With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s nearly time to start thinking about how you’re going to set the table. Whether you’ll be hosting a big family dinner or celebrating with a few close friends, we all want our Thanksgiving dinners to feel warm, festive and inviting – especially after such a rough year.

Not sure where to start? We asked Britta Butler, the founder and principal designer of Hong Kong-based interior design firm B Squared Design, to share some of her design tips for a modern yet festive Thanksgiving dinner table.

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! As an American, it is an important ritual of food, family and the home,” says Butler, who is originally from upstate New York. “There is nothing better than being surrounded by loved ones with the smell of a turkey and pies in the oven, sitting around a beautiful table.”

For Americans everywhere, an authentic Thanksgiving starts with the food: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, apple pie, pumpkin pie… the list goes on and on. “But most importantly,” adds Butler, “it is a day to spend time with people you love, whether they are friends or family (sometimes one and the same), in a setting that’s decorated to put you in the holiday mood.”

The key to capturing that joyful holiday spirit, she says, is to keep things simple. No need for excessive decor, thematic orange accents, turkey figurines or plaid tablecloths. You can still inject a seasonal, festive feeling without all the distracting bells and whistles. Here are a few more of Britta’s top tips for a more modern, minimalist Thanksgiving dinner table: 

Tip 1: Choose a simple color palette

The first step for styling your Thanksgiving table – or really any dinner setting – is to choose a color palette and a simple theme. It may seem natural to reach for a smattering of the most seasonal shades: after all, oranges, browns, yellows, reds and greens are often associated with Thanksgiving.

But Butler says these bold, bright colors can quickly feel overwhelming, if not predictable.

“This year I’m going with a range of grays, silver, and greens and a ‘leaves’ theme for my Thanksgiving table. It’s a less expected color palette, but still feels warm and festive,” says Butler. “I would also recommend that you limit your palette to two to three colors, and then work with a variety of tones within each color family.”

This strategy not only adds depth but naturally creates a more cohesive look and keeps things “pared down and modern”, she adds. But suppose you have your heart set on using more traditionally autumnal colors. In that case, Butler suggests choosing deeper, richer jewel tones – like crimson or amber – as accents, which look sophisticated and recall beautiful fall foliage. Essentially, Butler explains, you want to strike a balance between modern and inviting.

Tip 2: Play with textures

When she is designing homes in Hong Kong, Butler is a huge proponent of playing with complementary textures because it adds a layer of complexity, looks elegant – and feels great, too.

For Butler, setting her Thanksgiving table is no different:

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“I love to use plates and bowls made with beautiful natural materials, combined with sparkling glassware,” she says. “You can also incorporate texture with a touch of metallic for a bit of bling or sumptuous fabrics – maybe in the napkins, tablecloth or table runner – for a captivating combination.”

When it comes to tablecloths, Butler says there is no hard and fast rule. “If you have a particularly gorgeous table, then you might not want to cover the entire thing. In this case, if you still want to have some type of fabric, you could go for a runner down the center. Festive placemats are also another option that lets you decorate without covering up the table.”

Tip 3: Choose your glassware and tableware carefully

Glassware and tableware are the “building blocks” of any Thanksgiving table, says Butler. They not only set the mood but ensure that the feast you’ve prepared looks all the more appetizing. “Plates, glasses, silverware… they are often the first thing you notice when you enter the dining room,” she adds. “So I am very particular – I want my tableware to be timeless, beautiful and elegant.”

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For Thanksgiving, BOMSHBEE’s Chandelier Eidos glasses and Posh Snack Bowls serve as an ideal vessel for cranberry and gravy. Likewise, the Tinge Porcelain dinnerware collection and Chime Five-Piece Flatware collection provide touchable textures and just enough personality without overpowering the food. When it comes to glassware, BOMSHBEE’s O Wine glasses and O Champagne flutes add just enough sparkle to capture that celebratory mood – a must for a memorable Thanksgiving gathering. Of course, the turkey is always the star of the show, and you can ensure it gets the attention it deserves with BOMSHBEE’s versatile Eclipse Oval or Round Serving Platter, which doubles as a plate for vegetables, mashed potatoes and other side dishes. 

Tip 4: Greenery is always a good idea

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Fresh leaves, flowers, ivy, pinecones, seasonal wheat ears… bringing a touch of nature indoors will instantly elevate your Thanksgiving table setting. “I always like to have some kind of greenery inside, especially at the dining table,” she says. “That way, when the meal is over and you’ve cleared the dishes, there is still a lovely vase of flowers, leafy greens, or something of that nature, to keep the table festive.”

Tip 5: Don’t forget a few special touches

“It’s really inviting to have an eye-catching centerpiece to anchor the table,” she says. “I also like to add a few individual accents, such as a hand-tied piece of twine as a napkin ring. It gives your setting a thoughtful, personal touch.”

If you’re dining in the evening, rather than the afternoon, she also suggests lighting a few small, simple candles and peppering them around the table. “Dinner parties need candles! Tea lights in lovely holders are a great way to achieve a beautiful-yet-understated look,” says Butler. “If you stay within a limited color palette and add a few individual touches that tie into your theme, then it’s easy to strike a balance between modern and still warm and inviting.”

Photo Credits: Ben Marans Photography

Cooking, drooling, eating… repeat. That’s the mantra of anonymous Hong Kong food blogger Joanne of Little Foodie Jojo (she prefers not to disclose her last name to conduct food reviews incognito). Joanne has made a name for herself in the foodie world with her photogenic, simple and delicious cooking dining ideas, as well as her dining adventures around town – all of which she shares on her popular Instagram account.

Whether she is eating out at a local Hong Kong noodle shop, a lofty Michelin-starred restaurant or cooking comfort foods at home, every post looks and sounds delectable.

“Over the past few months, I’ve developed a true passion for home cooking and honed my presentation skills,” says Joanne, noting that the pandemic has kept her from dining out as frequently as usual. 

Armed with her camera and a few BOMSHBEE products, Joanne has been recreating some of her favorite dishes at home, as well as whipping up new ideas on a whim. Usually, she takes inspiration from fusing eastern and western flavors, but she tries not to overcomplicate her recipes.

The key to making her creations look so appetizing, she says, is simplicity. “Using minimalist tableware is a fail-proof way to ensure your food stands out,” she explains. “BOMSHBEE Tinge plates and bowls have been great for that. Their simple lines and sleek profiles form a beautiful tablescape, especially when photographed together. They elevated my dishes without having to add much to them.”

Essentially, minimalist tableware has the power to let the food do all the talking, “which is exactly what good presentation should be about,” adds Joanne. Since many of us are looking for delicious new recipes to try while working from home, Joanne has whipped up a few easy, comforting and highly photogenic dishes that look as good as they taste:

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The Dish: Scrambled Egg, Cabbage and Corned Beef Sandwich

The Tableware: BOMSHBEE Tinge Porcelain Salad Plate

“Cha chaan tengs [50s-style Hong Kong diners] might not be fancy, but they are some of my favorite places to go eat in Hong Kong,” says Joanne. “They remind me of my childhood, and really show off some of the city’s best culinary traditions, like this classic scrambled egg sandwich.

Inspired by the traditional Hong Kong staple, she made her own version with egg, cabbage, corned beef and homemade almond butter instead of commercial peanut butter. “It’s a healthier alternative! I could literally eat it every day.”

She also baked her own bread for the sandwich, though you could buy white bread or a hearty home-baked country loaf, instead. “I’ve been baking a lot this year. Nothing beats some perfectly light and crusty homemade bread.”

The Recipe:
Scrambled Egg, Cabbage and Corned Beef Sandwich 

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat bread, cut into four slices
• 1/3 can of corned beef (or lunch meat will work as well!)
• 1 egg, scrambled
• A cup of shredded cabbage
• Two heaped tablespoons of any nut butter you like
• Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Toast the bread slightly, so that it has some crunch.
• Fry the corned beef in a skillet, to fully released its flavors, then sautee the cabbage in the same pan for a few minutes.
• Pile all the ingredients high up on your bread.
• Start with the cabbage at the bottom, then add the beef, and scrambled egg
• Add a generous dollop of nut butter
• Close the sandwich and enjoy

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The Dish: Open-Faced Toast with Minced Pork and Egg

The Tableware: BOMSHBEE Tinge Porcelain Dinner Plate

“This dish is my attempt to replicate the minced pork specialty from a local noodles shop chain called Tam Jai, which I adore. And I am proud to say it’s not far-off from the original,” says Joanne.

What she’s especially keen on is the fine balance of sweet, savory, sour and spicy flavors packed into every bite. To achieve complexity and balance, Joanne uses a mix of chili bean sauce, red vinegar, sugar and ketchup – yes, ketchup – in her addictive sauce.

“It packs a punch but it’s also super addictive,” she says. For an extra dose of comfort, she adds a sunny side up egg to her version, then lets her homemade bread soak up all the flavors.

“If you’re missing brunch, this is a pretty good alternative!”

The Recipe:
Open-Faced Toast with Minced Pork and Egg

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 150g minced pork, lightly marinated with soy sauce, pepper and Chinese cooking wine
• 1tsp chili bean sauce
• 1 tsp ketchup
• 1 tsp red vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• A splash of water
• A slice of sourdough bread

Preparation method:

• Place the marinated minced pork in a frying pan and cook it for a few minutes, until the meat starts turning brown
• Mix the chili bean sauce, ketchup, red vinegar and sugar to form a sauce
• Add the mixture to the frying pan, and let it sizzle over medium heat, adding a splash of water to combine it
• Taste to adjust the seasoning, and keep cooking until it thickens
• In a separate pan, fry the egg sunny side up
• Serve the minced on a slice of toasted bread, with the egg next to it

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The Dish: Warm Chicken Salad with Crunchy Granola

The Tableware:  BOMSHBEE Tinge Porcelain Salad Plate

In between decadent breakfasts and hearty lunches, one thing Joanne can’t live without? Vegetables. That is why one of her most beloved work-from-home recipes has been this simple warm chicken salad.

“I could eat vegetables without any dressing. That’s how much I like them,” she jokes. “Greens don’t usually translate into amazing food photos, but I always make sure I have some at my table – especially now that I am home more often.”

To transform this particular salad into a more filling meal, Joanne uses granola and a rainbow of veggies – and she always sprinkles sesame seeds on top to add a crunchy, satisfying texture. Another thing she never leaves out? An egg, of course. “You can’t go wrong with an egg,” she says. “It gives the whole dish a delicious creaminess.”

“Serve it on a solid, good-looking plate, and you’ve got a great shot ready for Instagram!” 

The Recipe:
Warm Chicken Salad with Crunchy Granola 

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast
• Half an onion, diced
• 100g green beans
• 150g edamame
• 100g oyster mushrooms, chopped
• 1 egg
• A handful of granola
• Salt and pepper
• A handful of mixed herbs
• Olive oil to dress

Preparation:

• Fry chicken in a light coat of olive oil, with salt and pepper to taste
• Add a handful of herbs to add depth
• Once the chicken breast is done, leave to cool
• Once cool, slice it thinly
• Meanwhile, quick-boil green beans and edamame
• Stir-fry oyster mushrooms with onion approx. 5 minutes
• As the veggies are cooking, make your egg sunny side up
• Arrange the vegetables on the plate, alongside the chicken breast and egg
• Sprinkle granola on top, then tuck in and enjoy! 

The best cocktails not only taste complex and balanced, but they look beautiful, too. And while ingredients, flavor and technique are essential ingredients to crafting an exceptional drink, your choice of glassware can also make a difference.

But don’t take our word for it. American bartender John Nugent, the co-founder of The Diplomat gastropub in Hong Kong and one of the city’s top bartenders, says there is some science behind a mixologist’s glass selection.

“Can you put a G&T into a wine glass? Sure. In Spain, they prefer it that way. Ideally, though, you want to serve carbonated drinks in bigger, longer glasses because this pushes the bubbles up along with the spirit or cocktail,” he explains. “For old fashioned glasses, you want your glass to be short and stubby and full of big cubes. This will keep your cocktail cold and ensure it doesn’t get over-diluted”

“Obviously, there is a cool factor as well. Working with BOMSHBEE, they have a glassware line that feels elegant but also very practical – and that’s what every home bar needs.”

Originally from Seattle, Nugent has worked all over the world, finding his stride in Boston, Europe and Seattle before relocating to Hong Kong in 2017 to head up prohibition-themed cocktail bar Lily & Bloom. This February, Nugent struck out on his own for the first time with The Diplomat.

Hidden down a back alley in Hong Kong’s Central District, the convivial gastropub feels warm and welcoming, with glamorously arched windows, a wrap-around leather banquette, brass accents and a Great Gatsby vibe that’s fitting of the name.

“When you open a bar, you want it to coincide with the environment and the community. Since Central is such an international place, The Diplomat made sense as a name. And if you think about historic diplomat parties, you think of Champagne, martinis, back-alley deals… we love that dynamic as well.”

Since its opening, The Diplomat has become synonymous with its inventive spins on classic cocktails, vintage Champagnes, small-batch whiskey and indulgent bar food to match – think American-style burgers, suckling pig Cubanos, beef tartare, and black truffle mac ‘n’ cheese.

Ahead of the holiday season, we asked Nugent to recommend three easy-to-make yet unforgettable cocktails that you can recreate in BOMSHBEE glassware at home:

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The Drink: Boulevardier
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Angle Bell DOF

“The Boulevardier is a super classic cocktail – in layman’s terms, it’s a bourbon negroni. At The Diplomat, we split the base between Wild Turkey bourbon and Rebel Yell’s small-batch rye, which is a little bit on the spicier side. And then we use Punt e Mes [a bitter Italian vermouth], as opposed to sweet vermouth. Finally, we add Campari, which adds a hint of dark chocolate note, even though it doesn’t contain any chocolate,” says Nugent.

“This is a spirit-forward drink, so I’ve stirred the spirits together instead of shaking it. You don’t want any aeration in there – it should have a silky, smooth texture.

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“The glass you choose is really important, so I am using BOMSHBEE’s Angle Bell DOF glass. DOF means ‘double old fashioned.’ BOMSHBEE obviously did its research, because this is an actual term that cocktail bartenders and bar managers use when we’re looking for specific size and specs.

“Essentially, DOF indicates that you can use this glass to make stirred on-the-rocks cocktails – about 90 milliliters [3oz] or more over ice. The glass will look nice and full, and it makes perfect sense for classics like the Old Fashioned or the Boulevardier.

“As a last touch, I’ve added orange zest and dropped in an orange peel. Most citrus peels have tons of oil in them, so you can get a lot of nice aroma and flavor – and the more you sip, the more it develops.”

Try it at Home
Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 3/4oz Rebel Yell Rye
• 3/4oz Wild Turkey Bourbon
• 1oz Punt e Mes
• 1oz Campari
• Orange Peel

Directions:

• Place large block of ice in glass
• Pour ingredients, one by one
• Stir gently to combine

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The Drink: The Jungle Bird
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Chandelier Skopeo

“The original Jungle Bird was invented [in the ‘70s] at Aviary Bar, at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. This drink is such a kick in the mouth – it has nice acidity and freshness from the lime, balanced with sweetness from the pineapple gomme syrup.

“To make the drink, we use our house rum which is a blend of three rums, including a Jamaican pineapple rum that gives our blend a nice funkiness. If you are making it at home, you can use a dark Jamaican rum like Appleton Estate Signature Blend or 12-year.

“Then we add Campari to round out the flavor and add some bitterness, followed by pineapple gomme syrup and some lime juice. Next, top it with a mountain of crushed ice.

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“I chose BOMSHBEE’s Chandelier Skopeo glass because it feels glamorous – people just love goblets, and I feel like this nice, big goblet begs for crushed ice. 

“This drink is very photogenic and feels a bit ‘extra’ so I’d pair it with something equally indulgent to treat yourself, like our Chicken Sandwich a la Louisiane, made with Franks’ hot sauce-fried chicken.”

Try it at Home
The Jungle Bird

Ingredients:

• 1oz Dark Jamaican Rum
• 1/2oz Campari
• 3/4oz Pineapple Gomme Syrup
• 3/4oz Lime Juice
• Pineapple leaf

Directions:

• Pour ingredients, one by one
• Stir gently to combine
• Add crushed ice
• Garnish with pineapple leaf

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The Drink: Elephant Grounds G&T
The Glass: BOMSHBEE’s Angle Bell Highball 

“The next drink is one I made for Elephant Grounds [a popular cafe in Hong Kong known for its locally roasted coffee and homemade pastries]. We just launched a happy hour cocktail menu for their new cafe on Hollywood Road, which is such a bangin’ spot. It has become a major hangout and meeting place, really tying the neighborhood together.

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“This is a pretty simple cocktail, essentially my take on a G&T. And a highball glass like this one – BOMSHBEE’s Angle Bell Highball – makes perfect sense for a G&T.

“First, I’ve added a tall and thin block of hand-cut ice followed by London Dry Gin, some acacia honey, and Amaro Montenegro into the glass. Amaro Montenegro is a traditional amaro distilled in Bologna, Italy. It is not a bitter bomb like most Amari – it is light, with a low ABV, with some herbaceousness and a touch of floral.

“Finally, I top it with tonic and our homemade cold brewed espresso, then add a lemon wheel and a touch of mint for aromatics. The honey brings up the sweetness level, which is balanced with our homemade cold brew which is very potent and a touch on the bitter side.” 

“At the end of the day, it’s an elegant, refreshing gin and tonic. And, if you drink this cocktail slowly, the flavors will unravel even more. So it changes as you drink it.”   

Try it at Home
Elephant Grounds G&T

Ingredients:

• 1oz London Dry Gin
• 1/4oz Acacia Honey
• 1/4oz Amaro Montenegro
• 3oz Three Cents Tonic Water (or any nice, dry tonic)
• 1/2oz Cold Brew Espresso
• Lemon slice
• Mint

Directions:  

• Add blocks of ice
• Pour ingredients, one by one
• Stir gently
• Add slice of lemon wheel
• Garnish with mint

Photo Credits: Ben Marans Photography

Traditional craftsmanship, durable glass, and a minimalist design form the foundation behind BOMSHBEE’s best-selling Angle glassware collection.

From tapered highballs to sleek water glasses, Angle glassware is one of BOMSHBEE’s most popular drinkware options – and it’s easy to see why. Reminiscent of the laboratory beakers and centrifuge tubes you used in high school chemistry class, these elegant products have been handmade using ultra-durable, crystal-clear, and temperature-resistant borosilicate glass.

What is borosilicate glass? Americans might recognize the brand name, Pyrex, a kitchenware brand introduced by Corning Inc. in 1915. But this particularly sturdy type of glass actually dates back to the 19th century, when it was invented by a German glassmaker named Otto Schott. For nearly 150 years, borosilicate’s resilient and robust characteristics have made it the glass of choice for high-end tableware, scientific laboratories, wineries, light manufacturers, and even medical devices.

“Borosilicate essentially sets the gold standard for glass,” says BOMSHBEE co-founder William Lau. “It’s durable, beautiful, and can resist thermal shock, meaning it doesn’t crack under high temperatures.” 

Though strong, borosilicate glass still feels lightweight and delicate, which is a testament to the handmade, glass-blowing artisan process. Crafting borosilicate glass requires molten temperatures: First, the artisans heat up glass cylinders until malleable, then carefully mold the piping-hot glass into the desired shape, using a mix of metal tools and controlled fire. Next, glassblowers usually refine the glass by hand using a mold, before leaving it to cool and set.

“It’s a layered, fascinating way of making glass,” Lau explains. “It’s extremely challenging, but the craftsmen we have partnered with have really made this their life’s work.”

To craft its Angle glassware, BOMSHBEE works with a family-run factory in China’s Hebei province, a few hours outside of Beijing. “The factory was started in 1999 by Mr. Liu, the father. Now, his three sons also work at the factory and have become glassware experts,” Lau says. “They’ve been honing their craftsmanship for over two decades, really focusing on their expertise and knowledge of borosilicate.”

During twice-annual visits to the factory, Lau often discusses the design process with the Liu family, exchanging ideas on new shapes, forms, and techniques. “The Lius are very supportive and keen to hear more about BOMSHBEE products,” Lau says. “It’s nice to have that creative dialogue when we’re bringing our designs to life.”

The end result is BOMSHBEE’s Angle glassware collection, which features exceptional clarity, scratch-resistant durability, and gracefully tapered edges that are both attractive and functional. Among the different types of Angle glasses – all sold in sets of two – BOMSHBEE offers various sizes, shapes, and two color options: clear glass or a fresh teal that’s perfect for mixing and matching.

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The Angle Taper DOF, for instance, makes an excellent glass for casual dinner parties, while the Angle Bell Highball showcases softer lines and a bulbous base – ideal for unleashing your inner mixologist. The Angle Bold DOF glasses combine a little rustic flair that the whole family will love, and the Angle Taper Highballs exude sleek, modern vibes.

“BOMSHBEE’s Angle glassware’s elegant, minimalist curves, crystal-clear hue, and crisp lines not only provide our customers with the perfect piece of dinnerware, but they also showcase the artistry of the people we work with,” says Lau. “These are glasses made to impress and stand the test of time.”

If we were all a little more intentional about our purchases, our planet would breathe a big sigh of relief. That’s why BOMSHBEE embraces minimalist design principles where less is always more.

Minimalist living is nothing new. The concept – an intentional choice to live with less and appreciate simpler designs – has long been part of history. For starters, Buddhism has advocated fewer material possessions for thousands of years, as has Japanese Zen philosophy, where ‘less is more’ in both aesthetics and in life. 

The term “minimalism” became more mainstream in the 1960s, when a group of New York artists began creating pieces devoid of any decorative or functional purposes. As with all movements, minimalism has evolved over the years, shifting and expanding to encompass different aspects of society and, recently, resurging as a new, aspirational way of living.

Decluttering guru Marie Kondo is partly to thank for that, but a growing interest in sustainability and the environment should get much of the credit, too. From the US to Europe, Hong Kong to Japan, a growing tribe of conscious consumers have embraced minimalism, consuming less to live a more ethical, eco-friendly lifestyle.

“Minimalism offers the precious gifts of free time, mental clarity and financial stability, providing hope to overworked, overstressed, and overspent consumers,” Stephanie Seferian, host of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast, explains. “It’s also a means by which I can have a smaller impact on the planet. When we are no longer grasping for the next big thing, minimalism provides us with the freedom to focus less on acquiring stuff and more on living.”

Sustainability and minimalism go hand in hand, according to Seferian. That’s because minimalists live simply, waste less and strive to live more purposefully through their experiences rather than their possessions.

Georgina Caro, who celebrates the simple things in life on her sustainable lifestyle website Gypsysoul.co.uk, agrees. “The main aims of a sustainable life are to use less, reuse what you already have and stop buying things you don’t need. Minimalism fits in perfectly with all of those goals. Less is always more sustainable.”

But that doesn’t necessarily mean shunning worldly objects altogether. Instead, a minimalist only buys items that have lasting power. “It’s not about only owning 100 items, it’s about finding ‘just the right amount’ so you can live the life you want,” Caro says. Through this lens, the furniture, dinnerware or decorative items we own should not speak to us personally but also last more than a few seasons.

BOMSHBEE’s products provide real-life examples of the ‘less is more’ philosophy. The brand’s Chime 5-Piece Flatware Set, for instance, is made with durable stainless steel that can last a lifetime. What’s more, the simple yet elegant design embodies a timeless aesthetic, making it a minimalist investment that will fit perfectly into every phase of life.

Similarly, BOMSHBEE’s timeless Ring glasses stand the test time with clean, graceful silhouette, bold rims and a weighty material to ensure sturdiness and long-term functionality. 

For those who love to host dinner parties, BOMSHBEE’s handmade Tinge Clay Dinnerware series exudes a warm, homey vibe thanks to the pieces’ exposed clay rims, chunky style and striking colour contrasts. Each unique plate, bowl, pitcher and mug in this collection is also extremely durable, created to last through hundreds of dinner parties.

While thoroughly contemporary, BOMSHBEE’s minimalist design philosophy goes beyond ephemeral trends with an emphasis on lasting designs and high-quality materials. To that end, such products tick all the boxes for those who want to “buy better quality, longer-lasting items” and fully embrace a minimalist lifestyle, according to Caro.

“Sustainable minimalists are conscious consumers,” Sefarian concurs. “And conscious consumers deliberately slow down the purchasing process and make intentional purchasing decisions instead of mindlessly buying.”

They opt for objects that will last longer, better suit their needs and add value – or “spark joy,” to quote Kondo’s now-famous catchphrase. As a result, this reduces demand for quickly produced, run-of-the-mill consumer products, thus slowing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

Given the average American tosses 4.5 pounds of trash every single day – which amounts to roughly 730,000 tons of daily garbage daily across the entire population – a minimalist lifestyle can bring a real, positive change to the environment.

“Minimalism is all about reduction as a means of more fully experiencing living,” Sefarian reiterates. “Acquiring less is a means by which we can both tread lighter on this planet and do our respective parts to ensure our children’s future is a green one”.

Don’t underestimate the power of texture. This crucial design element creates connections, makes colours pop and inspires joy and wonder.

Close your eyes and think of your favourite mug. Rather, think of how it feels in your hand. Smooth? Ridged? Dotted, or lined, perhaps? That amazing tactile feeling – that’s texture. And, although it’s often underestimated, texture is crucial to great design. 

In design parlance, texture is all about your sense of touch. And while texture may play only a supporting role to a product’s functionality, it has the power to change the way your mug, cocktail glass or tableware looks and feels. 

That’s because texture is key to uplifting visual elements like patterns and colours, elevating the overall aesthetic of an item, and creating a connection – both physical and emotional – between us and the objects we use. Foregoing texture is not unlike cooking a beautiful recipe and forgetting the seasoning: essentially, without texture, you’re missing an essential element of great design.  

“It’s what brings a perfectly fine design up to the next level,” says BOMSHBEE designer Emily Fan. “Hues are usually the first thing that draws us towards objects, but texture is what hooks us.”

It’s actually pretty easy to see why, she continues: “As humans, we need, even crave, tangible, physical interactions with things around us.” Texture provides that connection, enabling a deeper sensory experience while simultaneously “breathing new life into a product – be it a dinnerware set, chopsticks, or a tea cup.”

Texture also has this magic ability to let objects ‘speak’ to us. Our sense of touch is deeply rooted in memory, eliciting nostalgic sensations from childhood and other precious moments, thus triggering the emotions we felt in the past. “Specific kinds of textures can literally inspire joy, or wonder, or delight,” Fan says. “That’s how important texture is.”

Textured surfaces can also add visual weight to an item. For example, tough textures are more likely to make an object feel grounded and more substantial, while smooth textures communicate a sleeker, lighter vibe. 

It provides balance, too. “If a plate or a bowl has a particular colour palette where the shades are very similar, our eyes tend to just glaze over it,” Fan says. “Using a contrasting texture can make it more harmonious, more interesting.” Similarly, texture variation can be used to emphasise certain elements and deep textures can become elements in themselves. 

When it comes to designing BOMSHBEE products, Fan takes texture very seriously – it is one of the core elements of her creative process. “I get inspired by things and places in my everyday life, and observe the tactile feelings they trigger. Oftentimes, I try to recreate those feelings in the items I make.”

As an example, she points to BOMSHBEE’s Silo Porcelain Salt & Pepper Shakers, which feature wavy, curved lines that were influenced by Japanese Zen gardens. “I wanted to make a product that would echo that same sense of calm I had experienced when visiting those gardens,” Fan explains. “So I came up with those textured lines, which I think are quite soothing.”

When it comes to balancing colors, functionality and texture? The Tinge Porcelain dinnerware series, with their contrasting glazed and raw finish, is the perfect example. “Those plates have a soft, smooth feel on one side and a matte finish on the other. They are ‘solid’ tableware items, yet feel and look elegant and light, and texture is what helps achieve that,” Fan says. “It’s the texture that really completes the product.” 

Check out more of BOMSHBEE’s thoughtful textures and minimalist designs: 

The Marlin Cup & Saucer

Chandelier

Sharing with you our latest achievement! Presenting BOMSHBEE’s first ever award: The Hong Kong Smart Design Award (Silver Corporate). The product that took home the award this year is our “Silo Salt and Pepper Shakers“. One of our most loved and best-selling products had finally received the recognition it deserves!  We couldn’t have done it without our team at BOMSHBEE.

A special shout out to Emily Fan, our designer. Graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in product design. Last week, we sat down with Emily to learn a little more.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job the opportunity to connect with people. Everyone here is friendly, energetic and humble! There is no better than working with a group of people who shares the same passion while working towards the same goal.

Why did you decide to make design your career?

Because it’s cool! It is a process which involves a lot of problem solving and experimentation. Not to mention, embracing failure is also a part of it. It is all about understanding and learning about humans in their behavior and coming up with a solution that could ease their day-to-day. Adding a little fun and joy of course!

How do you define a good design?

A good design should be timeless, also achieving more with less. This is all reflected in the work I put into BOMSHBEE; through forms, color, and shades I use in my designs.

What experience do you want to create for BOMSHBEE customers?

Home is our sanctuary. A place that gives us a sense of belonging and where we can feel safe. In the fast-changing world we live in today, our minds are bombarded with all kinds of information and stimulus. Through BOMSHBEE’s products, I hope to help customers create an environment where they feel relaxed, cozy and a home that truly reflects their personality. Most importantly, to be unique.

What does BOMSHBEE mean to you?

Like our motto, BOMSHBEE helps people to be reminded to enjoy life’s simple moments. Here, I found mine. Don’t forget to enjoy the little things!

Lastly, what is your favorite BOMSHBEE product?

Of course, the Silo Salt & Pepper Shakers!

NOC x BOMSHBEE

We are excited to announce our collaboration with NOC COFFEE CO. Bringing to you an unparalleled experience of simplicity. Customers at NOC can now enjoy brunch in BOMSHBEE Dinnerware at their newest and largest location in Hong Kong: NOC WHAMPOA

NOC Coffee Co., spanning six locations throughout Hong Kong, is more of a philosophy than a coffee shop. Centered upon curation and simplicity, NOC thoughtfully embodies their mission in their coffee craft. 

“Like BOMSHBEE, NOC is intentional in design,” said William Lau, BOMSHBEE co-founder. “For us, this is a perfect match and we are pleased NOC customers will be able to enjoy their brunch and treats on BOMSHBEE products. We believe our products will only add to the experience.”

Known for their diligence in preparation of food and coffee, the NOC experience comes with an overall calm aesthetic. Both NOC AND BOMSHBEE embody quality in simplicity with compliments of approachable artistry.

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“Our favorites from the Bomshbee collection include the Tinge bowl and plates in ash grey,” said Benny Leung, NOC founder. “We appreciate how the exposed rims on the plates and bowls are executed beautifully to highlight the use of glazed and raw porcelain surfaces. The sleek curves on the edges of the dinnerware help create an elegant tablescape.”

“It was love at first sight for us when we saw the Silo Salt and Pepper Shakers. The subtle, wavy texture of the letters ‘S’ and ‘P’, and the different shades of grey color on the shakers are designed to help users distinguish between salt and pepper,” said Leung. “We love that the shakers encompass the minimalist ideals of functionality and thoughtful design.”

“NOC is an acronym of Not Only Coffee. From my experience in the industry, I learned that it takes a lot more than just tasty food and beverage for an eatery to succeed,” said Benny. “The formula to success is made up of exceptional customer service, a service mindset, space design within the restaurant, hygiene and a lot more. I have integrated my observations into NOC’s core values; I think a coffee brand needs to offer more than just good coffee to succeed, so we strive to offer the best of Not Only Coffee, but also food, space, and service.”

For more information about NOC Coffee Co., please visit noccoffeeco.com.

Minimalist design is all about quality over quantity — and thus focuses on functionality. Because the focus is on having only what is necessary, minimalist designs must be timeless and built to last.

BOMSHBEE seeks to celebrate the everyday, simple moments. We believe that tableware is part of the home, meant to be enjoyed for many years on a daily basis. All products serve an important function, and shapes are meant to aide ease of use, while designs are classic and elegant.

BOMSHBEE’s angle bell glasses embody the minimalist ideals of functionality and timeless design. The glasses come in two sizes, highball and DOF, and two colors, classic clear and smoke. The shape of each handmade glass renders it easy to hold and looks in place on any table setting. Those who appreciate minimalism will enjoy having these useful additions to their tableware collections. 

Minimalism and Instagram photography go hand-in-hand with tableware that has the ability to enhance an image without diverting attention from the topic of interest — the food. BOMSHBEE products’ simple shapes, clean lines and one-dimensional colors fit the bill. 

The tinge clay dinnerware from BOMSHBEE is ideal for presenting meals through images online. These sets come in simple light and dark tones. Solid ash grey and charcoal sets are available, and two-toned sets come in white and grey. The two-toned sets are perfect for anyone who prefers simple style with an accent for some visual zest. 

Time to snap up BOMSHBEE’s Silo Salt & Pepper Shakers, and Marlin Cup & Saucer from SF MOMA!

See full article from Gifts & Decorative Accessories.

“We are honored to be included in the SFMOMA Museum Store’s collection,” said William Lau, BOMSHBEE co-founder. “We recognize that the store’s buyers are on the forefront of design and appreciate the detail and quality we work to achieve in each and every BOMBSHBEE product. We believe museum visitors will enjoy our beautifully designed products.”

Howard Thornton, design objects buyer at the SFMOMA Museum Store, said he appreciated BOMSHBEE’s design aesthetic when he saw them at NY NOW. Thornton described BOMSHBEE’s designs as “contemporary and timeless”and said he knew he wanted to find a way to share their products with others by getting them in SFMOMA’s Museum Store.

“I love the thoughtful design of Bomshbee,” Thornton said. “The Marlin cup and saucers go perfectly with the black and white coffee making products we sell.”

Overall, the carefully curated Museum Store brings SFMOMA’s modern and contemporary art collection and exhibitions into the lives of diverse visitors through a hand-picked selection of innovative merchandise. The store is based on the idea that “art has the power to open minds.”

“We look to our collection and exhibitions for inspiration when choosing a product to bring to our visitors, and we search for objects that are deeply connected to the art and design on our walls, keeping in mind good design, aesthetics, creativity, and imagination,” the store’s website says.