Karas' of ElmwoodWe just received our summer shipment of hand, blockprinted table cloths from India so I invited Kara Hammond, the amazing General Manager of The Elmwood Café to come in and choose her favorite design. Afterwards Kara invited me to her café for my favorite hot drink!

“The Elmwood District” is a neighborhood in Berkeley where the Global Exchange Fair Trade shop has lived since 1991. Right across the street from us is The Elmwood Café which first opened its doors in 1921. The Elmwood Café serves locally sourced, seasonal goods from artisanal producers and wholeheartedly believes that “the simple things in life can be really fantastic when done well.”

Karas' of Elmwood

In addition to truly delicious food, every month The Elmwood Café funds a different community partner who works to create meaningful change. They call this:  One Community Program.

At the Global Exchange shop, we source our beautiful tablecloths from Natural Habitat.

Karas' of Elmwood

Natural Habitat is just one of our partners who creates meaningful change in peoples lives through fantastic, Fair Trade work. Natural Habitat‘s hand-woven tablecloths are made from only natural fibers, are as ecologically friendly as possible and all block printing is done by hand and by traditional production techniques.

Kara walked over on a bright sunny morning and looked through our variety of tablecloths. As we dove into the beautiful fabrics we talked about the intricacy of block print patterns, the softness of the cotton, richness of color and the heart, soul and hands behind each tablecloth.

Karas' of Elmwood

It took time, but Kara found her favorite design, Muskoka! Muskoka is a blend of chartreuse, indigo, white, and teal with a contemporary mod pattern.  Muskoka (like all our cloths) comes in 60×60 or 60×90 and don’t forget matching napkins!

Karas' of Elmwood

Carrying her new tablecloth with matching napkins, Kara and I walked across the street to The Elmwood Café. Kara knowingly, made me my usual–a delicious latte–and we continued our conversation.

I would love for you to see all of our new treasures! Come in to the shop, choose your favorite summer tablecloth and then let’s go to The Elmwood Café for a treat!

 

Photography by Lauren Matley