MIX AND MATCH TABLEWARE, part 1

black and white tableware

When I started my KonMari project, I decided I would not be following the recommended order of sorting. You know, first clothes, then books, paper, and finally everything else.

Instead, I started with books (because it was the easiest place to start as I already knew what I wanted to get rid of), then moved on to paper (and threw out most of it), and then to kitchenware and tableware. That’s because  this is where I thought some sorting and organisation could really make a difference, both from the functional and aesthetic point of view.

You see, I have a bit of a mix and match approach to tableware: I see it as a sort of a capsule collection. Or, rather, as several capsule collections… I seem to have only 2-4 pieces of everything. Sure, I had lots (and I means lots) of plates, bowls and glasses. But never more than 4 in a certain colour or design. Variety is a good thing, right? However, my taste in clothes seems far more constant and a lot less eclectic than my taste in tableware…

Anyway… As I went through my various ‘capsule collections’, I decided what I wanted to keep and had the local recycling centre come and collect the rest. Then I went out and bought a few pieces (the black plates and bowls) to complete the ‘look’ I was after.

As a result, I now have tableware that not only reflects my current style but also meets my needs by allowing me to mix and match at will, either in black and white or in colour. 

tableware 1300 x 1000

Roses

tableware 1 1300 x 800

So, what you’re seeing in the photos above is actually 3 sets of tableware that go seamlessly together: the black Arabia plates and bowls mix nicely with the Marimekko bowls, plates and cups and the grey Iittala glasses.

But I can also mix and match the black / black and white tableware with the two sets of glass bowls and wine glasses I have (first picture: Ultima Thule by Iittala, second picture: New Wave by Villeroy and Boch  bowls and Essence by Iittala champagne glasses). This should give me enough options to come up with different ‘looks’ for my table settings.

tableware 1300 x 1000

tableware

You want to know the best thing about this ‘capsule collection’? It’s all dishwasher safe. Every single piece here.

And if I break something? No problem: everything here can easily be replaced. I’m clumsy enough to appreciate the fact that my everyday tableware is actually meant to be used.

But doesn’t black and white get a bit boring after a while?   Oh well, I can always add a little bit of colour by using something from another one of my ‘capsule collections’. Remember, I need some variety, so this is by no means everything I have in my kitchen cupboards… But maybe that’s a topic for another blog post.

tableware 1 1300 x 800

tableware 1 1300 x 800

Does your tableware reflect your style?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday, Away from the BlueMummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I

16 Comments

  1. 19 February 2019 / 3:02 pm

    I think that your ‘capsule collection’ looks like a great idea, as black and white is a versatile color combo and it’s easy to mix and match with any other bold color. Lots of possibilities!. I like the interesting shapes and the geometric designs, really elegant and cool!
    My own tableware is quite mismatched, but almost everything is made of white earthenware, sometimes with blue details which match our blue tablecloths. Simple and quite traditional!
    besos

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 February 2019 / 11:07 am

      Thank you! Black and white is actually a new colour combo for me; I used to have a lot of blue tableware. I got the black and white Marimekko plates a year ago because I wanted something new, and now I just added some plain black items. The inspiration came from the kitchen chairs (which I’ve had for ten years at least); I wanted something to match the chairs…
      Blue and white tableware sounds very cute, too. That sounds summery and fresh.

  2. Arlene
    19 February 2019 / 9:33 pm

    What a pretty table you set! I have white dishes mostly and some colorful glasses. Over the years, I have broken so many dishes (I’m a klutz) and so I just add to my white collection any time something breaks or gets chipped. This way, everything matches and I can add color, like you said. Yours of course looks like it belongs on the cover of a house beautiful magazine. Cheers Arlene from NJ

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 February 2019 / 11:11 am

      Thanks, Arlene! That’s so sweet of you. I guess I went for the Nordic Cool style here, Finnish design pieces etc…
      I’m clumsy, too, and have broken my fair share of dishes. That’s why everything I have must be easily replaceable. I think it makes no sense to have tableware you never use because you’re afraid of breaking it.

  3. 20 February 2019 / 10:39 pm

    Your tablewear is so beautiful! The black pieces add such a luxe touch! 🙂 We have toddlers so our tablewear is nothing fancy, haha! 🙂

    Hope that your week is going well! Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp earlier 🙂

    Away From The Blue

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 February 2019 / 11:13 am

      Thank you! My tableware is never fancy: it’s affordable, dishwasher/microwave safe, and easily replaceable (=available in shops).

  4. 21 February 2019 / 9:50 am

    Your black and white tablewear is striking , your table looks so stylish. I must admit mine is mostly white and a bit of a mixture .

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 February 2019 / 11:14 am

      Thanks, Jill. I like simple, cool items. Maximum impact, minimum fuss, that sort of thing.

  5. 21 February 2019 / 10:27 am

    You do have some striking pieces Tiina, i like the unique way the look. Thanks for sharing on the #linkup, much appreciated. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 February 2019 / 11:18 am

      Thanks, Jacqui. I think everyone in Finland has some Marimekko dishes (the black and white plates here), so from that point of view this is not unique. But the good thing about them is that you can always mix and match them, and add new pieces with different designs, and it all goes together.

  6. Flora
    23 February 2019 / 10:47 am

    I’m inundated with dishes. We’ve gone from being family of four plus partners and their friends, and ours, living in the country to 2 people living in a city centre flat. Gone are the days when I needed 12 place settings (!!!!!!!). I’m usually drawn to white or blue crockery so I am going to take a tip out of your book and get rid of non co-ordinating stuff and think in 4 place settings. I don’t think matching is important it’s more about colours. That should free up plenty of space in my cupboards to fill with a new breed of junk, lol.

    • Tiina
      Author
      26 February 2019 / 7:27 pm

      Wow, that’s a lot of dishes! Well, I have quite a lot, too. It’s just that everything I have is in sets of 4… But I have several of these ‘sets of 4’. I could do with a lot less, too.

    • Tiina
      Author
      26 February 2019 / 7:28 pm

      Dishwasher safe is a must for me. I have also dishes that are not dishwasher safer and I never use them. Call me lazy…

  7. Mutton_style
    24 February 2019 / 5:44 pm

    Your mix and match is perfect. I did the same thing. Mine is based around Denby dinnerware and it was because i just knew I’d break items so going for a brand that brought out new colours in similar styles made sense to me. Thanks for linking.

    • Tiina
      Author
      26 February 2019 / 7:23 pm

      I know exactly what you mean: I prefer something nice but not too precious, so I won’t feel too upset when I break something (sooner or later)…

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