end table and beside table cloths to protect the wood finish and to ease the task of regular cleaning. I have ordered tea towels from Rain Caper before. The towels wash well, don't shrink or develop wonky borders, and iron to a consistently smooth finish. I appreciate the reproduction of famous works of art on the towels. The Almond Blossom towels were ordered for a daughter who is quite particular about the items in her home. She wanted an aqua color scheme, and she loves Van Gogh; these towels were perfect.