Boston-based event planner and designer Kathryn Yee has always appreciated the beauty, feel, and eco-friendliness of cloth napkins. But she noticed that, for daily use at least, most people still reach for disposable paper products. Then, for one of her events, Kathryn designed a series of square serviettes made from recycled cloth. Somewhere in size between a cocktail and dinner napkin, these linens were small enough to lay out in a compact stack but generous enough for meals. Casual, yet elegant, they seemed ideal for daily use. Thus The Everyday Napkin was born.
Recently, I teamed up with Kathryn and several other Boston-area shops to create a springtime tablescape, perfect for Mother's Day or any special occasion.
Photography and styling by Justine Hand and Kathryn Yee of Bash Studio.
Above: For our setting, we paired Kathryn's Everyday Napkins with a selection of earthy ceramics in soft grays and springtime pastels. For a bit of festive sparkle, we added brushed gold Due Ice Oro flatware from Lekker Home; $115 for a five-piece set. Also from Lekker Home, the charcoal dinner plates are from the Ripple Collection by Urban Oasis; $58. The mint tea cup; ($82 with saucer), white carafe ($76), and gray jug ($26) are all by MUD Australia.
Above: Everyday Napkins are not only convenient and stylish, they're eco-friendly. Each reusable napkin is handmade by Kathryn and her mother from recycled designer fabrics. And because they are made from found textiles, the Everyday Napkin collections are always changing and can be mixed and matched; $28 for a set of seven.
Above: Measuring 6.5 inches square, the stackable Everyday Napkins are good for weddings and buffets. You can even leave a collection on the counter for on-the-go meals and snacks. Here we used selects from Kathryn's Spring Collection, made from prewashed white cotton linen with contrast herringbone stitching, as well as the Everyday Napkin Chambray Collection (both $28 for a set of seven).
Above: Our informal yet elegant table setting includes my set of vintage cordial glasses and an ironstone compote. In the corner, a tall vase by Morandi ($140 at Greentail Table) holds pink and white cherry blossoms.
Above: Originally designed for Höst restaurant in Copenhagen, Norm lunch plates provide another touch of pastel. We used Norm lunch plates in nude (pink), gray, and yellow, all available at Greentail Table; $26.
Above: Oji Masanori's brass sun trivet ($110) is paired with MUD's tiny, petal pink bowl, and a chambray Everyday Napkin with aqua trim. Other available trim colors include: citron, aqua, coral, black, tomato red, pink, gray. There's even a limited-edition pompom version.
Above: Also from Greentail Table, Oslo Cake Server in Matte Gold; $26.
N.B. Looking for more casually elegant table inspirations? Visit:
- Fabrics and Linens: MyDrap Napkins, disposed cotton napkins on a roll
- 10 Easy Pieces: Handmade Dinnerware from Ceramic Studios
- 10 Easy Pieces: Basic Drinking Glass
- Steal This Look: Parisian Oyster Party
- A Season Celebration, Creatives Included
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