"Charley Harper" news and stories

Last week, in preparation for my first houseguest since moving back home to Atlanta, I took myself on a mini shopping spree at a local housewares boutique called Heliotrope. First thing, I found what I came for. Diffuser of fragrance reminiscent of Tuscan herbs? Check. White ceramic pitcher to use as vase in guest bathroom? Check. Set of silicone coasters? Check. Thrilled to find what I wanted, I nevertheless couldn't yet leave the adorable and treasure-rich shop. So I browsed.

And browsed. And coveted. The apple of my eye? All things Charley Harper. A Modernist and self-proclaimed "minimal realist," Harper is a favorite of design aficionados, beloved especially for his streamlined wildlife prints. At Heliotrope, his images appear not only on puzzles and calendars, but also on all manner of tableware: cocktail napkins, plates, dishtowels, and some particularly precious salt and pepper shakers.

My favorite motif in the collection is the red cardinal, with its fans of wings against a white background, pictured here on the appetizer plates. The colors would work for Christmas table settings, but the look would work any other time of year, too.