Tabletop

When it comes to dressing the table, there’s the predictable and there’s the extraordinary. Here are some shops that have the dishes, linens, and adornments to set your spread apart.
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Soleil Brulé

Owner Jennifer Vervoort-Smith stocks her shop with a blend of authentic objects she finds on trips to Moroccan markets: mosaic dinnerware, richly glazed pottery in seasonal shades (and more by custom order), delicate espresso and tea cups, serving pieces, and traditional hand-painted glassware in stunning jewel tones. John Robshaw linens, printed by hand and designed for layering, create the perfect palette. Not sure how to incorporate the exotic into your home? Vervoort-Smith’s interior- design services can help.  www.soleilbrule.com

726 Lake St. E., Wayzata, 952-476-9600

Photo by Alli Jagoda

Rick Rack

After you’ve picked up a scone from Turtle Bread Company on 44th Street, pop next door to the Reindeer House, once the storefront for artist Anita Beck. Rick Rack’s charming nooks and crannies contain melamine pieces in pop-art designs, eco-friendly bamboo bowls, funky floral and paisley linens, and, of course, candy-colored dishes with a rickrack motif. Upstairs in the “Vintage Room,” scoop up milk-glass cake stands, emerald-green goblets, art-deco vases, and other treasures from European flea markets.

3413 W. 44th St., Minneapolis, 612-746-4160

Photo by Alli Jagoda

Anthropologie

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to like shabby chic to shop at Anthropologie. In fact, you’ll find all matter of genres­—vintage, retro, classic, modern—a reminder that mixing and matching is not only okay, but also incredibly stylish. Anthropologie updates its offerings often, minimizing the odds of your new botanical plates, fleur-de-lis glasses, porcelain tea set, or embroidered tablecloth showing up on your neighbor’s table.  www.anthropologie.com

4999 France Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-285-9164; Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12413 Elm Creek Blvd. N., Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

Photo by Alli Jagoda

Ampersand

One does not merely shop at Ampersand; one sashays (slowly, so as to not disturb, say, the royal William Yeoward crystal), marveling at the treasures one’s table has been missing. After a visit to this achingly luxe, enduringly classic place, you’ll find it nearly impossible to imagine your table any way except swathed in glorious French-country Le Jacquard Français linens, twinkling with delicate Juliska glassware, and laid with handmade Match pewter or vibrant Vietri pottery. And that, dear host, is the Ampersand way. www.ampersandshops.com

Galleria, Edina, 952-920-2118

Photo by Alli Jagoda

FinnStyle

It only seems right that Minnesota has a store filled with all things Scandinavian. Clean lines, unique designs, and modern patterns comprise its distinctive aesthetic. FinnStyle carries one of America’s largest selections of Iittala glass—including vases and serving dishes in the signature, wavy shapes of Aalto. This is also Marimekko heaven—the Finnish textiles featuring crisp and colorful prints. Along with ready-made table linens, the store stocks bolts of fabrics for creative DIYers.  www.finnstyle.com

Gaviidae Common, Minneapolis, 612-333-2127

By Elizabeth Dehn

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