Set the tone for holiday gatherings with our timeless tablescape, which is hand dyed and handcrafted by artisans in India using natural ingredients.
The fabric is hand-dyed napkins made by the Chicago-based ethical brand TerraKlay. The napkins are so lovely that they can double as both the gift and the packaging. And, of course, as reusable napkins for adorning a festive holiday table. They sell sets of six different colors of Geetha Shibori Dyed Cotton Napkins, four of which we used in this post.
Continue reading to see how our colorful tablescape turned out, and then follow us on Instagram to enter to win a set of TerraKlay napkins and a banana fiber table runner for your own table.
The striking table runner we used is actually two-sided! It’s the Chechi Runner in Pink, another entertaining essential that comes in seven hues.
The jute placemats are from fair trade decor brand Will + Atlas, and truly fit any vibe such as this more formal Friendsgiving spread. TerraKlay offers a similar design made of upcycled banana fibers.
Pro tip: Check out Gracious Garlands for selecting your Holiday Greenery for your table. From Garlands to Wreaths they have it all covered!
Back to the napkins. The Shibori dyed patterns on them are really lovely, and are more beautiful in-person versus photos. TerraKlay’s textiles and decor are made by people, not factories, in India, who have been working in their craft for generations. They also partner with young adults to support their vocational education. Learn more about their team and founder Manvee Vaid here.
Pro tip: Tie scrap ribbon from your holiday gift wrapping around your napkins for cute bow “rings” that make each place setting look like a present!
Here’s a close up of the four napkin colors on the pink runner showing the richness of the dye.
What do your holiday tables look like? Do you go for traditional seasonal colors or something more surprising?
If you’re considering a zero waste swap for the new year, ditch the paper towels for a good set of cotton or linen napkins. Not only does it reduce waste, but meals feel just a bit fancier because of it!
Shop at terraklay.com and be sure to head over to Insta for a chance to win a set of your own!
The original article is written by Eco Club. She is a copywriter and editor for small, creative businesses. She is most passionate about nature, creativity, and self care. She lives with her partner and two kitties in a petite Seattle apartment.
This October is National Fair Trade Month, which raises awareness about the importance of the fair trade movement to our global economy and promotes purchasing from fair trade businesses rather than those that may harm the environment, the economy, communities, and individuals. At TerraKlay, we are awaiting approval for our Fair Trade certification, and in this article, we will discuss why fair trade is at our heart.
To begin with, we thought it would be useful to clarify what constitutes a fair trade business. By definition, fair trade businesses must meet a set of standards in the sourcing and production of a product. They advocate for transparency and respect in international trade to ensure ethical practices are followed.
For the workers, this means a living wage, safe working conditions, and the protection of their workers' rights. For consumers, fair trade means knowing that a product was sourced and manufactured ethically.
The national fair trade month, which takes place in October, aims to raise awareness about fair trade certified businesses. Fair trade businesses adhere to an ethical standard that ensures they participate in global trade in a fair and respectful manner.
This month, we encourage consumers to seek out and support local fair trade businesses.
TerraKlay’s Story
TerraKlay was founded on fair trade principles, with our artisans at the heart of our operations. TerraKlay was created to provide a platform for female artisans who have passed down their skills through generations as well as those who are ready to start a new chapter in their lives by learning new skills. We want to recognize their efforts, highlight their potential, and help them achieve financial stability.
Our Artisans
All of our products are handcrafted by skilled artisans who have honed their skills. These artisans work in community groups where they set and decide their own wages. TerraKlay believes that providing a fair wage that is reflective of an individual's skill, knowledge, and abilities is a primary responsibility.
We've always wanted to recognize the talents of our artisans. TerraKlay would not be the brand that it is today without their expertise and craftsmanship. As a result, we've decided to name our products after one of our artisans. We hope this gives our artisans who work on our products the opportunity to become partners, encouraging them to explore their roles and develop their skills as designers and creative thinkers.
Products and Materials
TerraKlay was built on the foundation of reflecting each artisan's traditions, knowledge, and individuality, as well as their heritage and cultural background. Material selection is one way to show appreciation for our artisans. Using materials that have been used by multiple generations is a way we honor our artisans and their heritage.
TerraKlay's material selection is centered on sustainability. We want the products we use to benefit, rather than harm, the community from which they are sourced. The combination of high-quality materials obtained in a sustainable and ethical manner ensures that, as a consumer, your purchase has a positive impact on the community from which your product originated!
It's not every day that you get an email from the plant-based chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi asking for your Pink Shibori Table Runner
Bettina is deeply committed to sustainability and works as a recipe consultant, having written three cookbooks. She also contributes to Country & Townhouse Magazine.
Bettina's London home was hosting a series of exclusive supper clubs. Each event will have ten high-profile client guests in attendance, and she wants to create the most encapsulating and memorable tablescape for them using TerraKlay product.
Read all about it here.
She says "Unique, made in small batches and absolutely gorgeous! People seem to be taking pleasure in setting their tables for dinner in increasing elaborate fashions, thinking about colour schemes, styling details and investing in accessories such as napkins, candles and vases! Of course, it makes sense to lay your table with appropriate utensils and to create atmosphere if you're hosting, but this is more than that, it's an opportunity to be creative. Dare I say it, it feels like art!"
Spring has a rejuvenating quality to it. Following months of cold and gloomy weather, many people feel compelled to spruce up their kitchens and welcome the spirit of the new season. However, it may be difficult to know where to begin when reorganizing your kitchen. That is why we are here today to try to help you refresh your spring kitchen décor on a budget without adding to the mess!
If you want to refresh your kitchen without making major changes, here are a few simple ideas for home decor that might help you enjoy your kitchen inside and out.
Investing in high-quality, aesthetically pleasing kitchen tools, such as utensils, pitchers, mugs, or jars, is one of the best and easiest ways to decorate a kitchen for any season. This serves three functions: it adds character and warmth to the kitchen while also allowing you to reduce clutter at the workstation, saving money and giving the impression of a minimalistic home decor.
When shopping for cutting boards, utensils, coffee mugs, towels, jars, pitchers, or even paper towel holders, look for those that can serve two functions. We have some great tumbler mugs and kitchen towel sets at TerraKlay that can add a unique touch to the overall appearance of your kitchen and have multiple functions, making it versatile.
Since spring has arrived, what could be more appropriate for decorating than some brightly colored flowers? I know it's not groundbreaking, but adding flowers is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve the look of your kitchen and add a refreshing vibe throughout the room. People are often drawn to living plants in the home. Nothing beats a bouquet of lilies or tulips, a live plant, to herald the arrival of spring. A quick and easy way to complete your spring kitchen decor is to add blooms or greenery.
If you've been looking for a great modern planter, look no further because we have some lovely eco-friendly banana fibre planters.
Incorporate elements in your kitchen that add character to the overall aesthetics. My grandmother's mortar and pestle, a vintage wood bowl, brass rice containers, and traditional utensils are my go-to pieces. Dig out your grandmother's kitchen pieces with a bit of character, as these add a touch of warmth to the space without feeling too formal. They blend in seamlessly with the kitchen because it's only natural for them to be there!
If your dining table is in your kitchen, it is preferable to add some texture. Table runners can help you with this while also adding style and decor. TerraKlay has some elegant table runners that can add style to your otherwise boring kitchen table. Here too, don't forget to add some flowers to liven up your lunches and dinners.
In unimaginable ways, a basket can improve the ambience of your space. You can come up with creative ways to use baskets in your home decor. A basket is one of the most beautiful and versatile home decor ideas that will always enhance the beauty of your living space. They can also be a great help in organizing your craft supplies and garden tools or help carry your picnic lunch to the park.
Having these fiber baskets in your home not only adds panache and aesthetics to the ambiance of your house but also brings nature and cultural values to its overall appearance.
TerraKlay fiber baskets come from nature and are handmade by the local women in South India, providing them with better income opportunities while protecting the region's natural ecology. The fiber used to crochet this product is locally available and made from "dead" banana tree leaves. These previously discarded leaves then find a new life in contemporary and sustainable design and production, which are then intertwined to make different thickness ropes. Women then hand crochet and weave those ropes to create these eco-friendly artisanal storage baskets.
When paired with a cool idea, these functional baskets bring out the ambiance of the house. So let's not wait any further and look at the helpful ways to incorporate basket decor ideas into your home.
Organize Your Bathroom -
TerraKlay's natural banana fiber baskets are visually appealing enough to capture the viewer's attention in seconds. If you have a large bathroom with a bathtub, the round basket in different sizes can help you keep everything organized. Furthermore, you can use it as a laundry basket to store paper rolls, cloth napkins, face or skincare products, or those furry slippers you love slipping into after a bath.
Storage You Won't Want to Hide -
As organizers, standard options include storage bins. TerraKlay's rectangle banana fiber basket can be used to store firewood around the fireplace or even organize blankets during the chilly months. You can also use it to store coffee table books, photo albums, or magazines next to your sofa. It will help you make better use of your space while also enhancing your decor.
Plant Your Kitchen-Garden -
Using baskets as planters is a great, one-of-a-kind way to add texture and charm to your garden or indoor living spaces. TerraKlay’s natural fiber baskets can also be used as planters for indoor and outdoor use.
Keep Your Counters Clean -
Arranging a kitchen counter can be a daunting task for most of us, but once completed, we feel much more accomplished. Yes, we have a basket to organize those random spices and oils. You can also use the basket to store all of your kitchen towel sets and other kitchen textiles. A shallow tray basket is ideal for organizing table candles, pens, and other valuable silverware.
Experimenting with a basket may sound exciting, but the main goal when using it in your living space should be to keep it simple and useful. TerraKlay.com is a great place to look for more natural fiber home accessories, such as coasters and placemats for the kitchen and tabletop.
“The armed insurgency that broke out in 1989 has had a devastating effect on the normal life of people living in Kashmir. The number of orphans in Kashmir mushroomed dramatically . . . tens of thousands of people have been killed, and an estimated 10,000 disappeared during the past 25 years of the armed rebellion. . . .”
–from BWF’s IDS grant application
Terra Klay is partnering this month with Uma Vaiyapuri and Vineeta Santoshi of Chutney Devis to share with you easy meals that can be prepared in Terra Klay all clay cookwares.
Was invited to talk on Worldview yesterday to catch up after a year, on the progress of Terra Klay.
If I look back and reflect on all that went right and wrong there are many lessons learnt.
However one thing I am sure that the universe did guide me in the right direction. I love what I do and would not trade it.
