Monograms 101: Our Guide to Monograms and Monogram Etiquette

 What is a monogram?

A monogram is a typographic design consisting of two or more combined or interlaced initials –

usually a first, middle, and last name, but you can also do a couple's monogram with two first names and a shared last name, or just the two first names. 

What type of items can be monogrammed? 

As a good Southern woman would say, anything that's sitting still! At Lavender & Company, we love to monogram robes, blankets, and towels to really personalize our favorite gifts. 

What order do initials go in a 3 letter monogram? 

It depends on the style you like. A three letter monogram can go first, middle, last name, or can have the last name in the center. 

• A more simple and modern/clean look is a block style monogram. Take the name Rose Anna Smith - you can style it RAS.
• You can also style this name rSa, with the S larger, and the R and A on either side.

For married couples, the woman's name is always first. For Rose Anna Smith and David Michael Brown, a three letter monogram would be: 

• RDB in a block style monogram font
• rBd in a more stylized or script monogram font.

What order do initial go in a 4 letter monogram? 

There are a few instances in which you'd use a four letter monogram - if you have two middle names, or if you have a hyphenated last name and still use your middle name.

• If you have two middle names (Rose Anna Claire Smith): you'd style your monogram RACS in a block monogram style font.  
• If you have a hyphenated last name and still use your middle name (Rose Anne Smith-Brown), you'd style your monogram rSBa, with the last names larger in the center. 

Does a husband or wife's name go first in a monogram? 

A wife's name always goes first in a monogram. 

• If a same sex couple has taken one person's name (Chris Jones has taken David Brown's name, they are now Chris and David Brown), the person with the new name would come first (in this example, Chris).
• If a couple keeps their individual names or both hyphenate (Chris and David Jones-Brown), they could use a two-letter monogram (JB for Jones-Brown), or the 4-letter hyphenated monogram example from above (in this example, cJBd). 

Can a full name be monogrammed? 

Yes, you can monogram your full name on many of our products. In fact, we encourage it! We especially love a first name on a robe, blanket, and especially towels for kids' bathrooms (that way, everyone knows which one is theirs). 

Brands We Love: Modern History Furniture

One of our favorite furniture brands that we carry in the shop is Modern History furniture. This handcrafted furniture is made to last (and to be stylish) for generations. With dovetailed drawers, solid brass hardware, and hand-applied finishes, it's the type of furniture that will live in your home for years and years to come. 

Why We Love Modern History Furniture

We chose Modern History and its sister brand, Somerset Bay. to carry in our shop not just because of the exceptional beauty of the different pieces, but because of the quality. 

Owned by second-generation furniture makers, Modern History and Somerset Bay makes furniture in small batches. This old-school way of making furniture allows artisans to painstakingly monitor the details of their high-quality finishes. Their furniture doesn't run off the assembly line by the tens of thousands - furniture makers are working on each individual piece to insure its quality. 

Modern History's furniture is made with timeless construction that will last. Dovetailed drawers and solid brass hardware will stay intact and functional for generations. 

We also love the style of Modern History furniture. The pieces fit into a range of different home styles, from Midcentury modern to French country to farmhouse. They can seamlessly be added to a room and look like they were made for it. 

Shop the Modern History Painted Three Drawer Console

Our Favorite Modern History Dining Room Furniture

We love  the Killington Double Pedestal Dining Room Table, from Modern History's sister brand, Somerset Bay. This is the perfect dining table for a formal (or not-so-formal) dining room. It's made of solid mahogany and comes in 24 finishes, including wood veneers and painted finishes. 

The double pedestal gives a light, airy look and plenty of leg room for your guests. 

Shop the Killington Double Pedestal Dining Room Table

Shop the Killington Double Pedestal Dining Room Table

We also love a console table in a dining room. It's a nice way to add some depth and decor to even a smaller space or dining room. The Modern History Metal and Acrylic Console fits under a mirror or art piece and is a great landing spot for decor, floral arrangements, candlesticks, or smaller serving dishes or wine glasses. 

Shop the Modern History Metal and Acrylic Console

Our Favorite Modern History Bedroom Furniture

Modern History has a wide range of nightstands and commodes - we love these larger items for bedside tables, as they give you plenty of storage (and really anchor a bed and a room). 

Shop the Modern History Gustavian Curved Nightstand

Shop the Modern History Weathered Oak Chest

A larger chest or commode works well in a guest room with two twin or full beds - it provides enough room for both people to lay their books, water glasses, and phones. 

Shop the Modern History Milan Commode

Our Favorite Modern History Beds

Modern History and Somerset Bay have some beautiful beds for every style. Made from solid wood, they come in a wide range of painted and wood veneer finishes. We love that they can fit as easily in a Park Avenue apartment as a Palm Beach cottage. 

Shop the Savannah Bed

Shop the Frenchtown Bed

Shop the Abstract Bed

An Expert's Guide on How to Keep Your White Bedding Bright White

 If you're a fan of all-white bedding, you might have struggled with keeping your sheets and towels as bright white as the day you bought them. Keeping your whites bright requires some dedication, but it can definitely be managed if you keep on top of it!

How to Wash White Bedding and Towels

There are a few things to know to avoid having your white bedding yellow over time. Always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, but here are some helpful tips:

• Wash in cold or warm water. 
• Don't add too much soap - it can coat the fibers of your sheets, leading to sticky soap buildup that attracts dust and grime.
• Never wash anything with a protein stain (i.e. blood) in hot water - heat sets protein stains. Instead, dab the stain with cold water and soak in cold water and some OxiClean or other stain remover. 
• Wash your whites separately from your colors, and separate your sheets and towels (even if they're all white). Towels are bulkier than sheets, so you want them to wash on their own.
• Never use fabric softener on towels: white towels or any towels. It coats the fibers 
• Here's a biggie - do not use bleach! Bleach causes yellowing over time. OxiClean's White Revive is a better option. Use it like you would bleach - put it in the bleach dispenser of your washer. 
  
• For sheets that have yellowed with age or sweat, add 1/2 cup of baking soda sprinkled in your washer, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar once the clothes are in. Add detergent like normal, too. 

How to Keep Your White Bedding and Towels White

• Wash your makeup off before bed - waterproof mascara is especially hard to get out. 
• Avoid eating, drinking, and wearing street clothes in bed.
• Clean sheets regularly - every 1-2 weeks, more if you share the bed with pets.
• Clean towels every 2-3 washes. 
• Spot treat stains immediately. 
• Lint roll your white duvet cover if pet hair gets on it. 

The Best White Bedding for Every Style 

We have dozens upon dozens of white bedding options for every style. 

Classic White Bedding

Many of our customers are looking for a classic white bedding look - simple, clean, and luxuriously soft.

Pine Cone Hill Classic Hemstitch Sheet Set

Pine Cone Hill Bamboo Sheet Set

Cottage Style White Bedding 

Cottage or French Country white bedding has a softer look and little details like ruffles to give you that shabby chic feel. 

Taylor Linens Mason Sheet Set

Pine Cone Hill Classic Ruffle White Sheet Set

Taylor Linens Polka Dot Sheet Set

Hotel Style White Bedding 

Hotel style bedding is clean, crisp, percale or sateen sheets. You can feel like you're in a luxury hotel every night!

Sferra Pettine Bedding

Pom Pom at Home Percale Bedding

Sferra Giotto Sateen Sheet Set

White Linen Bedding

Linen bedding is made from natural fibers that keep you cool in the summer months. Linen has a relaxed, stylishly rumpled look. 

Pine Cone Hill Lush Linen White Sheet Set

Pine Cone Hill Flax Linen Sheet Set

When To Replace Your Bedding, Towels, and Other Household Linens

With the advent of the new year, many people take a look at their old sheets and towels and decide it's time for a refresh. If you're on the fence, you might be wondering how often you should be replacing your bedding, towels, and other household linens. Here's our guide for when to make the switch:

How Often To Replace Bed Sheets 

You sleep on your sheets every night and wash them regularly, so they get a lot of wear and tear over the years. You also really do get what you pay for - quality sheets last longer than less expensive sheets from big box stores. That's because the quality of the cotton or linen and the construction of the yarn tends to be better and more durable in the nicer bedding. 

Your everyday bedding made from quality cotton should be able to last you about three or four years if you take care of it correctly. 

Our Celeste percale sheets from Sferra are made from the world's finest Italian yarn.

Linen sheets last the longest at three to five years per set. 

Pine Cone Hill's Linen sheets are made from 100% Belgian Flax Linen. 

Of course, seasonal bedding that you switch out for summer, fall, or the holidays will last longer because you don't use it every day of the year. 

How to Care for Bed Sheets

• Wash them regularly (at least once every two weeks - more if you have pets or it's hot outside) in warm water with mild detergent. 
• Avoid fabric softeners - they coat the fibers and can affect the hand (the feel) of the fabric. 
• Store in a cool, dry place like a linen closet. Don't store them in an open shelf in a sunny laundry room - too much sunlight can affect the fibers over time. 

How Often to Replace Pillows

Pillows capture the grossest stuff when we sleep - dead skin cells, sweat, etc. They also flatten out and lose "fluff" over time. You should replace your pillows about every 2 years, or when they start to feel no longer comfortable. 

These luxurious Pine Cone Hill pillows should last you for years. 

How to Care for Pillows

• Machine-wash your pillows every few months - it's easy if you have a front load washer or a top load washer with an impeller. 
• If you have really high quality pillows, you can purchase a pillow protector to go underneath your pillowcase. 

How Often to Replace Duvet Inserts and Comforters 

Duvet inserts are a big investment, so most people want to hang onto them as long as possible. The good news is that duvet inserts last for a long time - quality ones can last for 10-15 years or more! 

Our Pine Cone Hill Savasanna Duvet Insert is a high quality one that will last for many years. 

Comforters have less staying power than duvet inserts, since they have no protective covering on them. Replace your comforter when the color starts to fade or when filling starts to leak out. 

How to Care for Duvet Inserts and Comforters

• Always use a duvet cover over your duvet insert - not only does it add some color to your home, but it protects the insert.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your duvet insert or comforter. 

How Often to Replace Bathroom Towels

Bathroom towels tend to last about 2-3 years, longer if you've chosen ones with strong fibers and quality construction. Replace yours when they start to look ratty or worn. 

Our Peacock Alley towel set is extra plush and made by Turkish artisans. 

How to Care for Bathroom Towels

• Wash your towels every 2-4 uses, and make sure to hang damp ones on a towel bar to avoid mildew.
• Don't use fabric softener on your towels - it affects the absorption power. 
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your towels. 

Our Pine Cone Hill white towels are a classic favorite. 

How Often to Replace Bath Mats

You should replace your bath mat whenever it starts to look worn. High-quality bath mats can last 5-7 years or longer. 

How to Care for Bath Mats

• Wash your bath mats every week or two. Hang them over the edge of your tub or on your shower handle bar to avoid them sitting around damp. 
• Don't use fabric softener on your bath mats - it affects the absorption power. 
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your towels. 

2022 Christmas Wish List: Best Coastal Gifts for the Holidays

 

Looking for the best coastal gifts for the 2022 Holiday Season? You don't have to live at the beach to love a beautiful coastal-inspired gift - you can get these great finds for anyone. 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Sferra Festa Pillows | Blue Pheasant Quinn Glassware | Sea Salt Hand Creme | The Sea Goddess Body Mist | Mangiacotti Ocean Hand Wash | Old Whaling Co Body Butter | Bateau Stripe Bitsy Bag | Sailing Tote

4 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Guest Room for the Holidays

 The holiday season is upon us, and family and friends will be visiting. A good host always wants their guests to feel comfortable and at home - here are four easy ways to spruce up your guest room for the holidays.

What to buy for a guest room

If you're setting up your guest room for the first time, you'll want to have the items in your space for guests. These essentials can be used in any guest room, whether it has its own dedicated space or if you're setting up your spare office with a roll-away bed. 

• Clean sheets - our classic ruffle white sheet set is a perennial best seller. 
• A throw blanket - some people will be colder than others. We like the Pine Cone Hill Bauble throw for the holidays. 

Shop the Pine Cone Hill Bauble Chenille throw here

• A sign with the wifi code on it so they can easily log in 
• A fresh set of towels - these waffle towels are great for guest rooms. 

Shop the Pine Cone Hill Wonderful Waffle towel here

• A basket with water bottles and snacks in it adds a special touch. 
• A wastebasket in the bathroom or bedroom so they can throw away their snack wrappers. 
• If you're setting up a mixed-use room as a guest bedroom (think office, basement), opt for the nicer inflatable mattresses on the stands so your guests don't have to sleep on the floor. 
• Add fresh flowers or a pretty plant for your guests to enjoy. 

How to decorate a guest bedroom for Christmas

We love decorating for Christmas, and that also means the guest bedroom! You can go as holiday-crazy as you want, but these are four easy ways to decorate your guest room for the holidays.

• Add a festive throw pillow, like our embroidered Pine Boughs pillow. This is the quickest, easiest way to spruce up your guest room for the holidays!

Shop the Pine Cone Hill Pine Boughs pillow here 

• Add a tartan quilt like our Aberdeen Quilt. You can fold it at the foot of the bed on top of a white duvet if you're a minimalist, or cover the whole bed in it if you want a cabin cozy look. 

Shop the Taylor Linens Aberdeen Quilt here 

• Put some festive soap in the guest bathroom. This is another super easy, quick, and cost effective way to decorate for the holidays. 
• Add a Christmas-y throw to the foot of the bed or on an armchair. Your guests may get chilly and might enjoy cozying up. 

How to go "extra" in your guest room over the holidays

If you really want to be the hostess with the mostest, you can go as luxurious as you want in your guest room this holiday season.

• Add garland on the door and window casings, a wreath on the door, and (electric) candles in the windows to make your guests feel super festive. 

• Give your guests one of our beautiful gift baskets - leave one on the dresser or nightstand with a welcome card. 
• Add a tabletop Christmas tree in the on the dresser or a side table. 
• Add 2 hotel-like robes to the closet so your guests can lounge in comfort (just wash them between guests like the hotels do!)