Daisy plates and dahlia tart trays… floral works of art
Whimsical. Joyful. Works of art. We’re besotted with these handcrafted ceramics from Bordallo Pinheiro, each produced using traditional artisanal techniques. Established in Portugal in 1884 by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, an iconoclastic artist and sculptor, the company has long been known for its irreverent and bold nature-inspired designs, and what started as a humble, family-owned business has since flourished into an internationally renowned cult brand.
Now the first dedicated Bordallo Pinheiro store outside Europe has just opened in Cape Town, but… yay… we can order online! And we’re struggling to know when to stop! We’re obsessed with this Maria Flor Collection – inspired by the beauty of spring flowers it’s all daisy desert plates and dahlia tart trays, hollyhock bowls and cosmos cake stands – but there are others that are equally delightful. The Cineraria Collection features colourful birds perched on intricately detailed leaves, the Countryside Leaves Collection includes sweet little leaf-shaped plates adorned with ladybirds, bees and dragonflies.
Visit bordallopinheiro.com and give yourself a while to browse. Everything’s simply wonderful. Hint: Start your collection this Mother’s Day and add to it each year.
• For the mum who shouts “I’m counting… One. Two. Three…” a Pastel hourglass, R295 from zarahome.com/za.
• We’re not always fans of faux plants, but there are some really realistic ones popping up, perfect for a dark corner where fresh just won’t thrive. This artificial ficus pot plant works well. R260 from Woolworths.
• Sitting pretty. We fancy this blush Tassels linen cushion cover, R479 from zarahome.com/za.
• Scent your room with this hand-poured frosted pillar candle, R75 from Woolies.
• All in Good Taste is Kate Spade’s completely charming entertaining guide with tips on how to throw chic, stylish get-togethers. From the drinks and the flowers to the music and the food, this book throws out stuffy rules and invites in unpretentious ideas that are easy and fun, but with deliberate polish. Filled with how-tos, anecdotes, menus, tips, recipes and a massive dash of style, the book covers all the essential lost arts, from how to shuck an oyster to curating a stellar guest list, from dinner-table topics to food photo etiquette (if there’s no IG, was there even a dinner party?). R474 from exclusivebooks.co.za.
• Fresh, whimsical, flirty… Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh is a firm favourite. R1 300 from woolworths.co.za.
• When we’re housebound and can’t get fresh flowers, this artificial Isabella orchid keeps us happy. R250 from woolworths.co.za.
Compiled by KYM ARGO
