I was delighted to see that the New York Gift Fair featured hardboard placemats. Not only are they classic and elegant, but practical, and who doesn’t love that combination? With stylish designs and wipeable surfaces, it’s a win win. Several examples were seen at the Gift Show in a variety of categories and price points.
At the winter New York Gift Show, I had discovered Holly Stuart‘s smart collection of mats. This show, she moved from the smaller venue of Pier 92 to the mainstream at Javitz with great success. And no wonder, her custom cut, hand silk screened hardwood mats are beautifully executed. Backed in black, trimmed in gold and protected with two coats of matte clear polyurethane, they are a great addition to the well dressed table.
One of the new pattern introductions was the handsome “Spade” above in sky. With a reference to the exotic trend in the market, it maintains a timeless appeal. Born out of the discovery that “dressing the table is as much fun as planning the meal,” Holly’s designs celebrate the tradition of connecting around the table.
You can imagine how much I liked the new persimmon colorway above and the second new pattern, Persia, can be seen in the bottom back left. The designs are also available as sets of coasters, perfect as hostess or holiday gifts.
A new entry at the Gift Show was Monique Ogilvie‘s elegant couture collection. An interior designer out of Palm Beach, Monique’s hardboard placemats are hand-painted in watercolor and gouache and then digitally transferred to the placemat surfaces that have been primed, sanded, hand painted, and coated with applications of protective varnish and backed with velour. From graphic designs such as this snappy Nautical mat
to delicate florals like the limited edition Les Papillons
to other natural subjects such as this Water Lily collection,
Ogilvie’s mats are designed to work with and complement fine china patterns from around the world. Available in a variety of shapes and designs, they make wonderful gifts for anyone who appreciates dining in style.
You can see here how the same mat in marine blue gives a completely different effect.
In addition to her limited edition existing designs, Monique Ogilvie is pleased to create placemats to any specifications including monograms, insignias etc. or to complement your china. The possibilities are endless!
Wishing everyone a very happy long weekend!!
I love the idea of a hard placemat, and not only are these durable but beautiful. I love the scalloped edges from the Monique Ogilvie line, so classy and elegant, and I love the fun prints and color ways that Holly Stuart’s line has…great options.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
These are just “DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!” Endless, beautiful, combinations- I’m passing this one on to “marketing friends”…what great housewarming, etc. gifts!!! franki
What I like best about the Holly Stuart mats is the shape! It’s hard to find round mats of ANY kind… and I have a round table…Thanks for the info (once again…)
I love these, Stacey! I have a round table in my breakfast room, so it’s always nice to see fabulous mats that aren’t rectangular!
Gorgeous collections. I own one set of hardboard placemats which I adore. I like the tone they set. I even like using them on the patio. It just adds an extra touch a elegance.
I really like the round collection you have shown here. A modern touch to a classic elegance… lovely.
These placemats are so beautiful. And I love how they are combined here with so many gorgeous plates. Thanks for bringing us this lovely dose of tabletop beauty, Stacey. Have a great Labor day weekend!
I have “hardcore” placemats that still look good after 20 years. Remember Pimpernel? The Holly Stuart/ Monique Ogilvie versions convince me to stray from the bridal registry conundrum. After all, we know what their china looks like and everybody is sending plates and dishes. These girls are working hard at new careers and haven’t shopped enough (unless they are my girls). I am officially straying and opening accounts! I’m sad to have missed the gift show, but I had the most beautiful wedding– ever– to attend. Thanks for the glimpse and great picks.
Best,
Liz
These placemats are gorgeous! My grandmother always used hard placemats – the Pimpernel placemats with the Hooker Fruits on them – which I also have, along with the Pimpernel Spode Christmas Tree placemats. I rarely use cloth placemats, despite having a drawer full of them.
I will definitely need to check these placemats out – thank you for the tip!
– Holly
I have some hard placemats that I adore using rather than a table cloth – these are stunning designs.
pve
Holly Stuart totally rocks! I love the designs in this feature. I have a few mismatched placemats from the past…no idea when they were made but I use them to protect my tabletops when I work with my orchids and African violets.