Shop: Greentail Table | Pop.Bop.Shop.
Last week I was on Twitter and saw an article from Boston Magazine titled "Brighten up Your Day with These Colorful Accessories." The piece featured five home decor items in vibrant hues to help chase away the winter blues. I was drawn to an elephant-shaped planter and clicked the link to see where I could purchase it. That led me to a website for a home entertaining shop called Greentail Table. I was thrilled to discover it's location - Watertown Street in Newton!
Over the weekend, after my breakfast at Koko Bakery on California Street, I zipped over (a two minute ride) to check out the shop. There was a white board out front advertising, "Spring goods arriving daily!"
Greentail Table is in the space formerly occupied by Lubin's. If you also grew up in Newton, you know Lubin's used to make all the sports team uniforms, t-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets. Don't worry, they haven't closed, they just moved to a bigger space!
I love the way the tree out front casts a shadow onto the store's sign and window.
When I crossed the threshold into the store, my jaw dropped. The space was bathed in natural light and I could already tell the items and displays were curated with such care.
I was greeted by the shop owner, Linda De Valpine. We got to talking and she told me the store has been open for two and a half years (where have I been?). Linda studied textiles and clothing at University of Texas - Austin and went on to have a long career in buying and merchandising, largely for children's brands. It was her dream to open her own shop, she was just waiting for the right moment and the right space.
I began a very careful lap around the store, stopping to take photos of some of my favorite items. The first display when you enter the front door is wedding themed. Since I am still going to a ton of showers, bachelorettes and weddings, I was curious to see the gift options. The first items I spotted were these "Hubby" and "Wifey" mugs. The font reminds me of Scrabble tiles.
I think these travel coffee mugs are both sweet and practical! No bride should go without caffeine on her big day.
To the right of the wedding section were shelves with serving trays and tea supplies (pots, mugs, stirrers). I really had to resist buying this white, three tier serving piece. Can you picture it covered in cookies? I sure can!
As I moved along the perimeter of the store, I arrived to the birthday section. You know how I love my birthday! Greentail Table has so many fun decorations - plates, cups, napkins, goodie bags, poppers, crowns (!!). I was in heaven.
How adorable is this mini piñata?
I also love these match boxes with birthday messages like "Make a Wish."
The next display conjured images of a man in a smoking jacket in his study, library or standing at a bar cart. Right away I noticed these coasters, as my dad has a chair just the one pictured in the bottom right.
My dad smokes cigars and I always try to find him unusual match boxes. I am positive he has not seen these!
I flipped when I saw these cocktail picks! I have made a few signature cocktails recently (this one for Nautical Gin, this one for my 2016 Golden Globes party) and I would have loved to use something decorative like this, rather than an uninspiring toothpick!
The "I must have this" feeling continued as I spied two stunning lacquered trays from Paperproducts Design. I first discovered these in the gift shop at the Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami, FL and have been coveting them ever since. Greentail Table had this tray in a honeydew hue on display.
As well as this striking black design. I want them both!
Underneath the trays was a shelf featuring items with Boston or Massachusetts designs - cutting boards, tea towels, bottle openers and stationary. Some of the stationary was by Albertine Press, who helped EHChocolatier (my favorite) with their Boston Icon chocolate box. I was excited to see them here!
Check out these Massachusetts cheese picks!
This cutting board reminded me of the Boston Strong design by Aaron Bouvier.
Beyond the Boston section I found several cookbooks. Since I have so many friends expecting or who have young kids, I was intrigued by this "Little Foodie" cookbook.
Since I live far away from my dad and his amazing matzah ball soup, I also leafed through the pages of "Bubbe and Me in the Kitchen."
I was really excited to see a book from my favorite illustrator, Gemma Correll. Her cartoons make me laugh on a daily basis. Have you seen this yoga one?
In the back right corner there were items for serving wine and cheese. How cute are these mouse card holders? They remind me of the Pixar movie "Ratatouille."
For all my fellow pet lovers, I thought these dog and cat napkins were precious!
In the winter sale section I found these luxurious flavors of hot cocoa.
Though Linda lives in Arlington, you would think she is a Newton native judging by the amount of hometown pride in the store. For example, these cutting boards, available with the town name or zip code.
There is even one for "The Lake" which is what the locals call the Nonantum neighborhood of Newton.
The Nonatum / The Lake love continues with these coffee mugs. There is a large Italian population in Nonatum, hence the red, white and green color scheme.
Can we also discuss that there is a Watertown mug?! I don't have a single thing in my house that says Watertown. To tell you the truth, I never really thought about it until I saw this mug. My hand reached for it as if pulled by a magnetic force.
The first time I walked around the store was to take photos. The second time was to shop! I made a second lap, delicately pulling things down from the shelves and adding them to my haul.
Left to right: Posh Toast cookbook (a birthday gift for my cousin's fiancé), Paperproducts design napkins (I didn't splurge on a lacquered tray, so this felt like the next best thing), Viski copper cocktail picks, a fun "Congratulations" card by E. Frances Paper and a set of metallic thank you notes by Fringe Studio. I didn't even realize until I got home that I forgotten to get the Watertown mug!
Whenever I am planning a party, I have a few go-to stores where I like to hunt for new treasures. Greentail Table has sky rocketed to the number one spot on that list!
If you can't make it to Newton, MA, not to worry. You can browse online and order items straight to your door!
A huge thank you to Linda for being such a wonderful host and answering all of my questions.
I need everything in this store!
We should go on your next Boston visit!
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