HOW ENTERTAINING: TORY BURCH DEBUTS BLUE AND WHITE TABLETOP DESIGNS

Photos courtesy of Tory Burch

Rounding out her edited assortment of home items, Tory Burch recently launched a collection for the table. Marking her foray into tabletop and entertaining, the assortment, available on her website, includes a lot of blue and white, from casual hand-painted spongeware stoneware, inspired by 19th Century originals to everyday bubble glassware, painted stemware and pretty floral linens. Basing the designs on what she collects, Burch created a classics-inspired range that will mix in well with traditional china patterns and also add a vibrant dose of color.  With a fresh sensibility and pretty style, I adore everything in the collection. Here are some of my favorite pieces, which I think you will find as pretty as I do. 

Blue and white looms large in most of Burch's designs.  Here,  Jardin cotton mats and napkins covered in small blooms mix with a spongeware charger and salad plate. The change in scale, with a tiny all-over traditional spongeware design and larger, oval print adds visual interest.

Another angle pairs the smaller all-over abstract sponge pattern on dining plates, sold in a set of 2.

By including serving pieces as well, the range has some perfect go-to gifts, like this large oval platter that can serve Thanksgiving Turkey or summer corn for the masses. Dishwasher and microwave-safe, the stoneware pieces are great for everyday use.

Before summer ends, I would like to make a fresh iced tea to serve in this classically-proportioned stoneware pitcher, available in both scale prints

Little spongeware bowls are just the thing to serve nuts, olives and little bites, and come in a set of 4 bowls

I'm in the market for some new mugs, and for me, size as well as handle placement are key considerations. I like how these mugs are ample without being too large. They come in a set of 4.

I can sing the praises of a perfect bowl for days. Whether used on a table as a centerpiece or on the kitchen counter,  you will always have a need for a generously-sized bowl. This one, with the oval print, is reminiscent of something you mind find antiquing in Maine, and has all the right qualities. 

Bringing in a small shot of green, the delicate looking Spring Meadow stemware, created in Champagne, red and white wine versions is hand-painted and blown, with dainty little flowers that add a charming touch. But treat them with care and hand wash to preserve the floral design.

If a more rustic, hearty glass is what you are after, Mackie, hand blown blue bubble glasses bring substance and style with a rich Yves Klein blue

Available as mats and tablecloths, the Jardin print can be used sparingly or en masse

Summer thank you's, housewarming and shower gifts just got better with these Lucky Charm cocktail napkins. Embroidered with small good-luck talismans, the napkins come in a set of 4, ready to give.

Floral and femme, the Jardin Cocktail Napkins with blue borders evoke an old world nostalgia. The mini floral print, also available in mats or dinner napkins, mixes nicely with solids or pattern-on-pattern