Who hasn't seen those colorful Mexican blankets hung on the wall of your favorite Mexican restaurant or for sale on the streets of Cabo or Cancun on your last visit to Mexico? Those blankets actually have a name and are quite popular here in the States and abroad. They are known as Mexican Serape Blankets, or sometimes referred to as Saltillo blankets.
History
Originally, these blankets were hand made of hand dyed materials and woven strand by strand together to create beautiful tapestries of distinct colors. Although most serapes are still hand made on wooden looms, they are now generally made of synthetic fibers such as acrylic and a blend of cotton or wool. Although less time intensive than the earlier models, they are still stunning pieces of art and are the perfect addition to any home or business.
Varieties
The standard Serape blankets come in 5 standard sizes, from X-large which fits a queen size bed, so X-Small, which is about the size of a coffee table. The serapes, which are generally multi-colored with bright blue, pink, turquoise, yellow, red, and orange, usually have one dominant color, which is repeated throughout the blanket in wider stripes than the other colors. Not only do the Mexican blankets come in the five sizes mentioned above, but they also come in a long narrow style which is perfect for use as a table runner and a smaller version that is perfect for use as a placemat
Uses
Originally the serape blanket was used just as a blanket to keep warm or to cover the ground. Eventually, a whole was cut in the center of the blanket and the blanket was worn as a Mexican poncho. As the Mexican influence as spread throughout the United States and beyond, several more uses have been invented for this versatile blanket. Probably the most popular use is for decoration for Mexican themed fiestas and events. Cinco de Mayo has become quite popular in the United States, and the serapes make great decorations as a tablecloth, centerpiece or table runner. They can also be used as a couch cover in the living room, a bedspread in the bedroom, curtains anywhere in the house (or even a shower curtain), and many are also used by hot-rod enthusiasts as upholstery for their antique cars. The uses really are limitless. Because they are made of durable material that is machine washable, they have become quite versatile.
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