Luxury Tableware

Decorative tableware like hand-painted crockery, patterned linens, and Murano glassware tends to feel more elaborate, with finer detail and richer character. Everyday pieces lean simpler. We've found, though, that the loveliest tables blur the line. A hand-painted plate is at home at a Tuesday supper and a Sunday lunch alike. A linen tablecloth softens with every wash and dresses up or down with ease. Our decorative pieces are made for daily use as much as for occasions. Choosing those that work across many moods means more use, more pleasure, and less stored away in cupboards.

Yes. We design our luxury tableware collections to layer well together, so mixing is part of the joy. A starting principle is to choose one piece, such as a set of plates or tablecloth that speaks to you. Use this as the anchor, then build around it with pieces that share a tone, texture or sensibility. Patterned and colourful crockery can sit alongside plain; a little contrast often gives a table real character.

Murano glassware is hand-blown on the Venetian island of Murano, where the tradition of glassmaking dates to the 13th century. Each piece is shaped by hand using techniques carried down through generations of master glassmakers. Which is why no two are exactly alike. Small variations in colour, weight and form are part of their character. We work with established Murano makers to bring this heritage into our collection.

Care instructions vary by range, so individual product pages are your best guide. As a general principle, hand-painted pieces benefit from hand-washing in warm soapy water; abrasive sponges and harsh detergents are best avoided to keep the detail bright over time. Where dishwasher use is acceptable, a delicate cycle and a gentle detergent will help preserve the finish for years.

Linen looks after itself remarkably well. It's anti-bacterial by nature, moth resistant, fast drying and famously stain-releasing. Linen takes well to a gentle wash in warm water, dries beautifully on the line, and presses crispest while still slightly damp. One of the reasons we work with linen made from European flax is because of how it softens with each wash and grows more characterful with use.

This is largely personal preference. We've found a sensible starting point is a set of dinner plates, dessert plates, linen napkins, glassware for water and wine, and a few serving pieces; enough for a complete dinner for the number of people you most often host. From there, layer in a tablecloth, placemats, and decorative serveware. Later, you might consider a second set of crockery for a different ambience. Buy less, better – pieces chosen with care will outlast most fashions.

Tableware made by skilled artisans, properly looked after, will see you through decades of meals. Less expensive alternatives often need replacing every few years, and over time the cumulative cost can be higher. Beyond this, there's the daily pleasure of using something beautiful, something that truly brings you joy at every mealtime.