Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
In the spirit of the week, I’ve chosen two requests that have to do with items you need for your bar or table. When it come to this sort of thing, I’m strictly of the opinion that nothing has to match and that, just like everything else, it’s okay if you buy things that simply make you happy. Last year, an acquaintance led me down a wonderfully kooky rabbit hole of 1970’s Ed Langbein ceramics. Even though they almost never “go” with the occasion, one of my two carefully sourced Langbein canteloupe bowls almost always makes it to onto the table when I’m hosting. You don’t need a full set of everything and don’t have to take your tablescape so seriously! Buying things that you’ll actually use and enjoy using is the most important thing.
Iris in Manhattan: “I’m looking for a pair of champagne coupes for my sister-in-law, and a pair of martini glasses for my mother-in-law. Ideally they’d hit the sweet spot between not trendy and not plain. These vessels are thank you gifts in appreciation of their involvement in my recent wedding festivities. I enjoy nice barware but am pretty unfamiliar with it. Thanks for your guidance!”
Dear Iris,
What lovely gifts! Having the right glassware for your favorite at-home indulgence makes it all the more pleasurable. When it comes to barware, crystal and borosilicate glass are the most durable materials, but apart from that, it’s all about the style you’re going for! There aren’t a ton of smaller brands that I know of in this category but I do have a great place to start. Have you been to a shop in Greenpoint called Big Night? It’s owned by my friend Katherine and is a paradise of dinner party supplies. She stocks many cooler glassware styles, including this pair of Dotty Coupes by Maison Balzac ($115 for 2), which have a classic shape but a little pop of color in their accent dots:
For a more sophisticated option, there’s a Serax collaboration with designer Ann Demeulemeester that is so effortlessly elegant and has thoughtful and modern details like the slightly angular lip at the rim of the glass (2 for $70):
And for martini glasses — how about Vintage Martini Glasses from Nude Glass ($43 for 2), which features a slightly offbeat take on a classic martini glass shape:
Via Food52, these Richard Brendon star-etched martini glasses are stunners, albeit with a large price tag ($240 for 2). To me, these are the prettiest martini glasses in all of the internet:
I was surprised by how hard it is to find unique martini glasses! They mostly just vary slightly in shape or are colored glass, which is a risky choice for most people. Since you’re in the city, I’d also recommend paying a visit to ABC Home. They have so much lovely glassware (and often vintage options, too!), and have a wider selection in-store than online. A lot of the subtle differences that make great glassware so beautiful in person are also really really hard to photograph for ecomm, so shopping IRL for this sort of thing is always a good idea.
David in Maplewood, NJ: “Cloth Napkins. I've tried to make the transition, but every time my wife and I try it to get away from paper, we end up with "Nice napkins" that never get used for the everyday because they're too nice or when we've gone cheaper, we end up with something that doesn't feel good to use (think commercial restaurant supply style napkins that are meant to hold up to a bajillion washes and are not particularly soft or absorbent). So I guess I'm looking for something plain looking, that functions well and feels good to use. And looks decent without being pressed. I know that if a napkin needs to be ironed it'll sit for days waiting for attention while we get back into the paper habit. Local options are appreciated (Manhattan is considered local to us) but not required.”
Dear David,
This is a very noble aspiration, and one that is totally achievable! The napkin that you’re describing does exist, and I’m here to help you find it.
Important criteria:
Must have a hem close to the edge of the napkin, or an overlocked hem. Otherwise it’ll look sloppy if not ironed.
Fabric that is soft, but also durable enough to withstand frequent washing.
Not white! If they’re colored or patterned, you’ll be more likely to actually use them because you won’t be worried about stains.
Preferably linen. This is your best bet for something that’ll look good a little wrinkly and hold up well over time. French jacquard napkins are also good for this but I have a feeling that’s not the style you’re looking for. Stay away from cotton, and definitely anything synthetic!
The aforementioned Big Night (local to you!) sells a few brands of cloth napkins, the best ones being from Madre. They’re expensive at $84 for 4, but are really made for living. The linen is thick but soft, the hem is sturdy and they come in a whole slew of colors:
For a budget-friendly version of this style of overlocked linen napkin, Communauté de Beins makes ones that come in 12 different neutral-ish colors (4 for $31):
Fog Linen is another brand that I love for you, and it’s available in many cool home shops these days. They’re 2 for $26 at Omoi Zakka , and you can also get coordinating coasters and placemats:
One of my go-to wedding gifts is hand-embroidered napkins, and I love using Atelier Saucier’s because the fabric is nice and thick, which makes it easier to embroider without a hoop. The quality of the fabric can be attributed to its origins in the garment industry, as Atelier Saucier only uses reclaimed textiles and manufactures in Los Angeles. A set of 4 runs around $78:
Baby steps, my friend! Don’t feel like you need to make the switch all at once. Invest in a set that feels good to you, and slowly add to you collection as using and washing cloth napkins becomes more of a regular habit for your family.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
General Pencil makes a product called Kiss-Off that looks like a glue stick but is actually a slightly abrasive water-activated stain removal stick. On Thursday I splattered olive oil on my top and rubbed a bit of Kiss-Off into it before washing and it took the grease stain right out! In my house, it’s cooking stains that get us into the most trouble, but I have yet to meet one that Kiss-Off couldn’t remove. As an added bonus, it contains no icky ingredients and is made in the US by a family-owned business!
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline