Mid-Century Restaurant Placemats: A Blast from the Past

A recent flea market find unearthed a treasure trove of mid-century North American restaurant placemats. These weren't just placemats; they doubled as menus, maps, and even games. Their simple, bold designs, vibrant colors, and functional nature reflect the aesthetics of the post-war era. The author connects these placemats to current nostalgic design trends, noting how their elements are repurposed in modern products. The article also briefly mentions ZuantuSet, a vast collection of historical Chinese diagrams.