Eco-Friendly Dining: The Benefits of Cloth Napkins and Vintage Napkin Rings

Say goodbye to disposable paper napkins and hello to sustainable style with vintage napkin rings

Disposable paper napkins might seem like a small detail at mealtime, but their environmental footprint is far from insignificant. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, paper napkins and towels account for over 4% of landfill waste and play a substantial role in deforestation. For those committed to reducing waste and embracing sustainable living, swapping paper for cloth napkins is a simple yet impactful change.

Cloth napkins offer durability and long-term cost savings, but they also elevate any table setting with a level of sophistication that disposable options can’t match. The tactile quality of fabric and the opportunity to choose from a range of textures, colors, and patterns add depth and intention to dining experiences—whether everyday meals or special occasions.

Go even farther with your sustainable dining setup by incorporating some vintage napkin rings. Those thoughtful touches are what gives your dining event some personality. These pieces are not just decorative—they’re a conscious choice to reuse and repurpose craftsmanship from past eras, reducing demand for newly produced goods. From brass and wood to ceramic and glass, vintage napkin rings come in a variety of styles that can complement any aesthetic. Truly, the possibilities are endless. Modern designs rarely capture the same heights of vibe.

Switching to cloth napkins paired with vintage napkin rings is more than just an eco-conscious decision—it’s a design statement. It signals a commitment to thoughtful living and invites guests to slow down and appreciate the details. Sustainable dining becomes a ritual of care and connection, where every element has depth.

Next time you set your table, consider ditching the disposable paper napkins and opting for cloth instead. The result is a dining experience that’s elegant, sustainable, and deeply personal—an investment in both style and the planet.

The Gazelle Doesn’t Flinch

The Gazelle Doesn’t Flinch
Kimberli Roth with Royal Haeger, shot in New Mexico

Some pieces don’t ask for attention—they command it. The Royal Haeger Gazelle Vase is one of those pieces. Sculpted in the 1950s, it was never just decor. It was art pottery with backbone: a study in motion, muscle, and mid-century confidence. And now it’s part of the CLAY+CODA archive.

Shot barefoot in the backroads of New Mexico, Creative Director Kimberli Roth takes it out of the cabinet and into the wild. Holding it like a relic, not a prop. No tablescape. No manicured shelf. Just raw terrain, sharp lines, and a vase that still holds its own decades later.

Royal Haeger’s gazelle form was one of its boldest—angular, sculptural, unmistakably American. It was mass-produced, sure. But it wasn’t made to blend in. Neither is Kimberli. Styled in green mesh and brutalist pearls, she brings the gazelle back into motion.

This vase is already sold, but the energy sticks. At CLAY+CODA, we don’t just list artifacts. We show you how they move. How they live. How they can hold weight in a room without saying a word.

Sold Out

Royal Haeger Gazelle Vase Art Pottery

$78.00

The Science Behind the Blue Tint in Glass

Uncovering the Chemistry Behind the Stunning Blue Shades in Vintage Glassware

Blue vintage glassware captivates collectors and design enthusiasts alike with its rich, vibrant hues. But what exactly creates these stunning shades of blue? Understanding the chemistry behind blue glass reveals the artistry and craftsmanship involved in producing these timeless treasures.

How is Blue Glass Made?

The signature blue color in vintage glassware primarily comes from adding metal oxide compounds to molten glass during production. The most common is cobalt oxide, which yields a deep, intense blue prized in many collectible pieces. Alternatively, copper oxide can produce a softer, greenish-blue tone, adding variety to the blue spectrum.

Another sophisticated technique is cased glass, where a core of clear or colorless glass is encased in a colored glass layer. This method allows artisans to create layered blue hues with complex depth and luminosity, giving vintage glassware its unique character.

The Role of Fire and Flame

The type of flame used during the melting process also affects the final color. Variations like oxygen-enriched or reducing flames can subtly alter glass chemistry, influencing shade intensity and clarity. This meticulous control of heat and atmosphere speaks to the centuries-old expertise glassmakers employed to perfect their craft.

Why Does This Matter for Vintage Collectors and Enthusiasts?

Each piece of blue vintage glassware is not just a functional object but a work of art shaped by chemistry, technique, and history. Recognizing how these colors are achieved deepens appreciation for the skill behind every vintage bowl, vase, or goblet, making your collection truly one-of-a-kind.

Embrace Vintage Blue Glass for Sustainability and Style

Choosing vintage blue glassware adds more than just color to your home—it supports sustainable living by repurposing durable, quality pieces that have stood the test of time. These objects combine beauty and history, enriching your space with a story that modern mass-produced glass cannot match.

Why Vintage Glassware Belongs in Every Modern Home

Why Vintage Glassware Is the Sustainable, Stylish Choice for Modern Living

In an era where sustainability and intentional design go hand in hand, vintage glassware offers more than just aesthetic value — it’s a conscious choice. Whether you're curating a shelf, setting a dinner table, or building a home with soul, vintage glass brings lasting beauty without the environmental cost of mass production.

The Case for Glass That’s Already Made

Every new object comes with a footprint — and glass is no exception. The production of new glass requires significant natural resources: sand, soda ash, limestone, and energy-intensive manufacturing. This process contributes to carbon emissions and ongoing resource depletion.

Choosing vintage glassware eliminates that impact. You're not asking the planet for anything new — you're choosing something that already exists. It’s a circular approach to consumption that values preservation over production.

Built to Last, Designed to Endure

Many vintage glass pieces were produced in an era when craftsmanship and durability were the default, not the exception. Whether it’s pressed glass from the Depression era, hand-cut crystal, or elegant mid-century tumblers, vintage glassware was made with care — and often with higher quality materials than what you’ll find on today’s shelves.

These pieces were built to be used — not just displayed — and their longevity proves it. With proper care, vintage glassware can serve beautifully for generations.

Style with Substance

There’s no substitute for the character that comes with age. From jewel-toned coupes to smoky amber tumblers, vintage glassware captures the design sensibilities of the eras it came from — 1930s Deco glam, 1950s hostess chic, or 1970s dinner party decadence. These pieces carry stories, and they invite you to create new ones.

Unlike mass-produced trends, vintage glassware stands out. It adds depth, history, and a layer of personal expression to your space — and no two collections are ever quite the same.

Tips for Buying Vintage Glassware

• Inspect closely: Avoid cracks, deep scratches, or chips that may affect usability.

• Research makers: Identifying the era or maker (like Blenko, Fostoria, or Libbey) can add value and context.

• Buy what you’ll use: Whether it’s highball glasses for cocktails or cut-glass dessert dishes, choose pieces that suit your lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

Vintage glassware is more than a stylistic choice — it’s a sustainable design philosophy in action. By embracing what already exists, you're reducing waste, preserving quality, and investing in pieces that carry both history and integrity.

At CLAY+CODA, we believe good design is timeless — and vintage glassware proves it.