There is a rhythm to great hosting. It starts with the visual invitation—the table setting that says "sit down, relax, and enjoy"—and ends with the lingering conversations over coffee. Whether you are refreshing your kitchen for the season or looking for the perfect gift for the entertainer in your life, two of our favorite brands are currently stealing the spotlight: the vibrant, nostalgia-infused New Orla Kiely collection and the earthy, sophisticated serving boards from Selbrae House.
Here is how to style your next gathering using these two standout ranges.
New Orla Kiely: The Joy of Colour
If your kitchen feels a little quiet, Orla Kiely is the volume dial. Known for her iconic "Stem" print and mid-century modern aesthetic, the new tableware collection for this season pushes the retro envelope even further.
The latest pieces—featuring the Sycamore Stripe design—are not just crockery; they are conversation starters.
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The Sycamore Stripe: The headline act of the new collection. Inspired by the organic shapes of sycamore seeds, this vine-like graphic print brings a sense of movement to the table. Available in bold Ochre Yellows, Space Blues, and Jet Blacks, it is designed to be mixed and matched.
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Morning Brights: Start the day (or end the dinner party) with the new range of stacking mugs and pitchers. We love the Spot Square Oval Pitcher for serving fresh juice or simply acting as a vase for freshly cut flowers.
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The Vibe: Playful, confident, and warm. It’s perfect for casual brunches, afternoon tea, or simply making your Tuesday morning coffee feel like an event.
Selbrae House: The Foundation of Feasting
While Orla Kiely brings the pop, Selbrae House brings the grounding. Based in Scotland, this family-run brand masters the art of "rustic elegance" using sustainably sourced Scottish oak and high-quality slate.
If you are planning a dinner party, their serving boards are effectively non-negotiable.
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The Ultimate Antipasti Board: We are particularly obsessed with the Selbrae House Highland Cow Wooden Oak Serving Board. Ideal for Antipasti. It isn’t just a slab of oak; it features beautiful, hand-illustrated engravings of rustic Highland Cows and also available with a stag. It serves as a literal guide for your grazing platter!
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Rustic Textures: The contrast of the dark, cool slate against the warm, golden hues of cheese, crackers, and cured meats creates a professional "foodie" look with zero effort. The foam backing ensures your table remains scratch-free, while the food-safe coating makes cleanup a breeze.
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Country Character: For those who prefer wood, their Scottish Oak Serving Paddles are stunning. Sourced from local, sustainable timber, they often feature laser-etched countryside motifs like the Stag, Highland Cow, or Bee. These are sturdy, substantial boards that feel as good in the hand as they look on the table.
