Where To Buy The Most Unique Tableware
In this month’s column supporting independent businesses, we discover three homeware stores specialising in original tableware. From tablecloths to hand-painted dinner plates, these inspiring small shops serve up an eclectic array of pieces and tableware sets, helping us master the perfect tablescape.
Yes, this month we’re talking tablescapes. And yes, I’m excited. Think long leisurely lunches, evenings filled with endless chatter, flowing red wine and giant bowls of pasta. Make like your favourite restaurants and style up your table with joyous tableware sets. From colourful glassware and hand-painted dinner plates to embroidered napkins and bold tablecloths, there’s nothing you can’t add to your dinner party setting to make it all the more fabulous. But where to buy, you ask? Well, obviously you can find plenty of options on the high street, but why not look to your local stores? Why not support those small businesses serving up something a little different?
Three incredible shops shaking up the tableware sets scene are Late Afternoon, Dress For Success and Spicer & Wood. Each offers something a little different, but each have a common interest, to provide their customers with individuality and unparalleled quality. The founders share their tips on how to launch a start-up, but also on how to create an Insta-worthy dinner table. So prepare to be tempted with the next instalment from our Shop Small Series.
Scroll To Shop Tableware Sets From Small Businesses…
Late Afternoon
Late Afternoon was founded by two old friends of 27 years, Claire Haddon-Lowson and Rose Robertson, with a shared interest in homewares. Their idea of fun has always been about hunting for brands, unique pieces and budget-friendly solutions for their homes. However, they felt stumped by unattainable luxury and put off by the cheap, low-quality homogeneity of the high street. “We wanted to source quality pieces made in traditional ways by artisans; to help people achieve that feeling of filling your home with unique pieces that reflect your individuality and have their own stories to tell,” Robertson shares.
When it comes to setting up a business, they say: “Stay close to the numbers. Seek help, practice and don’t bury your head in the sand. Your success lies in the numbers, so find a way to get comfortable with them or quickly find someone else who is. However, there are real perks to being able to organise the company around your needs and lifestyle which make it all worth it. And the community is so supportive.”
“Just by choosing to buy a product from a small homewares brand you are voting with your cash for independence and creativity. For example, in the case of Late Afternoon, if you choose to buy one of our handmade glass tumblers, you are buying a product made by a glass artist using recycled materials. We’ve enabled our maker to actually start training new glass blowers into the profession; to keep a dying craft alive. We’re so proud of that and so grateful that our customers are the reason that has happened!”
Late Afternoon encourages ‘scapers to try new things and realise that if they love it and lay up with confidence, their guests will love it too. Think beyond white plates!
As for their idea of the perfect tablescape, “We think tablescapes are a natural outlet for creativity. People are starting to think more about their everyday tableware which is completely brilliant. Why not enjoy your special pieces on a dreary Monday night? We love seeing people grow in confidence and begin to experiment with colour and pattern. Perfect for that, we have just launched some really fresh, spring/summer table linens in gorgeous bright stripes. In keeping with how we like to do things, the fabrics are 100% cotton and made on a hand loom.”
Dress For Dinner
Ellie Moore didn’t have any experience other than a personal love of hosting. As the pandemic forced us into our homes, Moore saw an opportunity to make a business out of her gift for tablescaping. “At the beginning it felt like a huge mountain to climb, but by ticking something off my list each day, I quickly started to see progress and build confidence,” she admits. As for advice for those keen to follow in her steps, Moore says: “Stop waiting for the right time. Time passes anyway, whether you are working towards what you want or not. Just do it. Do your research and start small. Don’t go crazy buying stock and burn through your money before you have had a chance to test the market.”
The rise in popularity of the ‘tablescape’ has obviously worked in Moore’s favour. “I think social media has a lot to do with it. People get inspired; it’s another form of creative expression in the home. For me, the tablescape is a perfect marriage of creativity and my other favourite activity, socialising. I think it sets the tone for a really fun meal together. A bit like fancy dress for your table.”
As for her tip on creating the most beautiful setting, it’s all about flowers in bud vases. “I work with an amazing florist (threewildflowers.co.uk) and by using bud vases (our Bloom Bud Vase Trio is one of our best-sellers) you can dot pretty blooms for maximum impact with minimum fuss. Just three small vases full of flowers down the middle of your table can set the scene perfectly. If you do just one thing to dress your table – that’s it.”
Dress for Dinner founder, Ellie Moore, is all about the magic a beautiful tablescape can create. She believes eating, drinking, chatting & laughing around a table is just about the best thing in life and a beautifully laid table sets the scene.
Spicer & Wood
Spicer and Wood is a one man business founded by Samuel Wood in 2017. “From a young age I’ve always loved selling things. As a teenager I sold plants at the end of the drive; whilst at university I set up a vintage clothing store. After graduating, working in the trade team for a homeware company for five years and then moving into my first flat in Stoke Newington, Spice & Wood was born. Named after my great great grandad, who coincidentally also lived in Stoke Newington, I wanted the name to have a meaning and I think it sounds quite warming.”
“I started my business alongside my full time job, and it allowed me to grow without having to worry about paying myself.” Wood also advises those considering starting out, “ask other small business owners for help if you’re stuck about something. We have all started from somewhere and most will happily reply to an Instagram message.”
“For me, small brands support local communities and provide customers with something original and not mass produced. You’ll also receive that personalised service that you might not get from a bigger company. I’m currently loving ceramicist Harlie Brown, and super excited to be stocking some of her lovely plates in the next few weeks.”
Samuel Wood’s interiors obsession and large expenditure on candlestick holders paid off when he finally launched his own homeware brand, Spicer & Wood. Run from a studio in Clapton, it is a must for quirky, original pieces.
When it comes to tableware sets, Spicer & Wood most definitely has you covered with everything from hand-blown glass tumblers to hand-painted plates. “My current favourite is our Shellegance range, a collaboration between &Klevering and artist Lucie de Moyencourt. The platters are shouting to be used for alfresco dining.” And what exactly is Wood’s key to the perfect tablescape? “Have fun! Create height and layer different textures. I’m a big fan of mixing different ceramics and glassware to add interest. 2023 is the year of the dinner party!”
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
