Simple and elegant, Dandelion LIVING’s ‘first-ever collection of dinnerware and table linen’ has a feel-goodness about it. Think of gathering your girlfriends for an intimate brunch or a quality meal with your loved ones and throw in a bit of Summer Sonnet. The Telegraph caught up with food and fashion entrepreneur Samyukta Nair of Dandelion LIVING, on the making of the cosy collection.
Congratulations on the ‘first-ever collection of dinnerware and table linen including tablemats, runners, printed as well as personalised dinner and cocktail napkins’. Since when has this been in the pipeline?
Thank you! After introducing Dandelion LIVING at the end of 2020 we wanted to create something that lent itself beautifully as an extension to the current brand offering of sleep and home. In an attempt to transcend beyond the walls of one’s bedroom we decided to shift our focus onto table linen as well as introduce a small capsule of tableware that we’ve been working on since earlier this year.
Summer Sonnet looks so pretty and romantic. Tell us about putting it together.
Summer Sonnet is an ode to a land of tropic terrains, blooming meadows on end dotted with mystical creatures that evoke a visual poetry. With everyone staying in we chose to bring a sense of everyday ease and romantic sophistication to one’s tablescape with a colour palette that speaks of flamingo pink, broken white, fern and sage green, ochre yellow and midnight blue. There’s intricate lace detailing and a sense of occasion that comes through with embroideries and pops of colour in true Dandelion style. The motifs and prints in being whimsical take form in the way of our printed, textured and solid table linen and pops of colour with a thoughtfully chosen capsule of ceramicware to match. Furthermore, we wanted people to be able to make our offering their own. Hence we focused on personalising products that really lend a sense of thought to the entire range.
Was the design process different?
Comparing something you create for an individual versus a household is entirely varied. One has to be more mindful of colours, patterns as well as fabrics used as it has to fit into an existing story. Hence, we started with a palate that could lend itself with ease and worked on fabrics that washed and wore well as it needed to be multiple-use friendly. Thoughtful little details in terms of slogans such as ‘Sip Sip Hurray’ on our cocktail napkins or lace details on our accent cushions were added to make them feel special. We’ve also focused on creating personalisation options with our monogrammed napkins and accent cushions to make thoughtful gifting a part of our ethos as we introduce extensions to Dandelion LIVING.
With so much time being spent indoors, family meals have become special and your table set-up can really boost the mood of a conversation. What kind is your favourite?
I personally recommend mixing and matching your tableware for it to be more playful. Aim to build an interesting tablescape with a colour story in mind and add interesting pieces like flower vases or candle stands, and as you go along to make it a lot more versatile. Monogrammed napkins always help in elevating a set-up, make it inviting as well as special.
Do you personally collect table essentials?
I am always collecting things that I can piece together. I love layering so there’s always various sizes of ceramics, plates and bowls that I play around with. Linen is where I choose to have most fun as it’s perfect to add a dash of colour with or better yet personalise them should the occasion call for it.
Your dream meal will be with...
My family: the conversation is always great, the food exceptional and the company stellar.
What else in your home can really uplift your mood in times like these?
For me, candles and flowers can instantly make a place feel like home. I am in the midst of moving into my home in London and that’s the first thing that I bought as it truly gives any space a sense of belonging.
What else are you planning for the brand?
Dandelion has always been personal yet playful in our offering and staying true to its nature, we are constantly looking to reach out to our audience in meaningful ways. For example, from our design collaborations that we’ve undertaken we’ve been able to grow and understand the different aesthetic sensibilities that resonate with our community. We hope to continue to look at various brand extensions through this community-focused lens as we grow, to be able to give those who love us so much more.
I personally recommend mixing and matching your tableware for it to be more playful. Aim to build an interesting tablescape with a colour story in mind and add interesting pieces like flower vases or candle stands as you go along to make it a lot more versatile. Monogrammed napkins always help in elevating a set-up, make it inviting as well as special — Samyukta Nair