The World of Tabletop Is Going Towards a Painted Garden Aesthetic

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The garden acts as a source of inspiration for many creatives, but real magic happens when an artist is enchanted by a garden. Just think back to artists like Claude Monet and the Impressionist plein air movement. He's known to have said, "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers."

Now, nearly a century and a half since Impressionists were the talk of Paris, artists are picking up their brushes to create intricate, delicate compositions on a different canvas: tableware. Elegant, painterly designs easily apply themselves to the most dainty pieces of tableware. Lighter-than-air glasses touched with the artist's hand, dessert plates covered in peonies, and a tea set inspired by painted pieces of the past are just a few of our favorites from this utterly timeless "trend." Using techniques and materials that have long been staples of the trade, such as Limoges porcelain, artists are creating delightful compositions that beautifully combine the old with the new.

Here, our favorite tabletop items that highlight the painted garden look flawlessly.

Aliseo Hand-Blown Murano Glass

Want to serve a cocktail with knockout flavor as well as presentation? Opt for these unique goblets. The painterly petals of Los Vasos de Agua Clara’s design will enchant your guests.

Painted Porcelain Dessert Plate

Crawling with possibilities (and charming insects), smaller bespoke pieces like dessert plates are a stunning addition to your party closet. Perfect for plein air events—from garden parties to teas to sunsets soirees—these plates are endlessly versatile.

Tulip Dessert Plate

Hand-painted gold trim adds an elegant, refined touch to the stylish design from La Double J. The forest green background keeps these plates from feeling too delicate.

Dusty Blue Tulip Hand-Painted Taper Candles

Painterly details are not exclusive to traditional plates anymore. Hand-painted taper candles, like these from MJ Tablescapes, are an elegant addition to any table.

Deutsche Blumen Vase

Created by artist Marc Armitano Domingo, this vase's curvaceous shape, painted botanical elements, and 22-karat gold edge make it an instant heirloom.

Chinese Bouquet Blue Chop Plate with Handles

Herend has been cherished for generations due to its timeless, hand-painted designs—and we don't expect that to change any time soon. The Chinese Bouquet design is a true classic that will never go out of style.

Magnolia Tumbler

Delicate designs bring out the femininity of painterly compositions, like on this tumbler covered in magnolia branches. The translucent nature of this piece makes it easy to layer together on a tablescape with various colors and textures.

Fiorito Tea Service Set

Our March/April 2024 cover star Lauren Santo Domingo's favorite antique Italian pattern inspired the design of this collection for her brand, Moda Domus. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, the bygone appearance of the collection gives it plenty of charm and character.

Garden of Paradise Hand-Painted Water Pitcher

Illustrator Tatiana de Nicolay composes an intriguing paradise on this stunning water pitcher. The graceful branches with birds and the pink-hued glass are cheerful additions to your spring table.

Iberian Journey Indigo Dinner Plate

An interpretation of hand-painted tiles, the delicate border on these Juliska plates create a refined element to your everyday tableware. Crafted in Portugal, these beautiful stoneware plates are true works of art.

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