We all have that special stack of plates tucked away in the back of the china cabinet, waiting for a holiday or a formal dinner party that seems to happen once in a blue moon. But what if we brought that sense of occasion to a simple Tuesday night dinner or a quick breakfast? That is exactly the philosophy behind House of Palmer, a brand founded by Molly Simard, a mother of three who believes our most ordinary moments deserve a touch of beauty.
Setting the Table with Intention
The inspiration for House of Palmer comes from deep-rooted family traditions. Growing up in South Carolina, Simard remembers the nightly ritual of gathering for dinner, even on casual nights like pizza takeout. Those moments were not just about the food; they were about sitting down to talk and reconnect after a long day.
After welcoming her third daughter, Simard used her maternity leave to reflect on how to weave that same sense of warmth into her own busy life. She launched the brand this past July with a clear message: stop saving the nice tableware for “someday.” By using beautiful placemats and patterned plates for everyday meals, you turn a routine habit into a memory. It is a simple way to foster closeness without needing a special calendar date.
The Creative Process Behind the Table
Creating a brand from scratch is no small feat, and Simard handles it all as a solo founder. With a background in event planning for high-profile clients, she brings a sharp eye for detail to every product. She taught herself graphic design and navigated the challenges of manufacturing to ensure that only the best designs make it into her collections. In fact, she estimates that only 5 percent of her initial designs ever reach the production stage. This dedication to quality ensures that when you set your table, every piece feels curated and thoughtful.
Curated Collections for Every Home
House of Palmer simplifies the hosting process by offering cohesive sets. Rather than hunting for matching pieces, you can pick up a bundle that includes coordinating plates, placemats, and napkins. Whether you prefer the coastal charm of The Harborside or the bright, classic patterns of the Palm Court collection, the goal is the same: to remove the stress of preparation so you can focus on the people across from you.
Simard emphasizes that hosting is essentially about connection. Just as a planner strategically seats guests to encourage good conversation, having a beautiful table setting serves as a visual invitation for people to linger longer, put away their distractions, and actually engage with one another.
Managing Modern Distractions
In an age where smartphones often sit right next to our plates, House of Palmer has introduced a clever solution: The Gathering Tray. This is a dedicated spot to place keys and mobile devices while you eat. It is a stylish, tactile reminder to prioritize the faces in front of you rather than the notifications on your screen. With the phrase “The table is calling” etched onto it, the tray serves as a gentle prompt to embrace the stillness of a meal, helping you reclaim the dinner hour from the pull of the digital world.
Growing a Brand at Home
Based in Westchester, Simard is building her business with a focus on community. She is currently transforming a space in her home into a “Party Closet,” a physical location where locals can see the products in person and dream up their own table setups. Looking ahead, she is busy testing new materials, such as wipeable placemats designed to stand up to the messy reality of family life, ensuring that style and practicality can coexist.
Ultimately, Molly Simard’s mission is about capturing the delight of a great family vacation and recreating that sense of joy on a random weeknight. By dressing up the table, you aren’t just eating a meal; you are celebrating the people you love, one plate at a time. It is a reminder that the best part of life doesn’t happen during big, planned events—it happens in the spaces in between, right where we gather to eat.
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