I think we're seeing a pattern here

Folklore and folk-art seems to be the hot new thing. What is modern folk? It’s an eclectic mix of traditional folk-art imagery with the vibrant color trends of today.

Think of Urban Outfitters and Anthropolgie these stores have been bringing you modern folk-art design for years….and I think this newly updated trend is about to really take off!

Here are a few examples that I am sure you have already seen around.

Wall hanging from Bride & Wolfe Cards and notebooks from Night Owl Paper Goods
Bedding from Anthropologie and Matryoshka Measuring Cups
Urban Outfitter pillow and jewelery holder
Other types of traditional folk-art that I think we’ll be seeing more of:
wycinanki {pronounced vi-chee-nahn-key} is a polish folk art that involves paper cutouts, bright colors and intricate patterns. Wycinanki dates back to mid 19th century and originated with polish sheepherders cutting designs out of tree bark and leather. In rural areas of Poland this craft is done for relaxation and passed down for generations, all the while designs and themes have become more intricate and detailed.
Here is a similar example in a beautiful pop-up placemat and reindeer wall hanging or check out the traditional print on the apron!

Another fascinating form of folk art is colcha fabric. This folk art has been practiced by the otomi Indians (from the tenango region of the Mexican state of hidalgo). Each piece of fabric usually comes in very bright colors and takes up to three weeks to complete. This region has been an impoverished region, and buying these fabrics helps the women who spend so much time making them and it also helps to sustain the viability of this tradition of endangered textiles.

Here is a beautiful bed spread and a stunning Kate Spade purse – keep your eyes open for more this spring//summer I think this look is very Pottery Barn!

Juju (or tyn) hats are a ceremonial accessory to the villages of cameroon. It is worn by chiefs, prominent officials and important dancers. The hats are made out of brightly colored feathers that are sewn onto a raffia fiber base. The feathers are utilized as a symbol of prosperity and positive qualities associated with birds.

Here is an example of the head piece and how it can work into your décor!

I hope you are inspired by these pictures and add a little folk to your space.

Holiday Dinnerware

Ok, I think I have a growing obsession for holiday dinnerware. I know I have an obsession with paper plates (can’t really talk about it now perhaps a post is in order), but I am beginning to realize the paper plates are filling a void on my entertaining table set-up.

I adore holiday themed or Christmas themed dinnerware. I find myself surfing for patterns all season long – walking down aisle seeking tiny appetizer plates with beautiful or novelty designs. But the out come is always the same – I don’t have a set yet. I would love one of these sets from Crate and Barrel– I would use them as soon as Halloween was over and keep using them till the first thaw – considering we have about 5 months of winter where I live I think I would need 2 sets.

Target always has some great designs which usually always including serving pieces like trays and bowls. Here are several patterns I would consider for my own table.

Lenox is another great china source for Christmas and holiday pieces – here are a few I like

– and you can also find some retired collections on ebay etc. that are still as beautiful today as they were when they launched!

Now Pottery Barn (and PB Kids), is a no brainer for dinnerware, but honestly I don’t think these sets are new – I recall seeing these (or something very similar) last Christmas.

If you know whether these are new for this season let me know – or I’d have to conclude that PB is very “green” this year, as in recycling last years line up!

Macy’s also has all the top names in china flaunting their holiday colors and patterns. Now these are really a “collection”. I really like Fitz & Floyd’s “Town and Country” collection – timeless.

A great line of dinnerware (be it Holiday or everyday) is Waechtersbach.

The collection Willie & Emma or George & Gracie (who are the friends of Willie and Emma), are both fun whimsical designs that are sure to bring holiday cheer to every event you have!

Now if you have a chance to get to Marks & Spencer (in the UK) then plan for an entire day of shopping!

Here is this year’s holiday dinnerware collection from M&S and I think it is my fav!

I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I do…and if you have a set of dishes you use at Christmas or during the holidays please share.
PS: I also added the latest Kate Spade winter dinnerware collection – which is another I love!

Designer dinnerware

Rosanna Bowles is a tableware designer I have shown you before in a previous post, and have now fallen in love with even more collections from this designer.

A little about Rosanna, In 1982, Rosanna scraped together the seed money, took out a loan and created Rosanna, Inc., purveyor of fabulous fashion-forward plates. Her goal: to create high-quality, functional dishware, both richly handcrafted and affordable. From that very first set of dishes, Rosanna's unique creations caught the eye of the press. Her initial collection was featured in Metropolitan Home magazine; since then, her story and tableware have appeared in numerous publications, including Lucky, Bon Appetit, Elle, Instyle, and O at Home. In 2006, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles magazine named Rosanna one of 100 top companies that defined design in the Northwest. Drawing international acclaim in the same year, Rosanna was awarded the prestigious honor of Gift of the Year by the Giftware Association in the United Kingdom.

Today, Rosanna's international business is run out of a teeming warehouse in Seattle, Washington. More than 22 years and millions and millions of dishes beyond her first container, she now sends truckloads of tableware to destinations across the states and around the globe. Rosanna's tableware crosses cultural boundaries, delighting people worldwide and encouraging the art and soul of entertainment-connecting with others and sharing memories along with food and drink. To make this holiday season the brightest yet, has created 2 main collections. The designs of Boho Holiday and A Groovy Kind of Christmas were inspired by some of the happiest moments in her own life. The collection of dishes is meant to remind people of happy times. Another important part of the holiday season is giving back. In doing so she has made new additions to our popular Mexican glassware line. Illuminare, the newest lighting collection, includes a variety of jewel-tone votives that evoke beautiful moods and create soothing environments throughout the holiday season.

Oh and one more note worthy dinnerware collection - the guru of manners (no not Martha) Kate Spade has a cute collection this holiday season that could last on table tops all winter long!

I think I am becoming a fan!