“We’ve been making our favorite Crate and Barrel dinnerware with virtuoso artisans in Portugal who have been honing their craft for generations,” says Sebastian Brauer, VP of product design for Crate and Barrel. “I picked up the phone and invited Leanne on a road trip along the Portuguese coast to work hand in hand with our artisan factories. It became an incredible adventure! We had gorgeous meals and created beautiful products inspired by what we were seeing."
The sights, tastes and experiences of that adventure became the basis for the tabletop collection that just launched, which has been a year and many miles in development. Watch the video for Leanne’s impressions of a very special trip, and read our Q&A about the collection here:
What did you want this collection to accomplish?
To me, the best tabletops look curated more than designed. I wanted this collection to work together seamlessly and play well with pieces you already own, feeling found and loved. We did that by keeping a consistent color story of black, white and cream, but playing with different shades, glazes and shapes.
What was it like seeing the process in Portugal?
I was a kid in the candy store! Seeing the possibilities in person really pushed me forward creatively. I came in with a clear vision of what I wanted the line and pieces to look like. But when we got to the workshop, I was able to dive into the tiniest details of glaze, drip, finish, sheen and shape. All of it! It was a true joy.
What are your secrets and tips for hosting a great get-together?
My main duty as a host is to make everyone feel welcome and loved. I do everything I can to make guests feel at home. I usually greet them in bare feet—it helps people feel cozy. I always have a fire lit, whether inside or out. Great music on the speakers. Plenty of yummy food out and at hand, and I make sure everyone’s glass is always full.
When I introduce new people to each other, I always think of one or two things or people they have in common to bring up during the introduction so that they have a connection point once I step away.
I also like to give some guests a job—some people feel better being useful, and I need help anyway, so I’ll put one friend on picking the playlist while another is in charge of keeping wood on the fire. That helps people feel connected, welcome and like it’s their home too. I have a rule to never do the dishes while the party is going! Let them pile up in the sink for the morning. When you start washing dishes, people take that as a cue to leave. And I don’t want them to feel that way. I love waking up to a mess from the party the night before! We make some coffee and get to cleaning and recounting all of the fun we had the night before. Plus, when you have pretty dishes they look great wherever they are—even in the sink!
How have recent world events changed your approach to entertaining at home?
In two ways. One, I can’t wait to have friends over to share food and the table again. And two, I believe there is a “coming home” element that is happening in the world right now, which is the fact that we don’t always have to go out to eat to have a lovely and special meal. Buy the plates, go to the farmer’s market, turn the lights down and the music up. Presto!
