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This spring, Design Pool introduced the Swallowtail Farm collection. This collection of fourteen patterns was inspired by a trip Kristen Dettoni took to Holland with herbalist Lauren Pignatello. In Holland, Lauren introduced a group of travelers to the herbs around the countryside and discussed their traditional medicinal uses. This sparked the idea for a collection of patterns featuring medicinal plants to bring the spirit of these benefits into our everyday lives.

As a young adult, Lauren was first introduced to alternative medicine while living in New York City. Waiting tables with no health insurance, she sought other ways to stay healthy and treat sicknesses. She found apothecaries in her neighborhood, where she began teaching herself about the power of plants. Many years later, Lauren is now a farmer and herbalist, making her living on Swallowtail Farm in rural Maine with her husband and seven children. There, they run a commercial dairy and make products such as yogurt, butter, and cheese for sale regionally. In addition to the dairy, Lauren makes health and beauty products such as tonics, tinctures, elixirs, salves, and makeup.

Lauren's love of the outdoors is infectious.

Whether foraging in the woods or along Maine's rugged coast, she loves to be joined by others to share her knowledge about the plants around her. Additionally, she hosts workshops and retreats at her farm or sometimes in the Netherlands throughout the year. She wants to empower people to learn more about the plants surrounding them and see how they can incorporate them into their lives as part of a healthy lifestyle.

She encourages those interested in using plants more to start simply by using more herbs in their cooking. Even common herbs such as sage or thyme have medicinal uses that are often overlooked. Teas are also a safe and easy way to add more plants to your diet. Also, think about switching some of your health and beauty products to natural alternatives.

Another way to incorporate plants into your life is with beautiful products!

We've taken some of the patterns from the Swallowtail Farm collection and added them to products such as mugs, journals, shower curtains, bags, and pouches.

Use one of the journals to start your own explorations with local plants and herbs. Keep track of what's growing around you and what it looks like throughout the seasons. Use a tote to gather items while out on a walk. However you use them, you'll know these products aim to bring a sense of beauty and well-being to your everyday life.

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This blog post was written by Kristin Crane.

When it comes to color, terms like color theory and color science can sound scary to the DIY designer. But fear not! Over on the Design Pool blog, Kristin Crane outlined five fun ways to play with color. According to Kristin, the only way to learn more about color is through experiencing it and the more you train your eyes, the more effectively you can use and understand color in your day to day life. Check out her article below and then get experimenting!

5 Exercises to Learn About Color 

Original Article By: Kristin Crane on Design Pool 

Make a Color Collection 

This is a fun exercise and requires no tools at all. Pick a color and gather as many examples of that color as you can find. Flip through magazines, walk around your house or go for a walk in your neighborhood with your eyes peeled for that particular color. When you’re done, look at all the different examples of that color you have. Think about how the color you chose interacts with the colors that surround it. If it is used on a product, what kind? In an ad, what is it selling? In a room, how? 

Organize by Color

This is another fun and tool-free exercise. Choose something in your life that needs organizing and organize it by color. If you’re a knitter or a sewer, use your yarn stash or thread spools. Other fun stuff to organize are books on a shelf, spices in your kitchen, or ties in the closet. Start by putting the items in basic groups by color. Then within each color try to break them down even further. For example, with greens, put all the lime greens together and forest greens together. Can you then arrange these items in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple? This will force you to look at the greens and wonder if they’re a little more yellow or a little more blue. Bonus: you just tricked yourself into organizing something!

Make a Color Wheel 

Ok, time to break out the tools. Using whatever medium you are comfortable with, make yourself a color wheel. To make a color wheel, draw a circle and divide that circle into 6 pieces, like a pie. Color each piece one of the colors of the spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. Look at your color wheel and label the primary colors: Red, Yellow, Blue. Next label the secondary colors: Orange, Green, Purple. Each color has its complementary color opposite it on the color wheel. Red and green are complements, orange and blue, and yellow and purple. Colors that are next to each other are known as analogous, such as yellow and green. When you’re ready to play with mixing paints, make another color wheel with an extra wedge between each of these colors. Mix your colors to add in red-orange, orange-yellow, yellow-green, green-blue, blue-purple, and purple-red. Now you’re really getting going and already have paint mixed. After your color wheel is made, spend time painting little swatches next to each other. See what the yellow looks like next to the purple, next to the orange. What does the red look like with the blue or with the purple?

Create a Palette Based on Nature 

There is a reason artists and designers are constantly drawn to nature. Nature truly is one of the best places to find gorgeous color combinations. Head out on a walk and start looking for a color combination that speaks to you. Start with something easy like a flower for the first time. If the weather cooperates, bring along a sketchbook and make notes or mix colors right there in nature. If not, take a photo of this piece of inspiration and bring it home with you. Next, try to match the colors in this item. Make a little swatch for the red of the petals, the green of the stem, the yellow of the stamen. Name these colors. These little palettes will yield beautiful little combinations and can be used later in other projects.

Try to Match a Color

This may be the most challenging exercise, but if you’ve done the others, you’ll be ready for it. Get something for a reference that you like and see if you can match that color by mixing your paints. Back in college, we had to do this with a swatch of printed fabric. I’ve heard of other teachers using Starburst candies. Whatever you use, choose something flat, with minimal texture. So, avoid something like a skein of yarn but instead choose a piece of vinyl. Look at that color and think about what other colors went into it to make it. Look at your color wheel and ask yourself: what would be a good starting point? You will learn a lot about color, and your paints, doing this exercise. 

When you take the time to learn about color, you get more comfortable working with it. Like any skill set, the more you learn, practice and train yourself, the more effectively you can use that knowledge in your work.

Happy New Year! January is here and it’s time to think about goals and resolutions for 2023. Here at Domanda Design, we are thinking a lot about resolutions related to design and home decor. Read on for some inspiration for your resolution list.

Experiment with Color and Pattern

Take some risks and play with new colors and patterns in 2023! Try incorporating Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year Viva Magenta into your design choices or Design Pool’s 2023 Color of the Year Olive Tree Brown. Looking to learn more about designing with fun patterns? Check out our article Mix and Match: Selecting the Perfect Patterns. 

Support Small Businesses 

In 2023 embrace shopping small. There are lots of reasons to support small businesses both in your local community and online. Check out our article 5 Reasons to Shop Small Businesses to learn the ways that shopping small benefits both you and entrepreneurs. 

Reduce Waste 

Continue to care for the environment this year by reducing your waste and making eco-friendly choices when you shop. Our article for Earth Day has lots of great ideas on how you can make eco-friendly choices that benefit the planet in your everyday life. Bonus: support businesses that make eco-friendly choices too!

Try Some New Home Decor Styles

Take this year to freshen up your home and personal space with new or repurposed home decor items! Add some new throw pillows to your living space, replace your shower curtain with a new fun pattern, or add some art to your walls with a wrapped canvas. The possibilities are endless!

Gather with Friends and Family in Style 

Over the past few years, it has been difficult to connect with the people we love most in person. This year, take the time to celebrate your friends and family with small gatherings and celebrations. Having trouble getting your ideas organized? Check out our articles on Hosting the Perfect End of Summer Garden Party, Setting the Perfect Table, and Four Activities to Get in the Holiday Spirit. 

Find Art in Everyday Life

Art is everywhere if you take the time to look around you! From elements of nature like a flower to a customizable item like a tote bag, art constantly surrounds us with the ability to inspire. Make 2023 a year filled with creativity! 

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

As 2022 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the top Domanda Design blog articles from over the years. From product features to party hosting tips and tricks, these five blog posts cover the breadth of topics we feature in our blog throughout the year. Take a minute to stroll down memory lane with us before we enter 2023! 

Block Printing: The History & Technology 

Back in 2020 we shared this article filled with facts about block printing. Check this piece out if you want to know more about the history of block printing, its roots across the globe, and the ways the process has changed overtime. 

What Time is It? Time for a Wall Clock! 

This article outlines one of our product launches from 2021: the wall clock! Check out this article to learn all the reasons why we love our wall clocks, from their customizable features to their easy installation process. 

Enamel Bowls and Mugs: All Your Questions Answered 

Considering purchasing enamel products but don’t know where to begin? This article from 2022 answers some frequently asked questions about Domanda Design’s enamel bowls and mugs. Don’t worry, our modern enamel products are perfectly safe to eat from!

Hosting the Perfect End-Of-Summer Garden Party 

In summer 2022, we outlined our tips and tricks for throwing an amazing end of summer party (complete with food, dessert, and drink suggestions)! For ideas for decor and activities to planning a theme, this article is a great go to for throwing a party during any season.  

The History of Holiday Colors  

In this 2021 article, we covered the distinct colors that come to mind during the holiday season and where their connection to this season began. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, this article might teach you something you never knew about these holiday colors.

Before we say goodbye to 2022, we at Domanda Design want to take a minute to say thank you for your support throughout this year and every year! We couldn’t do this without you. Happy New Year and see you in 2023! 

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s easy to get bogged down with preparations and to-do lists. It’s important to be sure to make time for fun during the holidays too! There are many ways to spread cheer, relax, and spend time with the people you love while continuing to prepare for your holiday plans. Check out a few of our favorites below!

Host a Dinner Party

Celebrate the holiday season by throwing a dinner party for friends and family. Host a potluck: have everyone bring their favorite dish to minimize the cooking prep and clean up on your end. Learn how to set the perfect table in our blog post Setting the Perfect Table (plus add some personal style by mixing and matching placemats for a pop of color on the table). 

Bake Cookies

Get creative and bake holiday cookies and treats on your own or with friends. Check out this list of holiday cookie recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction, there is certain to be something on this list that everyone will like. Plus, cookies serve as a great homemade holiday gift! Pack them in our enamel bowls for another level of gift giving that will last even after the cookies are eaten. 

Don’t forget the pets in your life! Add Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats from Allrecipes to your baking list for your furry friends. 

Have Drinks By the Fire

Wind down at the end of a long day with drinks by a cozy fire! Try your hand at crafting a cozy seasonal cocktail or stick to a classic hot chocolate. Be sure to place it in your favorite mug for extra holiday cheer. Check out this recipe below from Delish for a class seasonal Mulled Wine: 

Ingredients: 

1 bottle red wine 

1 orange, sliced into rounds 

6 whole cloves 

3 cinnamon sticks

3 star anise 

¼ cup honey 

½ cup brandy 

Directions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium. Bring contents to a simmer and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes. 

2. Serve warm and garnish with cinnamon and citrus 

Take Some Time to Reflect 

With 2022 coming to a close, take some time to reflect on your year. Grab a journal, find a cozy spot where you can be alone, and write. Looking for inspiration on where to begin? Look up journal prompts or reference some of our go to choices: 

• What am I grateful for? 
• What are three things I am proud of from the past year?
• What was the biggest lesson I learned in 2022?
• How do I want to grow in 2023?

No matter how you celebrate, we at Domanda Design hope that your holiday season is filled with fun, joy, and relaxing moments with all the important people in your life. Wishing you a happy holiday season!

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

The holiday season is here! As you start making your holiday gift list for 2022, Domanda Design offers made-to-order, customizable gifts that are sure to bring joy to everyone on your list. Check out our 2022 Domanda Design Holiday Gift Guide for some ideas on where to begin when selecting the perfect personalized gifts. 

Remember, be sure to place your orders by Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 in order to get your gifts in time for the holiday season! 

For the Home Decorator

Pillows

Throw pillows are a great way to add a pop of color and pattern to any room! These are a great gift for a new homeowner looking to add to their space or for any home decorator who wants a simple way to switch up their style. 

Clocks

Wall clocks add something practical and exciting to any home space. Our clocks are perfect for the home office, kitchen, living room, and more. Plus, with lots of fun patterns and colors to choose from, these are a great piece of functional art!

Lamps 

Our cube lamps come in two different sizes and are a great choice for a home decor lover who wants to add some cozy ambient light to their space. Just remember, these lights are for indoor use only. 

For the Coffee (or Tea) Lover

Tumblers

Any coffee or tea lover will love a tumbler to bring their favorite beverage on the go. Our tumblers are vacuum-insulated and perfect for any hot or cold beverage.

Mugs 

Our mugs are a great gift for hot or cold beverages enjoyed at home. This is a classic gift with a personalized touch!

Latte Mugs

Looking for something like a classic mug with a little more flair? Go for a latte mug, a sleek ceramic mug that is the perfect gift for a morning cup of coffee or tea. 

For the Friend on the Go

Weekender Bag 

A weekender bag is the perfect gift for your friend on the go. These bags are oversized and durable, offering plenty of space to store personal items while looking stylish! Perfect for a weekend away or for any day on the go. 

Totes

Tote bags are another great gift option. Smaller than a weekender bag, these are great for daily use like a trip to the beach, gym, or grocery store. 

Bottles

Our 20 oz insulated stainless steel bottles are a great gift to help your friends stay hydrated on the go. Perfect for warm or cold beverages, these bottles are easy to clean, hold hot and cold beverages, and are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. 

For the Art Lover

Wrapped Canvases 

Any art fan will love a wrapped canvas or square framed gallery wrapped canvas to add to their home art collection. Available in various sizes, colors, and patterns there are many unique options available to browse in order to select the perfect art piece. 

Journals

A journal is a great option for any art lover in your life. Available in both spiral bound and hard cover, these are perfect for taking notes or sketching things any art lover might be inspired by day to day. 

Pouches 

For the artist in your life, a pouch is a great option to help them store their art supplies in fashion! Our pouches are 100% polyester, easy to clean, and have a zipper to help keep all those art supplies organized and contained. 

For the Pets in Your Life 

Pet Beds

Don’t forget about the pets in your life this holiday season! A pet bed is a great option to add to your home decor, and give your pet a cozy place to rest. Available in three sizes, these beds are easy to clean, cozy, and customizable to match both the pet and their owner’s style. 

For more gift ideas check out our 2021 Domanda Design Holiday Gift Guide and be sure to check out our holiday collection. Looking for more one on one help selecting a product? DM us on Instagram for personalized product recommendations. Happy shopping!

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

With the holiday season fast approaching it’s time to start thinking about gifts for all of the important people in your life. Instead of running to a large chain store to shop either in person or online, consider shopping at a small business this holiday season (especially on November 26th, Small Business Saturday!). There are so many reasons to love shopping small, both in your community and online. Read on to learn why we love small business and why Domanda Design might be the perfect place for you to shop for some of your gifts this season. 

Three Reasons to Shop Small 

1. Shopping small is eco-friendly.
   Many small businesses make eco-friendly choices when creating and selecting their products. Small businesses often keep less items in their inventory, which means they are not contributing to overproduction of products or throwing excess products in a landfill at the end of the season. Many small businesses also partner with smaller manufacturers and other local businesses, shipping items shorter distances and lowering their carbon footprint.
   
   
2. Shopping small means unique product finds.
   When you shop small, you tend to find a unique and curated selection of products that you would not find at a larger chain store. Small businesses often specialize in certain products or focus on a theme, giving you the opportunity to find a truly special gift.
   
   
3. Shopping small offers a personalized touch.
   When you shop small, you are meeting business owners and staff that are knowledgeable about what they sell and are able to give you personalized, one-on-one service and support. This support can be very helpful when you are shopping, especially if you are struggling to find the perfect gift!

Shop Domanda Design this Holiday Season!

At Domanda Design we take pride in offering a unique, customizable, and personalized touch to gift giving. When shopping on our website, you have the opportunity to select a product in a specific pattern and color that you love best. This is a great way to shop for gifts that are personalized to all of the important people in your life. Plus, all of our products are printed on-demand, which means we are producing products as we sell them, contributing less to landfills. 

For gift ideas check out our 2021 Domanda Design Holiday Gift Guide and stay tuned for our 2022 gift guide, coming soon! Browse our collection by product, or select a specific pattern collection, like our holiday collection. Remember: place your order by December 7, 2022 in order to receive your purchases in time for the holiday season!

Looking for more one on one help selecting a product? DM us on Instagram for personalized product recommendations. Happy shopping!

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

With Thanksgiving less than a month away, it’s time to start breaking out the festive decor as the fall season comes to a close. Sometimes decorating can be stressful. You might be overwhelmed by the endless decor choices when shopping or worry that decorating your space for the season is out of your budget. Adding festive flair to your space doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. Check out our tips and tricks below for simple ways to add some seasonal decor to your home this fall and Thanksgiving season. 

Swap Out Your Decor 

You don’t need to redesign your whole living space to make your home feel cozy and autumnal this season. Start small by swapping out small elements of decor in your home for new seasonal picks. Switch out the throw pillows in your living room for some with fall patterns. Add pops of autumn colors (red, orange, green, yellow, and brown) to your dinner table with some new placemats. Place cozy blankets around your home or swap out your duvet cover for patterns that make your space feel cozy and festive. You can even swap out some of the wall art in your home for pieces that add some holiday cheer. 

Add a Touch of Nature 

During the fall and Thanksgiving season, there are so many ways to add festive decor using nature around you. Run to the store and grab some pumpkins to place around your home, both inside and out. Add touches of florals with both fresh and dried flowers as well as greenery. You can even head into your yard or local park and collect branches, dried leaves, acorns, pinecones, and more to place around your house or use in some DIY home decor activities. If you live in an area where these items aren’t available, there are plenty of artificial versions of these that you can collect at your local craft store. 

When in Doubt, Do it Yourself (DIY)!

Looking for even more decor on a budget? Turn decorating into a fun activity for yourself, your family, or a friend group. Make your own centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table, try your hand at flower arranging, create a wreath using objects you found in nature, or make some fall art pieces (who doesn’t love a hand turkey). There are plenty of DIY activities for both adults and kids that are fun, festive, and bring your community together while decorating for the holidays to come. 

Decorating your home for any season is a personal experience. At Domanda Design we offer a wide variety of made to order, customizable decor to help you find the perfect product that matches your personal style. Check out our full catalog of products we offer here and feel free to DM us on Instagram or send us an email for personalized decor suggestions. 

This blog post is written by Emma Becker. 

When it comes to designing with a variety of patterns and colors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the possibilities. Fears of creating interior design chaos with too many wild patterns might stop you from even considering making unconventional design choices. But, fear not! Although starting to design with multiple patterns can be scary, once you learn to mix and match, the process of selecting new patterns is fun. Check out our tips for designing with multiple patterns below and then read on for some patterns mixing and matching inspiration with our Domanda Design products. 

5 Tips for Designing with Multiple Patterns 

What theme or feel do you want your space to have? What function does it serve in your house? Select the patterns and colors you want to work with after you answer these two essential questions.

Choose the color scheme you want your patterns to share. Start simple and select two to three colors that you want to use across all your patterns. Pick colors that have similar intensities and hues to keep your space feeling cohesive. 

Start with using three patterns and then repeat! Better Homes & Gardens suggests following the 60/30/10 rule when it comes to patterns: 60% of the space your design should be your main pattern, 30% should be a second pattern, and 10% should be your last pattern or a solid to provide balance. Select your main pattern first and make your other choices from there. 

Balance is key to designing with pattern! Make sure that you distribute your different patterns across your space and select some solid colors and neutrals to break things up. It’s easy to overcrowd, so start simple and layer in more as you go. 

There is no one right way to design with patterns. Make choices that feel right for you and your spaces.  

Mixing and Matching Products and Patterns!

Designing with patterns is made even easier at Domanda Design: our customizable made-to-order products give you many options to choose from so you don’t feel stuck with only a few choices from one website or you aren’t browsing for hours looking for the perfect pattern online or in stores. 

Looking for ideas? Head over to our products page and browse all of our product and pattern offerings. Looking for personalized suggestions? Send us a message on our Instagram and we can guide you towards the perfect product.

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

Nestled between blue and violet on the color wheel and in the rainbow is the color indigo. This often overlooked color has been around for many years and has quite the history. This blue and purple hybrid is the color of jeans, many flowers, the night sky, and is a popular dye color. Read on to learn indigo’s meaning and symbolism, history, and how you can use this color when designing in your home. 

Color Meaning and Symbolism 

Indigo is an introspective, powerful, creative, and dramatic color that inspires, encourages, and calms. Indigo is often said to be connected to our intuition and is a color of deep wisdom, truth, and structure. From this wisdom comes freedom, spirituality, and the opportunity to look at life from a new perspective. However, indigo has some negative effects as well. For some, indigo can be an irritating color that feels very critical and intolerant. 

History of Indigo 

Indigo has been used as a dye for many years. Made from the indigofera plant indigenious to India, Africa, and Asia, natural indigo dye was in high demand prior to the creation of a synthetic version of the dye in the 1800s. Indigo has a difficult history, with the dye being deeply connected to the slave trade and the mistreatment of workers in Africa, India, and beyond. Western European cultures often traded slaves for indigo and forced cultivators in India to grow indigo in order to meet the rising demand for the dye. However, in her interview with National Public Radio (NPR) author Catherine E McKinley discusses the ways that indigo also financially empowered many African women despite the many negative associations it has throughout history. 

Indigo also has a connection with something many of us wear often: jeans! In 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss were given a patent to create the first pairs of blue jeans using indigo to give the pants their infamous color. 

Designing with Indigo 

Indigo is a versatile color when it comes to its uses in design. Indigo is often seen as a luxurious color and can give a modern feel to the room you use it in. Looking for a dramatic statement? Use indigo as the main color in your space on the walls and in your furniture choices. Not looking for too much drama? Start by using pops of indigo in your home decor as an accent color through throw pillows, rugs, or throws. For a coastal feel, combine indigo with white, beige, or cream. Or, go for a vibrant look and combine indigo with bright pinks and oranges. Indigo is a great color choice for almost any room in your home, however, avoid using it in the kitchen or dining room as it is a color known to suppress your appetite! 

Looking to add some indigo into your home decor? Start here at Domanda Design! Our products are made-to-order and customizable, allowing you to select a style and pattern that best matches your style. The possibilities are endless! 

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

As August comes to a close and September fast approaches, it’s time to get ready for back to school. For parents, back to school can be both exciting and scary. Getting ahead of the start of the school year is a great way to get organized in advance, and to be sure you still have time for some end of summer fun. To help make the transition a little easier, we have compiled a list of basic tips and tricks to help parents get ready for the back to school season as well as some Domanda Design product recommendations to help add some personal style to the school year. 

Start Shifting Your Schedule 

As the first day of school approaches, start slowly shifting your schedule from summer time to school time. Push your child’s bedtime and wake up a little earlier every day to slowly get them accustomed to the school year schedule.

Set Routines 

Get your morning and evening routines set by practicing in advance. Try different options for getting ready for the school year. Try laying out clothing the night before, packing lunches in advance, or having some kind of nightly activity as a family to spend time together. No matter what routine you go with, make sure it works for everyone and once you find something that works for you, be consistent and stick with it. 

Clean Your House 

Use the back to school season as motivation to clean your house. Go through the items in your home and decide what can stay, what can go, and make a list of new things you want (or need) to add to the house. 

Go Shopping 

Once you’ve cleaned the house go back to school shopping! In addition to the typical back to school supplies you grab every year, consider adding in some new products to bring in your own personal flair (see our list of Domanda Design products below that do just that). 

Get Organized 

This is a big task that means so many things. Start lists of other things you need to complete before going back to school. Make a list of go-to breakfast and lunch ideas for the year and prep meals for the first week in advance. Pack backpacks in advance. Put up a calendar with everyone’s schedule listed to keep track of everything you have going on. These tasks might feel daunting at first, but if you take time to tackle them in advance, bit by bit, you will make it through. 

Remember to Make Time for Fun 

Even though back to school is approaching and there is lots to do, be sure to make time for some end of summer fun! It’s important to continue to take time to spend as a family, and keep doing this when you can during the school year as well 

Domanda Design Product Suggestions 

Add some personal style to your back to school shopping purchases with Domanda Design’s customizable, made to order products. You can select the perfect color and pattern for each product that matches your personal taste, making it super easy to find exactly what you are looking for without having to run from store to store. Check out some of our product suggestions below!

Bottles - 20oz Insulated Stainless Steel 

Our 20oz insulated stainless steel bottles are the perfect water bottle choice for the school day. Lightweight and spill proof, these bottles will keep your water cool all day and are a great alternative to single-use plastic. 

Enamel Bowls 

These enamel bowls come in three sizes with translucent plastic lids and are great for packing school lunches! Remember: these bowls are not microwave safe. 

Journals - Spiral Bound and Hard Cover 

Journals are an essential back to school buy! Whether you plan to use them for school or personal use, Domanda offers journals in both hard cover and spiral bound styles. 

Pouches 

Our pouches are great for storing school supplies of all kinds including pens, pencils, and electronic cables. They come in two different sizes and the t-bottom design offers lots of extra storage space. 

Tumblers 

Pick out something for yourself too! Our tumblers are perfect for storing hot or cold beverages while you wait for your kids at the bus stop or to bring along to their extra curricular activities. 

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.

The final days of summer are fast approaching! With back to school and fall just around the corner, it's time to enjoy the beautiful summer days while we still can. What better way to do this than with a garden party for your family and friends. Read on for our tips on designing the perfect party, complete with customizable items from Domanda Design and a few of our go-to summer recipes. 

Plan in Advance 
The best parties are the ones that have been planned in advance. Consider the items you might need for your party from decorations to food and drink items. If you are asking your guests to bring anything, be sure you give them plenty of advance notice so they have time to prep and plan too! 

Consider a Theme 
A great way to begin planning a party is to consider a theme. You could focus your party around one plant in your garden, or even make the theme something else summer-y like a day at the beach. Even if you choose to forgo a theme, be sure to select a color palette when you select your decor. Check out our article on Spring 2022 Color Trends for more ideas on what colors are in style this year. 

Select Your Decor 
When planning decor for your garden party, keep it simple. Use florals, greenery, and herbs that are in your own garden as centerpieces for your tables. Add string lights or candles around your space for pops of warm light. Be sure to have plenty of seating available for your guests, and consider adding a different throw pillow to each chair to add a pop of pattern! Placemats are a great way to add color to your table as well, and check out our article Setting the Perfect Table to learn the proper way to set your table for your guests. 

Have Activities Planned 
Keep your guests entertained with different outdoor games and activities. Common garden party games include bocce, croquet, corn hole, frisbee, and board games. Consider creating a party playlist as well with all of your guests favorite songs included. 

Make Party Favors 
Be sure to have a party favor ready to send home with your guests. The best favors are personalized and consider the personality of each guest. Send guests home with a small vase of flowers from your garden to commemorate the day. For favors that last longer, check out our tote bags in various colors and styles that you can customize to each of your guests’ personal styles. As a bonus gift you could include a journal for them to jot down all of their favorite summer memories (including your garden party). 

Consider the Weather 
It’s important to be prepared for all types of weather during your party. For a sunny day, be sure to create spots of shade around your space using umbrellas or canopies and have sunscreen available for your guests. In the case of rain, have a backup plan for your party. Either select a rain date or be ready to move the party inside or to a tent. 

Don’t Forget About Food and Drinks!
Food and drinks are crucial to the success of any garden party. When choosing recipes to make, pick dishes that use what is in season in your local community and is easy to serve to many guests. Check out our favorite below: 

Food

• Beet Hummus from Simply Recipes
• Grilled Corn Salad with Hot Honey - Lime Dressing from Bon Appétit
• Watermelon Feta Salad from Delish
• Farmers’ Market Quinoa Salad from Bon Appétit

Desserts 

• Sorbet in Grapefruit Cups from Bon Appétit  
• Summer Fruit Crisp from King Arthur Baking Company 

Drinks (Alcoholic) 

• Peach Aperol Spritz from Bon Appétit 
• Stone Fruit Sangria from Bon Appétit 

Drinks (Non-alcoholic) 

• Summer Cup Mocktails from BBC Good Food 
• Peach Iced Tea from BBC Good Food 

By following our tips and tricks above, you are sure to throw an end of summer garden party that all of your guests will remember. Looking to incorporate more Domanda Design products into your party and want some design advice? Reach out to us on social media and we will help guide you towards a product that is perfect for you. The possibilities are endless! 

This blog post was written by Emma Becker.