After spending a number of years managing a Crate & Barrel store, it should come as no shock that I am a huge fan of the clean and classic black and white color combo. I still get excited when I spot their iconic shopping bag and box whether it's in a movie - the result of good product placement, no doubt - or being carried by a shopper. As an employee (and frequent shopper myself), I had a back stock of bags I would stick some colored tissue paper in to use as a gift bag. My friends and family came to expect it. And I'd store my seasonal dishes in the boxes when not in use. My basement looked like a mini Crate & Barrel storage room.
I know what you're thinking. Seasonal dishes? Oh, come on. I worked in a housewares store. Of course I had seasonal dishes.
Anyway, as I was searching for holiday pieces to offer in the shop, it was important to me that we include a mix of styles at different price points. Let's face it, the back half of the year can get expensive, especially if you have kids. It starts in August with school fees and money spent on sports and other extracurriculars, and then - WHAM - it's just one holiday right after the next through New Year's Eve.
For that reason, it's helpful to have some classic entertaining pieces (otherwise referred to as entertaining workhorses) that can be used holiday after holiday. A set of silver candlestick holders. A simple white dinnerware pattern that you layer with your seasonal dishes. (Yes, I said seasonal dishes.) A set of strikingly subtle gold chargers. Or, what about a set of timeless black and white linens could be the foundation for all of your holiday tables?
Now, you could use gingham if that's your thing. There is nothing wrong with gingham. There is a time and place for gingham. But take a peek at some of the amazing tables I found using my absolute favorite black and white pattern: the buffalo check.
HALLOWEEN
THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS
NEW YEAR'S EVE (OR ANYTIME)
Okay, so I may have cheated on this one...BUT look at this buffalo check accent wall?!
Hopefully you feel inspired to use buffalo check linens and accent pieces as you entertain and decorate your home over the course of the next several months. I've added several pieces to the shop just in case.
XO!
Carmen