Your home is often where you spend most of your time. It’s where you relax after a long day of work,where you have friends and family over for dinner, and where you create meaningful memories. So, making your home interiors into spaces you enjoy is important.

Interior design is a powerful tool when it comes to transforming your space. If you’re working with a smaller space, it’s essential to learn how to maximize the space you do have. A few tips and tricks can help you turn a small room into a spacious, open one. How can you do this?

We’ve got you covered! Here’s what you need to know about creating the illusion of more space.

Use Colors To Add Depth

One of the best and easiest ways to add depth to a space and make it feel bigger is to paint. The colors of your room are important for many reasons. Many organizations and facilities use paint colors intentionally to encourage certain psychological effects and moods. Not only can colors affect how you feel, but they can also influence how you perceive the space.

When you’re trying to make a smaller room feel larger, opt for bright or dark shades. Medium colors tend to make a space feel cluttered and smaller than it is. Play with bright colors, dark colors, and contrasting tones to design the space of your dreams.

There are also many ways to add color to your home other than painting the walls.

Here’s what you need to know:

Paint Colors

Most people prefer to use bright colors on their walls and deep tones in their furniture and décor pieces. You can opt for an off-white color, a light gray, a light blue, or other light beige tones to create brightness in a room.

You can also use darker colors like green, black, dark gray, and blue to add dimension and help your space feel bigger. Using dark colors can be intimidating for most, so if you’d rather paint your walls lighter colors, you can use darker furniture to create depth.

Furniture Colors

If you can’t repaint your walls, consider using furniture to add brightness and contrast. You can add brightness using a white or light-colored rug or add a deep tone with a vintage red rug or a rug with dark tones. You can also use your sofa color to add contrast to your space.

This depth creates the illusion of having a large, open space, even if you don’t. You can use this strategy in any room you can think of.

Storage Is Key

If you’re dealing with small spaces, chances are you have minimal storage too. Lack of storage is one of the main causes of clutter in the home. If you don’t have a place to store something, it’s going to feel like clutter, which consumes valuable visual space and real estate.

Your space should accent everything in it. This includes furniture, rugs, lamps, and decorations. If there’s clutter, it can take away from how the space feels, making a small space look more cramped.

Here are some ideas for storage in small spaces:

Hidden Storage

One of the best ways to add storage to a small space is to use hidden storage. There are many ways to do this, but the best way is to use multi-functional furniture.

Here are some examples of multi-functional furniture that have storage:

Bed frames with storage underneath or space for storage underneath

Couches with storage underneath the cushions

Benches and seats with storage underneath

Ottomans, stools, and coffee tables with storage underneath

When it comes to hidden storage, get creative. You can also make your own hidden storage. If you have space underneath your bed to store items, consider using baskets for storage. Our collection of Handwoven Storage Baskets is perfect for your pantry, bathroom, or laundry room. These beautiful pieces are woven with locally sourced grasses and materials and add the perfect touch to your décor.

Use Long, Full Curtains

Another trick to make a small space feel larger is to hang long curtains. These also help make your room look and feel luxurious. Many people hang their curtains starting directly above or at the window. However, this can make your room feel smaller and shortened.

Tip: Hang your curtain rod high above the windows, almost closer to the ceiling. Hanging your curtain rod higher will also help your window feel taller.

For a rule of thumb, aim to hang your curtain rod about six inches above the window frame. If your windows are extra short, you can add another few inches. Make sure your curtains hang from floor to ceiling for the best results.

Decorative Accents To Make the Room Feel Larger

Another component to consider when trying to make a small space feel larger is décor.

Let’s take a closer look at what you should know.

Of all the rooms in your home, your bedroom is a space that should feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful. This room is where you rest your head each night. Creating an inviting, beautiful space is beneficial to supporting mental health, encouraging stress relief, and finding calm.

When designing your bedroom paradise, you’ll likely run into a decision on what bedding you should use. There are not only many different categories to choose from, but also many brands and types of bedding in these categories. Quilts are one of these options.

What is a quilt, and how do you find the perfect one for your home?

Read on to learn more.

Everything You Should Know About Quilts

So, what is a quilt? Quilts are blankets that are handmade. A quilt often has three layers. The top and bottom layers are made with various fabrics sewn together in shapes and patterns. The middle layer, known as the batting, is typically a warm fabric like wool or cotton. This layering allows for different designs on the top and bottom, as well as added warmth from the middle layer.

Quilts in History

When you think of quilts, you likely attach a favorite memory from your grandparents’ house or a friend's house. Maybe quilts evoke feelings of a warm cozy bed or staying up late on Christmas Eve. While we associate quilts with comfort and safety, the generations before us used quilts for much deeper reasons.

The art of quilting can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. After this, records of quilting in history date back to the 12th and 14th centuries. Quilts were used for more than just blankets. These beautiful pieces were considered art in many cultures. While function was important, artistic expression was too.

Quilts became an excellent way to incorporate textiles and fabrics in art. With the simple stitching and ability to reuse materials you already had on hand, this medium was accessible and had endless possibilities.

If we trace quilts through history, we see pure, artistic expression, storytelling, and family history. What may seem like a simple, eco-conscious way to make a blanket actually carries with it centuries of art and beauty.

How Are Quilts Sewn?

Here’s How It Works

First, artisans gather old women’s saris, or even old clothing, and layer them in certain patterns and shapes. Then, using what’s known as a kantha stitch, similar to a running stitch, artisans stitch them together to form a top layer. Once the top layer is finished, they begin work on the middle and bottom layers.

Some quilts have their layers sewn together, while others have tassels or ties on the end for added decoration. It’s also traditional to make the kantha stitches on the top layer longer than the stitches on the bottom layer. This gives each quilt the characteristic textured, wrinkled look that adds dimension.

This traditional Bengali craft is near and dear to the artisans working in Bangladesh and India. They use this method to repurpose and reuse old clothing, thus making something that’s at the end of its life new again.

These cultures believe each piece of clothing holds memories and love from its previous owner’s life. By sewing old pieces of clothing into a quilt, they sew in and preserve their love, hopes, and dreams as well. This journey of turning the old into something beautiful is an excellent picture of the values and meaning behind quilts.

What Are Quilts Made Of?

In today’s market, you can find quilts made of anything, from materials like cotton, wool, and polyester to new fabrics and old clothes. Traditionally, however, quilts are made with repurposed saris.

These are saris that women have grown out of, replaced, or gotten rid of due to wear and tear. Instead of throwing them away, artisans repurpose them into blankets that then begin a new life.

What about the thread used to sew these quilts together? Where does this thread come from? The answer is — used clothing and saris. Even the thread used to sew these quilts together is repurposed from another piece of old clothing.

Quilts vs. Duvet Covers vs. Comforters: The Difference

Now that we’ve examined the history behind quilts and their significance in the home, it’s important to understand how quilts differ from other bedding.

Let’s take a look at the difference between quilts, duvet covers, and comforters.

What Is a Duvet Cover?

Duvet covers, also known as duvets, are coverings for a comforter. These are most often in neutral shades like white and are filled with a soft material. Duvet covers help protect the bed, add warmth, and make laundry easier as you don’t have to wash your whole comforter.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about shopping for handmade gifts this holiday season. From big gifts and little gifts to birthday gifts and wedding gifts and everything in between, these present ideas are perfect for the holidays.

Soaps

Handmade soaps are a luxurious handmade gift to surprise your friends and family with. Use these as stocking stuffers or select a Soap Flight for your guest. Choose from scents like peppermint or lavender.

If your recipient loves teas, consider making them a tea wreath. You’ll need supplies to make your own wreath, or you can find one at your local handmade goods shop or craft store. Then, position boxes of tea throughout the wreath as a special treat for them and decorations they can use each year. These homemade gift ideas are a no-brainer for your tea fans.

Our Organic Rooibos Tea is the perfect addition to your tea wreath. Each box is full of hand-harvested teas in Kenya, and your purchase supports artisans and farmers in these communities. Plus, the packaging is created from dried banana bark.

If you’re looking to express creativity and save money this holiday season, consider a DIY gift idea. An excellent way to do this is to make string art. It’s easy to master, low in material costs, and a great way to show thoughtfulness and effort in your gifts.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A wooden board or cork board (For added cheer, cover it in festive fabric.)

Embroidery floss, thin string, or yarn

Flathead nails

A hammer

When you gather your materials, follow these tutorial steps:

First, hammer the nails into the board in any design or pattern you like. You can get creative with this step. Choose a holiday-themed design like a Christmas tree, a candy cane, a decorative menorah, a Christmas or Hanukkah ornament, or Santa, or choose a design they can display all year long. You can even use their name or family name, or simply make an abstract pattern.

Once you’ve decided what pattern you want and hammered the nails accordingly, it’s time to wrap the string around the nails. You can use any order or pattern you like and alternate between colors of yarn or string as well.

Bring your easy DIY design to life with the string. Wrap your string art in a beautiful box or environmentally friendly tote bag, and watch your loved one’s face as they open it!

Another DIY gift you can consider giving is a delicious jar dessert. These recipes are not only easy, but they’re relatively the same as if you were making them outside the jar.

For example, make a strawberry shortcake jar dessert by using the same angel food cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. Layer them in the jar and tie a ribbon bow on top.

You can perform the same method for an easy gift like a no-bake key lime pie or a brownie or make homemade trail mix personalized for the recipient. Be sure to make each gift fresh before you deliver it.

If you can’t make it fresh, consider making an oatmeal mix or hot cocoa mix in the jars instead. This is a fabulous sustainable present, as this Moroccan-made Glass Jar that lasts long after the dessert is enjoyed.

Necklaces

Having the perfect jewelry is an essential part of carefully curated accessories, so this gift speaks volumes. If you’re looking for the perfect handmade gift for that special someone, you can’t go wrong with a Handmade Gemstone Necklace. Available in midnight blue, onyx, white, and smokey quartz, this gift is a one-of-a-kind gift that will say more than words can.

All of these handmade necklaces are made with 14k gold-filled materials that don’t chip or wear off. Each purchase helps empower women entrepreneurs in Cambodia with access to fair employment, wages, and skills training for brighter futures.

Vases (with Flowers!)

Vases are an excellent handmade gift idea for your friends and family. Our Etched Glass Vase is handmade in Mexico and supports artisans in the communities. With beautiful florals and designs etched on the exterior of these handmade pieces, they’re a unique piece that anyone will love.

Spice up this gift by arranging flowers in it. Grab a batch of flowers or greenery like pine needles from your garden, the supermarket, or a local florist nearby. Arrange them in the vase, alternating pockets of colors, greenery, and height to make the arrangement look full.

You can also use invisible tape in a criss-cross pattern to help spread out the stems and make the arrangement look even fuller. No need for gift wrap: The flowers are their own decoration this time of year.

Cozy Quilts

During the holiday season and wintertime, it’s important to stay warm. When we go outside, we have a scarf and sweater, but how should we stay toasty indoors?

Our Kantha Quilt is an excellent gift that will help your loved ones cozy up this holiday season. It’s handmade in Bangladesh and supports women at a social enterprise.

Gifts That Keep on Giving

You can’t go wrong with classic gifts like picture frames, coasters, and kitchen dishes. You can level up these items by finding similar handmade gift ideas.

Handmade gifts are unique and special in and of themselves, but when they support artisans across the globe, they keep on giving for years to come. No matter who’s on your shopping list, at The Little Market, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for everyone and make the holiday season cheery and full of joy.

Sources:

“Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work?” John Hopkins Medicine. 2021. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Ott, Valerie. “String Art Step-By-Step Tutorial.” The Spruce Crafts. July 9, 2020. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Li, Johanna. “25 Mason Jar Desserts - Recipes for Dessert in a Jar.” Country Living. July 27, 2015. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Picture the main rooms in your home. Your design. Look around — what makes you feel most at home in these rooms? It may not be a beautiful design element. Sometimes it’s that practical detail or touch that anticipates your needs throughout the day.

Now picture yourself as a guest in someone’s home. When you arrive there, and everything you could have wanted has already been anticipated before you even asked, don’t your shoulders just drop in relief at the thought of it?

You can approach the design of your guest room with the same goal in mind. When you go that extra mile of thoughtfulness by anticipating your guests’ needs throughout their stay, your guests will engage more deeply in enjoyment and rest while they are in your home.

Read on to discover ways to design your guest room space with thoughtfulness, practicality, and sustainable, relaxing beauty.

USE RESTFUL COLORS

One of the most important first steps to designing your space is considering the color palette. Color impacts our minds, bodies, and emotions. Each color carries its own symbolic significance. You can be inspired, calmed, soothed, or energized simply by the colors that surround you.

Learn more about the psychology of colors as you design the perfect guest space. Color makes any space feel intentionally designed. Your guests will feel that much more welcome when they walk in.

At The Little Market, we have designed a way for you to search and shop by color on our website. You can search for products in natural, blue, gray, pink, or more.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT HAMPERS

Hampers can add the perfect, intentional touch to a guest bedroom. Our natural woven hampers are one of our most versatile products. You can use them in different ways throughout the seasons.

All of our hampers are made from sustainable materials by weavers preserving age-old traditions.

You can use our lidded hampers in your guest space to store blankets, towels, or extra pillows while your guests are cozied up and dreaming.

You can also take that extra mile of thought and offer it as a place for your guests to keep their used clothes during their stay. Make the room a home-away-from-home where they can feel fresh and organized all week.

STORE CLUTTER IN WOVEN BINS

Some guest bedrooms work as multifunctional spaces in the home. We need to make room for those extra storage areas that we need access to but can’t integrate into other areas of our home.

Create a clean, organized look with a bookshelf designed to hold woven storage baskets. Hide away cords, paperwork, electronics, or extra linens in our handmade woven baskets. You’ll have easy access to your practical items without cluttering your guest space.

Go big with a floor-to-ceiling bookcase full of baskets for an eye-catching design. Maybe even keep a few baskets on the shelf empty. This will allow your guests to store their toiletries or travel necessities during their stay.

If you need even more storage options, order a bed frame with drawers underneath it. This often-overlooked nook is a great way for you to store your odds and ends while leaving the wardrobe or dresser open for company.

PILE ON THE PILLOWS

The more throw pillows, the better! But how can you live an environmentally sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing your love of design?

We have curated a line of interchangeable pillow covers so that you don’t have to commit to one set of throw pillows. You can purchase one set of plain throw pillows and rotate out the covers.

Swap them out to mark the changing seasons or to create a different mood in the room. Go bold by mixing and matching textiles. Create a cozy mood with multiple of the same pillow covers. Small pops of color send vibrancy vibes all over.

ACCESSORIZE WITH PATTERNED QUILTS

Nothing makes a room feel homier than a beautiful quilt casually draped across the foot of the bed. Our quilts hold even more special significance.

Each of our one-of-a-kind kantha quilts is hand-stitched from sustainably repurposed vintage cotton saris. You can choose from small-, medium-, or large-sized quilts, and we have included how many hours it took for the artisans to stitch each one.

Our hand-stitched quilts are made in Bangladesh by artisan women who have survived human trafficking and abuse. Your purchase makes a difference both in the beauty of your guest bedroom and in the lives of these strong women.

HOSTS AND GUESTS: ULTIMATE INSPIRATION

We know the extra bedroom in the house doesn’t come as high on the decorative priority list as the living room, master bedroom, or kitchen.

But every inch of a beautiful house deserves attention and special detail. With the right accents, colors, and textures, you can create a warm, welcoming space that your visitors will adore.

When you design the space by engaging all five senses, the room will cease being simply a room. It will become a place where dynamic, restful living begins.

By the time you add those final thoughtful touches, you may want to move in yourself.

Sources:

Medically reviewed by DerSarkissian, Carol. “How Colors Can Affect You.” WebMD. September 8, 2019. Accessed October 11, 2021. Web.

Halcón, Linda. Reviewed by Maher, Katie. “How Do I Choose and Use Essential Oils?.” University of Minnesota. Accessed October 11, 2021. Web.

Stanborough, Rebecca Joy. Medically reviewed by Weatherspoon, Deborah. “A Hobby for All Seasons: 7 Science-Backed Benefits of Indoor Plants.” Healthline. September 18, 2020. Accessed October 11, 2021. Web.

From doing our regular grocery store pickup each week to browsing during the holidays for gifts, shopping is a regular activity for us. These errands are a great way to bond with family and friends and enjoy your free time. However, did you know you can make a positive environmental impact while you shop?

In most cases, when you buy something from a store, it’s placed in a shopping bag. Depending on the type of product you buy, this bag may be paper or plastic. Paper and plastic bags offer convenience at first but have a negative impact on the planet.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRULY EMPOWER WOMEN?

Let’s take a look at what it really means to empower women.  

In essence, empowering women gives all women the rights they deserve. This includes the right to education and literacy, universal access to political and economic spheres, the right to safety, and the right to earn equal pay.

Discrimination against women has been a constant throughout global history. Entire systems have been constructed that hinder their rights and success. Collaboration among local community members, small businesses, and world leaders can help level the playing field.

HOW CAN I EMPOWER WOMEN?

Big changes first start with small steps. So, how can you empower women?

There are a variety of ways:

BECOME A MENTOR

Women may not always have access to help. One way you can help empower women is to become a mentor for another woman. You can offer encouragement, advice, stories of your failures and successes, honesty, and help.  

Representation matters. The more younger generations see women working in fields like STEM or women leading others, the more likely they are to follow their dreams.

USE YOUR NETWORK

Those who are in high-level corporate leadership roles or successful and passionate in their careers and lives can use their platform to bring other women up. Using your networking skills with intention can help secure economic resources for women who might otherwise have difficulty accessing them.

CONNECT WITH THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

Making a difference across the globe may feel overwhelming and impossible. So, start with the women already in your life, like your mother, sisters, friends, colleagues, boss, neighbors, or people you see on your regular routine throughout the week.

Making an effort to connect with women, encourage them, be kind, share love, and help them is one of the best ways to empower women in your life.

EMPOWER WOMEN, EMPOWER THE WORLD

Empowering women is vital to the health of the economy and the world. So, when you take measures to lift women up, you’re helping so much more.  

Our marketplace is designed to empower women and underprivileged artisans in communities across the globe. By building relationships with artisan and producer groups, we’ve worked to support human rights for those in underserved communities. In other words, each purchase you make helps empower women and change the world.

Sources:

“Home Issue 7: Women Empowerment.” UNFPA. 1994. Accessed November 10, 2021. Web.

“Women's Empowerment.” FINCA. Accessed November 10, 2021. Web.

Revenga, Ana. “Empowering Women Is Smart Economics.” International Monetary Fund. March 2012. Accessed November 10, 2021. Web.

“Gender equality and women's empowerment.” United Nations Sustainable Development. Accessed November 10, 2021. Web.

“Representation Matters.” American Economic Association. July 29, 2020. Accessed November 12, 2021. Web.

WHAT MAKES BAR GLASSWARE UNIQUE?

If this is your first time making your own at-home bar, you may be wondering what makes bar glassware so unique. Why do you need separate bar glassware from your dinner glassware?

There is something special about having bar glassware ready for your drinks, not to mention they're practical and designed for specific categories of drinks.

The glassware world is complex. In fact, it’s almost as complex as the alcohol world itself. Serving wine, beer, and mixed drinks in a glass is the correct way to serve alcohol. There’s something about receiving your drink in a pre-poured, high-quality glass that sets the tone for a refined but enjoyable evening.

Having bar glassware elevates your home bar and takes it to the next level. Your bar glassware needs will change depending on what kinds of drinks you want to serve at your home bar.

For instance, if you only want to serve simple wine, beer, and a few mixed drinks, you won’t need as many containers. If you want to serve a variety of shots, cocktails, and more, you may need a larger variety.

WHAT ARE MY GLASSWARE MUST-HAVES?

The best way to decide what glassware for you to stock up on for your home bar is to start with simple glasses and work your way up.

So, what kinds of bar glassware are absolutely essential for your at-home bar? What are the bar glassware must-haves?

Let’s take a look at cocktail glasses, beer glasses, flutes, collins glasses, pilsner glasses, champagne glasses, snifters, primary glass sizes, and more to get started.

SNIFTERS

Another essential piece of bar glassware that belongs in your home bar is a snifter. A snifter is most commonly used for brandy and similar drinks. Its short-stemmed design allows for the hand to warm the drink while the aromas become trapped in the wide bowl of the glass. Snifters are shaped to have a wide bottom and tapered top with a short stem.

Use snifters to hold aromatic drinks like brandy, ales, including Belgian ales and India pale ales, wheat wines, and other drinks like cognac.

Looking for the perfect snifter addition to your home bar? Look no further than our Bubbled Glass Snifter in Clear. This piece is handmade in Egypt from locally sourced, recycled glass. Each purchase empowers artisans living in underprivileged parts of Egypt to earn a sustainable income and access a creative outlet in safety.

Whether you or your guests love spirits and want to sip on aromatic beverages in beautiful glassware, there’s no better way to do it. Enjoy the unique, one-of-a-kind texture and design as well as the beautiful glass bubbling.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas or holiday gifts for your friends and family, you can purchase a snifter by itself or in a set of four. Add this to your wishlist or a registry, or gift it to a friend today.

SHOT GLASSES

When you’re hosting a party or celebration, sometimes shots are a great way to truly enjoy the night. Shot glasses typically hold around two ounces of your liquor of choice.

Shot glasses are multiuse tools in the bar world. They’re essential glassware for your guests to drink from, and you can repurpose them as measuring cups for mixed drinks or cocktails. With two ounces of drink to hold, this is an excellent way to measure liquor.

Our Etched Shot Glass is a beautiful way to enjoy your evening at home. With etched flowers, leaves, and a whimsical, enchanting texture, this Hand-Blown Shot Glass is made with recycled glass and supports artisans in Mexico.

Available in clear, aqua, and French blue colors, this timeless Glassware helps complete any home bar.

A VARIETY OF LIQUORS

MIXERS AND COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

In addition to liquors and drinks, you’ll need some essential mixers and cocktail ingredients.

Here’s what to grab:

Dark colas

Ginger ale

Tonic water

Lemons, limes, and other sours

Dry vermouth

Club soda

Oranges

AN ICE BUCKET

No matter what types of glasses you have stocked in your home, you can level up your drinking experience with an ice bucket. Set out fresh ice so your guests can make drinks on the rocks or keep your bottle of wine cool in a beautiful glassware piece.

Our Etched Ice Bucket is the perfect way to make a casual date night turn into a five-star experience. Plus, the beautiful flower and leaf designs are perfect for any season. Whether you’re planning a winter, spring, summer, or fall celebration with the ones you love, put it on ice.

Each purchase supports artisans at a social enterprise in Mexico that gives them a safe space to express their creativity, craft what they love, and earn fair, livable wages.

Elevate your at-home bar with this stunning Glassware piece and throw a party like no other.

A COCKTAIL SHAKER

If you’re planning on making any mixed drinks or cocktails, you’ll need to have a cocktail shaker. This is what helps chill drinks and mix them before pouring them into the bar glassware you’ll end up serving to your guests. You don’t have to be a professional bartender to use a cocktail shaker well.

Here’s a basic rundown of what you need to know:

First, you can use the tumbler side of the mixer as a mixing cup or glass to make stirred drinks. How do you know when to mix and when to shake cocktails? You’ll want to shake your cocktails when you have ingredients like juice, alcohol, dairy, eggs, or cream.

In other cases, when your cocktail only has spirits like gin, vodka, vermouth, or whiskey, you can simply stir them. This is similar for drinks with sparkling ingredients.

To use your cocktail shaker properly, you’ll need a measuring device. While your two-ounce shot glass is a great backup, you’ll want a proper jigger. This has two sides that measure ½ ounces, single ounces, and more. After you’ve made a few cocktails, you’ll get familiar with measurements, and using a jigger will be second nature.

A cocktail shaker helps elevate even the most novice at-home bartender into a professional at their craft.

TO RAISE THE BAR

Having your own bar at home is a great way to entertain friends and family, as well as save money. This guide breaks down what bar glassware to consider as well as everything else you need to make your home bar the go-to place in town.

Choose your favorite Bar Glassware pieces to support artisans all across the globe and serve your guests beverages in glasses that delight and inspire. Plus, with classic designs and a timeless theme, this glassware will last you years to come. Pull out your favorite pieces during the holidays, for parties and birthdays, or for social occasions and practice making your favorite cocktails!  

Sources:

Rabideau, Camryn. “Every Essential Tool You Need To Set Up A Fully-Stocked Home Bar, According To Bartenders.” Forbes. October 12, 2021. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Knierem, Ashley. “17 Home Bar Ideas.” The Spruce. September 19, 2021. Accessed November 3, 2021.

“Non-Alcoholic Margarita Recipe.” Food Network Kitchen. 2019. Accessed November 3, 2021.

How can you find the best serving trays? Look no further than our collection of high-quality, handcrafted Serveware Sets.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to find the best serving trays for your table:

WHICH ITEMS SHOULD MY SERVING TRAY SET INCLUDE?

When you think of serving trays by themselves, you likely think of a simple platter that sits on your dining room table. However, a serving tray set includes so much more.

Here are the items your serving tray set should include:

SALAD BOWLS

Salad bowls are one of the most important parts of your serving tray set. The salad is the starter for your meal — the first taste your guests get of the dinner you’ve planned. From fruity summer salads to salads with Italian dressing and spices, delight your guests with the presentation by using a beautiful handcrafted Salad Bowl.

Our Acacia Wood Salad Bowl adds a beautiful wooden tone to your meal and is an excellent way to add earthy tones that complement the mixture of greenery. Choose from our Extra Large Bowl or our Rounded Salad Bowl for easy mixing.

Each purchase of our Acacia Wood Salad Bowl supports artisans who live in the Philippines. These artisans work at an organization that provides safe employment options, financial security, livable wages, and community as well as a way to express creativity while accessing job training.

We also carry a variety of handcrafted Ceramic Salad Bowls. Choose from a range of patterns, colors, designs, and textures.

Our Blush Ceramic Salad Bowl is handmade by artisans in Morocco and is the perfect container for fresh greens from your garden. For a timeless look, consider our Ceramic Salad Bowl in White.

WOVEN BOWLS

A serving tray set should also include a variety of woven bowls, which adds a warm texture to your kitchen décor. Our Woven Bowls come in lighter colors and darker colors as well as a range of patterns and shapes.

The best way to use a woven bowl to serve or display food is to use a linen cloth on the bottom. You can use this for charcuterie, appetizers, snacks, and more. Get creative and enjoy the woven dimension these pieces add to your table.

SERVING TRAYS

In addition to ceramic trays, woven bowls, and salad bowls, the most essential item in any serving tray set is the Serving Trays themselves. There are a number of different types of serving trays. For instance, woven trays add eye-catching dimensions as well as a beachy, light feel.

Our Oval Woven Serving Tray is perfect for breakfast items like bagels, muffins, doughnuts, or fruit as well as dessert items like cookies or breads. Each purchase of our Woven Trays empowers women weavers in Tanzania.

SET TO GO

Having the perfect handmade serving tray sets is one of the best ways to elevate your dinner party, casual gathering, holiday meal, birthday celebration, or movie night. And, if you’re bringing your own dish to someone else, display it on one of our beautiful handmade Serving Trays.

At The Little Market, our Serving Tray Sets help dishes stand out from the crowd while supporting artisans from all across the globe. No matter what kind of party you’re hosting, it won’t be complete without beautiful kitchen décor and serveware items.

Sources:

Dr. Thatcher, Todd. “The Top Ten Benefits of Spending Time With Family.” Highlands Spring Clinic. March 17, 2020. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Pandel, Hannah. “Healthy Competition Is Good For Children.” Institute of Public Affairs. February 10, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

Sweeney, Katie. “10 Dos and Don’ts of Hosting a Dinner Party.” November 1, 2018. Food and Wine. Accessed November 3, 2021. Web.

When it comes to the difference between handmade soap and other types of soaps, there are a few distinct qualities that set the handcrafted options apart. If you’re considering making the switch from conventional soaps to handmade soap, this guide is for you.

Let’s take a closer look at the top reasons to make the switch to handmade soap.

WHAT IS HANDMADE SOAP?

What is handmade soap? What’s the difference between handmade soap and conventional soap?

Handmade soaps are soaps made by individual artisans. These soaps are handcrafted as opposed to being mass-produced by machines. Handmade soaps tend to be made in smaller batches, use real ingredients, and avoid harmful chemicals. Handmade soaps are also good for the skin and the body.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SOAP BY HAND?

Handmade soap can be made in a few different ways. Three of the most common ways to make handmade soaps are with the melt and pour technique, cold pressing, and hot pressing. Each of these processes has been used for years to perfect the art of soap making. These methods have been passed down through generations, with each new generation honoring the past tradition while adding to the present technique.

COLD PROCESSING

Cold processing is another popular method for making handmade soap. Cold processing involves the use of lye, oils, and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients cause a reaction known as saponification, which helps liquefy the soap materials.  

You’ll start by melting lye and mixing this with water. Once this mixture cools completely, you can weigh and prepare the oils and moisturizing butters. Melt these and combine the lye and oils. Add all other ingredients and pour the soap mixture into a mold of your choice. Cover the mold with paper and a towel to keep the heat in.

Wait a few days or until your soap is completely cool and solid. After this, you can slice your soap into the shape you want and let the bars sit in the open air for at least one month before using them.

HOT PROCESSING

Hot processing is similar to cold processing, but it uses external heat to liquefy soap, whereas cold processing relies on saponification. In other words, this process is almost exactly the same as cold processing but relies on melting the oils first. Hot processing also doesn’t require a long cure time.

WHY IS SMALL-BATCH, HANDMADE SOAP SO GREAT?

Why make the switch to handmade soap? What makes small-batch, handmade soap such an excellent option? Handmade options are often much better than their mass-produced counterparts for a variety of reasons.

In a broad category, handmade products receive much more attention than products that are mass-produced. What about handmade soap?

The benefits of small-batch soap are numerous, but here are the top reasons why handmade soap is so great:

1. IT'S TRUE SOAP

One of the most significant benefits of handmade, small-batch soap is that it’s real.

Many mass-produced products and soaps are altered in ways that take away their soap-like qualities. For instance, commercial soaps may include artificial or synthetic ingredients that make them less like soap than their handmade counterparts.

The artificial ingredients in mass-produced soaps leave plenty to be desired; there is a reason that creating authentic soap is a highly prized practice.

It’s critical to understand what’s in a product before you use it. We practice this with food and other products, so why not practice it with our soaps too?

Mass-produced soap can contain hidden ingredients that are harmful to the planet and to the body. These include harsh chemicals, toxins, artificial ingredients, fragrances, parabens, and more. If you have trouble reading and understanding the ingredients in a label, that may be cause for concern.

Handmade soap, on the other hand, doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients. When you buy handmade, you know exactly what you’re getting. And, when you know what you’re getting, you can use handmade soap with peace of mind knowing your body is safe.

5. IT HELPS YOUR SKIN

Below are a few of the most significant reasons why handmade soap supports your skin:

Glycerin:

Many mass-produced soaps undergo a process that removes glycerin from them. Glycerin is an ingredient that helps hydrate and moisturizes the skin. In other words, using commercial soaps may actually dry your skin rather than moisturize it.

Keeping your hands smooth and hydrated is important. Luckily, handmade soaps retain their glycerin content and can help keep your hands smooth, moisturized, and feeling good.

Ceramides:

In addition, ceramides and hyaluronic acid are also common ingredients in handmade soaps that can support skin health. Ceramides are epidermal lipids that support the skin barrier’s proper functioning. These compounds are excellent ingredients in skincare products and soaps as they support overall skin health.

Hyaluronic Acid:

Hyaluronic acid is known to help the skin retain moisture and nutrients and even keep the skin looking and feeling youthful and refreshed. Together, the glycerin, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid content of handmade soap make it an excellent skincare option.

Other Helpful Ingredients:

A few other nourishing ingredients found in handmade soaps include the following:

Sorbitol: Known for its hydrating and moisturizing properties for skin, sorbitol is an excellent, safe ingredient in handmade soap.

Vitamin E Oil

Palm Oil

Coconut Oil

Honey

Mango Butter

Sodium chloride: This is another beneficial ingredient in handmade soap that promotes exfoliation, naturally preserves soap, and offers hydrating properties.

Not only do most commercial soaps lack these nourishing ingredients, but they can contain harsh chemicals. For example, mass-produced soaps may contain irritating ingredients like fragrance, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and cocamidopropyl betaine.

These can cause your skin to dry out when washing and lead to irritation.

Sources:

Nassim, Janelle, MD. “Scrubbing Your Hands Dry? Soaps, Moisturizers, and Tips to Help Keep Skin Healthy” Harvard Health Publishing. April 7, 2020. Accessed November 18, 2021. Web.

Meckfessel, Matthew, PhD. “The Structure, Function, and Importance of Ceramides in Skin and Their Use as Therapeutic Agents in Skin-Care Products.” March 21, 2014. Accessed November 18, 2021. Web.

Papakonstantinou, Eleni. “Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging.” National Library of Medicine. July 1, 2012. Accessed November 18, 2021. Web.

“What is SORBITOL?” Environmental Working Group. Accessed November 18, 2021. Web.

“What is SODIUM CHLORIDE?” Environmental Working Group. Accessed November 18, 2021. Web.

Witnessing the seasons change one after the other is one of the most beautiful testaments to the beauty of nature and the willingness of the human spirit to begin again. With new seasons come fresh starts and all the joys that accompany new times of life.

Being able to decorate your home to match the seasons is one of these joys. To do this, you need the right color palette. No two tastes are exactly alike.

While you may prefer saturated colors, another may prefer neutrals or pastels. The perfect fall color palette looks different in each home, so don't be afraid to get creative and let your personal style stand out.

This guide explores the best colors for a fall color palette and how you can incorporate these into your space with our home décor pieces.

Continue reading below to learn more.

BURNT ORANGE, RED, AND CORAL

When you think of fall, what are the first colors that come to mind? If you said orange and red, you’re not alone! Because of how the leaves change from a bright, lively green to a red, yellow, orange, or burgundy color, it’s common to associate these colors with the season of fall altogether.

These colors feel warm and comfortable and like you could cozy up next to them on your couch. These colors remind us of home-cooked meals and apple cider and having friends and family over on the weekends. Decorating your home with these colors during the fall season is one of the best ways to turn a house into a home.

Here are a few décor tips for incorporating these options on your fall color palette into your home:

Consider a Kantha Quilt as the perfect addition to your bed, couch, or sitting area. With a range of designs and color options, you can find various styles that incorporate burnt orange, red, coral, and other warm, earthy tones.  

For less saturated fall color palette options, take a look at our Petite Glass Pitcher in Blush. Use it to serve fresh apple cider or lemonade, or fill it with flowers or greenery. Or simply put it on display on your dining room table, counter, or mantel.

When you purchase our glass pitcher, you support artisans in Morocco who handcraft each piece by carefully molding and painting each piece themselves. Enjoy high-quality pieces that match your fall color palette and make a difference.

EMERALD GREEN AND CREAM

Two colors that may also come to mind when you think of a fall color palette are emerald green and cream. Emerald green is rich in beautiful, deep hues that reflect a warm feel. This color is bold yet subtle in its beauty, making it the perfect pair with cream.

Cream has become a popular color, both in home décor and fashion. Cream is neutral enough to match with a variety of colors and helps brighten up spaces in your home and wardrobe. Consider pairing cream with more saturated colors, like emerald or burnt orange and red.

Here’s how you can style these colors in your home:

Find one of our kantha quilts or throws, like our Kantha Quilt. With intricate, hand-sewn patterns made from vintage cotton saris and a Traditional Kantha Stitch, this piece is an excellent addition to your home.

Made by artisan women in Bangladesh, your purchase of this quilt goes directly to supporting people who have survived human trafficking and abuse, one of the largest industries coercing women into forced labor.

When summer fades to autumn, many start keeping their doors open. If you love to welcome people into your home for meals, quality time, or games, consider adding our Textured Stripe Table Runner in Ivory to your home décor.

This beautiful cream piece will help brighten your space, draw your table together, and add warmth and comfort to the hard surface of your table. This product supports artisans in India who create eco-conscious, ethically crafted textiles.

GRAY, GOLD, AND PUMPKIN ORANGE

OLIVE GREEN, MOSS GREEN, AND BRASS

Another popular fall color palette includes olive green, moss green, and brass. These colors are smooth, warm, and lively colors that bring freshness to the traditional orange colors associated with fall. To make your home feel more lively, happy, and whimsical, aim for unique designs and patterns.

Our Kantha Quilt is a beautiful blanket to cozy up with. Made in Bangladesh and purchased to support women who are survivors of human trafficking and abuse, this blanket is double-sided, so you get two patterns in one blanket.

Bring the fall color palette to your tableware as well. With accent designs of gold and brass on the ceramic surface of these plates, this is an excellent way to spice up your seasonal tableware.

Plus, the purchase of Berber Ceramic Plate - No. 4 gives artisans in Morocco the opportunity to earn a fair income and livable wages and make a sustainable living for their families.

Wood tones and indigo are two deep, rich ways to bring out warmth and beauty in your home. Add a dark wood tone to your fall color palette by displaying one of our Acacia Wood Heart Bowls or our Ikat Table Runner. Pair the two together for the perfect dining room setup.

The heart-shaped bowls are made by artisans in the Philippines. Your purchase helps them obtain the opportunity and resources they need to thrive. Your purchase of the table runner helps support women weavers in Guatemala to receive fair wages and help them support their families.

Grab your very own Etched Round Pitcher in French Blue and serve your guests and family a pot of your favorite beverage. Made in Mexico, this pitcher helps support artisans and help them make a livelihood.

While greens, blues, emeralds, and oranges are beautiful color options that help embody the fall color palette and bring warmth to your home, you may prefer to mix a number of other colors or opt for a more neutral color palette instead.

If you prefer neutral colors over the more saturated ones, you may want tan, taupe, and caramel as part of your fall color palette.

Discover how to bring these colors into your home:

Our Woven Basket in White is handmade in Tanzania and supports weavers in the area, mainly women, many of whom have traveled to seek refuge. Every purchase helps women support themselves and their businesses. This basket not only advocates for social change, but it adds the perfect amount of texture and dimension to your home while still blending in with your fall décor.

When you’re making your weekly trip to the market or grocery store, don’t forget your tote bag! Our Cotton Produce Bags are handmade in Bangladesh and store all the essentials along with your groceries and produce. They come in a set of four so that you’ll have plenty of room to store all your necessary food items.

Plus, these bags help reduce waste and promote fair wages, access to education, and opportunities for skills training for women in Bangladesh.

Sources:

Bennett, Jessica. “How to Use the Color Wheel to Pick Your Perfect Color Palette.” Better Homes & Gardens. November 2, 2020. Accessed October 15, 2021. Web.

Liu, Jianli, Lughofer, Edwin, and Zeng, Xianyi. “Aesthetic perception of visual textures: a holistic exploration using texture analysis, psychological experiment, and perception modeling.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. NCBI. November 4, 2015. Accessed October 15, 2021. Web.

Lin, Chang. “The Application of Wood in Modern Interior Design.” The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal. 2015. Accessed October 15, 2021. Web.

Sarina. “Learn {Beautiful} KANTHA hand embroidery work.” Sew Guide. Accessed October 15, 2021. Web.

We believe your home should be a place you can relax. It should be a cozy space that makes you feel happy and comfortable. After all, this is where you spend most of your time. And there’s no better way to welcome the new seasons than with a few changes in home décor.

Decorating your home doesn’t mean you have to start from square one. There are simple ways to add just what your home needs without having to redo your entire house. By simply decorating your mantel, the focal point of most homes, you can add just enough spice to make your home perfect for the season.

Continue reading below to learn how to decorate a mantel for each and every season.

WINTER

Winter makes us want to cozy up with our favorite blanket, crack open a book, and sip hot cocoa. Having a cozy space can help ring in the winter season and make your home feel warm, light, and welcoming if you invite family over for the holidays.

If you’re wondering how to decorate a mantel for the winter season, here are a few easy tips:

SPRING

When spring comes around, mantel styling with color, texture, and plants can help brighten up your space and make your home feel welcoming. Our spring décor pieces can help you take your mantel from ordinary to the focal point of your home.

You can take this opportunity to make your space pop with an accent color. Here’s what you need to know:

FLOWER-FILLED VASES

During the spring season, decorate your mantel with a handmade vase. You can fill your vase with flowers, pampas grass, or artificial greenery. You can also leave your vase empty, as it still provides color and dimension to your space. Our Hand-Blown Round Pitcher is a great statement piece as its shape is unique and offers dimension. Our Moroccan Glass Vase in blush is a great option for anyone wanting a pop of color. Alternate with various sizes of vases, using a tall vase and a short vase next to each another.

A special note: If you don’t have any flowers on hand, cut some fresh greenery or sprigs from a nearby tree, fern, or bush and arrange this in your vase.

Woven décor is an excellent way to add some texture and dimension to your space. This kind of décor is also extremely versatile and can be displayed and used in a variety of different ways. For instance, baskets can be used to store toys, blankets, and more while woven placemats or serving trays are a great way to display decor on a mantel, counter, or dining room table. Use your Oval Woven Serving Tray for food too. Whip up a batch of your favorite cookies and display them over colorful linens.

Spring is an exciting time of growth, life, and newness. Whether you like to see the green return to the grass and trees, watch the insects and wildlife come out of hiding, or observe the flowers as they start to grow and blossom, there’s no better time for a fresh start.

Just like we associate holiday smells with winter, we tend to associate floral smells with spring. Fill your home with the smell of fresh flowers by decorating your mantel with a floral-scented candle from our spring collection. Choose from flavors like blossom, garden, jasmine, meadow, eucalyptus, gardenia, peony, lavender, and rose. These candles are made in small batches by women who resettled as refugees in the United States. These candles help teach valuable skills while providing a dignified living wage.

When summer rolls around, it’s time to kick back, relax, and head to the beach. Decorating your mantel for summer is easy with these tips and tricks:

COASTAL CANDLES

FALL

When fall comes around, it’s finally time to cozy up with your favorite seasonal

latte and pull out your sweaters. How can you get your mantel décor to match

your fall outfits? Here’s what you need to know:

PETITE PUMPKINS

It’s time to grab all the pumpkins you can find; the

smaller, the better. Find some white pumpkins and pair them with two orange

pumpkins. Maybe look for a gourd or two as well. Find small ones and medium ones

to differ in sizes, and pair these together for added dimension and texture.

FESTIVE FRAMES

Your mantel is one of the most important parts of your home. Those in your

living room look directly at your mantel, whether it’s a fireplace mantel or a

regular one. So, what better place for all your favorite family photos?

Take a look at our festive frames and find the perfect way to display your family

for all to see. Our Scallop Frame, Triangles Frame, and Herringbone Frame all offer

texture and neutral color tones for your space. Use these to display framed art or

even tickets from your latest trip to the museum.

SWEET CANDLES

Add the finishing touch to your fall decorating by picking the perfect Seasonal Candle to your mantel. Our apple cider, fig, gingerbread, holiday spice, and pumpkin pie candles are a perfect way to bring in the fall season and transform your home into a cozy, restful, fall-like space.

Sources:

Babington-Stitt, Thea. “Accent color ideas – how to use them and why they are important.” Homes & Gardens. February 1, 2021. Accessed October 14, 2021. Web.

Walsh, Colleen. “How scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined — and exploited.” The Harvard Gazette. February 27,2020. Accessed October 14, 2021. Web.

Abdi, Aisha. “Women are the key to economic development in third-world countries.” King's College London. August 28, 2019. Accessed October 14, 2021. Web.

Giving gifts is a powerful way to show someone you’re thinking of them. Whether you have a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or special occasion coming up, shopping for gifts is exciting and fun. Plus, if you’re interested in sustainable living and are trying to make a conscious step in that direction, shopping sustainably is a great way to do this.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about sustainable gifts, where to find them, and what qualities to look for. We also point you in the direction of beautiful handmade products that are sustainable and excellent planet-friendly gift ideas for any occasion.

Let’s take a closer look at why sustainability is so important and how living an eco-conscious life can be a simple and attainable goal.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SUSTAINABLE?