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In Profile: Talking Tables Right: Talking Tables’ founder Clare Harris. Below right: A Jubilee cake stand fit for a Queen. Below left: Royal napkins are a ‘must’ to wipe away the crumbs.
A Right
(Sustainable)
Royal Knees Up With the promise that celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June will be the ‘biggest series of coming togethers over a long weekend’ that many of us have seen in a long time - from big, official events to local street parties and garden gatherings - it’s only natural that partyware specialist Talking Tables is keen to be right at the centre of it all. Talking Tables’ founder, Clare Harris, tells PG&H not only what the company is launching for the Royal celebrations, but also why sustainability is at the heart of the company’s business. Nothing says British tradition like a right Royal Queen’s Jubilee celebration. OK, maybe aside from the occasional pot of tea and a good old moan about the weather. But we’re talking about the party scene here, and if there’s one party that we’ll all be joining in with this year it’s the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Marking 70 years of the reign of Elizabeth II, Talking Tables is flying the flag for Great Britain and sustainability alike through the launch of a range of 100% recyclable or reusable partywares. They include the world’s first plastic-free and home recyclable hot drinks tea and coffee cups that will not only uphold the timeless British tradition of pomp and 36
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
ceremony, but also showcase the progression of the industry when it puts people and planet front of mind. “We’re pending B Corporation status and have been producing plastic-free partyware collections for some time,” explains Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables. “The Jubilee gives us the opportunity to really amplify this, as it is such a high-profile occasion. It was therefore natural for us to want to embrace and lead the conversation on this major cultural celebration.” The collection itself plays heavily to the nostalgia-lovers, across a selection that spans cake stands, table covers, plates, napkins, cake toppers,
paper streamers, balloons, paper dress-up, garlands, bunting and more, designed to tap into the history and heritage of the United Kingdom and its reigning monarch. “My aim was to give this collection a handpainted and retro feel, a more elevated look than your run of the mill Jubilee products,” explained Talking Tables’ senior designer Melanie Watt. “Although the items are paper, I wanted to give the impression of texture rather than being flat. I therefore looked at the original 1950s Coronation items, such as tea towels, for inspiration. Then I added an element of humour to bring it up to date and provide a talking point for the table.” And creating a talking point is certainly what this UK company does best. Like most things it does, Talking Tables won’t be taking a low key approach to the Jubilee this June, opting instead to host its own events in the community and support various charity events. As Clare explains: “In addition to our Right Royal Spectacle party collection, we’re also helping people plan their parties with a series of both inspirational and practical guides that are designed to instil party planning confidence in our customers. We’re encouraging our stockists to get involved
