THE LIST ~ #4 Monogramming

When it comes to a design element that's so simple and classic that it surpasses the test of time, you have what’s called a monogram.   My parents who are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary have monogrammed china by Royal Doulton  similar to the set on the right below by Pickard.  I have always admired its simple elegance.

Monogrammed China

Ok, this is a little seque but look how fabulous this is Grecian Gorham antique spoon from 1882 with the name Alice monogrammed on it is, now if my name were “Alice” that spoon would be on its way to me right now. 

Silver Collect: 1882 Grecian Gorham

Of course there is monogrammed stationary, my favorite source for this is Crane.  There is a very special feeling that you get when you both send a note with your initials or name monogrammed on the paper and even more special is when you receive a note with someone else’s monogram.   The monogram can be as simple as one letter, or your first name, first and last name or the traditional 3 initials.

 

Crane: Single Initial

Crane: Single Initial

 

Crane: 3 Initials

Naturally I’m going to include bed and bath linens in my selections, here are some of the very best!!

Matouk: Parterre

Matouk: Mirasol

Matouk: Providence

Matouk: Bel Tempo

This monogram style is a new one for Matouk, it’s unique because its woven right into the towel, quite spectacular.

Matouk: Auberge

And the traditional styling of monogramming.

 

 Leontine Linens

And we can’t forget shower curtains and robes….

Leontine Linens

Matouk

I also like monogrammed furniture, especially dining room chairs, see this one below by Hickory Chair.

Hickory Chair:  Adam Arm Chair

Or if you want to go a little crazier and bigger do something like this!!

Courtesy of Brenda Kelly Kramer Interiors

Need a little inspiration for monogram styles here are some unique options:

Monogram style resources Matouk and Leontine Linens.

The list of objects to monogram goes on and on….luggage, glassware, napkins, napkin rings, blankets, frames, candles, cakes, shirt cuffs, shirt pockets, coats etc, however, a word of caution, contrary to popular belief,  there can be too much of a good thing.  So be judicious and pick a few objects to monogram and then use them!!!

Table Linens: Couleur Nature

I had the pleasure of attending Atlanta’s International Gift and Home Furnishings Market last week and added a few new lines to the offerings at Instinctive Interiors at home boutique.  Here’s what I added in the table linen department, it’s a pretty and brightly colored line from Paris called Couleur Nature by Bruno Lamy.

there will be an assortment of tablecloths, placements and tea towels….behold the beauty below

Coleur Nature  Jardin Red/Green Tablecloth

Jardin Red/Green Placemat

Jardin Red/Green Napkin

 

 

Isn’t this one just fabulous for Fall!! I’ll have it as napkins and tea towels too.

Pumpkin Mustard/Orange/Green

One of the things I always try to find is unusual hostess gifts. Not that anyone doesn’t appreciate a nice bottle of wine.  But don’t you think a set of tea towels makes a nice gift?  Everyone appreciates a pretty towel whether its for the kitchen or bath and I thought these were some of the prettiest that I’ve seen in a long time.

Pomegranate Yellow

Now you may think I’m getting ahead of myself but I have this in mind for Holiday.  Set either with white or red, or green dishes or a combination of all, spectacular!!! Of course I’m going to shamelessly mention that they go beautifully with the Juliska dishes that I now offer at the boutique.  Speaking of which Juliska added to their collection Boxwood and Bow which is a beautiful red that mixes with the white and pistachio green gorgeously.  I’ll post pictures as soon as I receive them.

Crocus Red/Green

 

Juliska:  Berry and Thread

Juliska: Jardins du Monde

This picture alone makes me want to dine outside this evening and enjoy and nice Sauvignon Blanc!

Jardine Red/Yellow

 

Again, I thought this would be smashing for a Fall or Holiday tablescape. 

Fig Red/Green

I’ve also ordered some hemstitched solids that coordinate perfectly with the above.  These are scheduled to arrive late August.  Of course to see more of the line check out the site at www.coleurnature.com.