Towels aren’t just for the bathroom, as those for the kitchen make cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning activities easier. Tea towels are among the towels used in this cooking space, and are often considered the same as “regular” kitchen towels. However, these towels also function as home decor and feature distinguishable differences from their standard counterparts. Learn more about tea towels and how you can use them here. 

What Are Tea Towels?

Finely-woven hand towels became popular during the 18th century, with “tea towel” an English term. They were used to catch spilled tea and therefore prevent stains on tables and countertops, since the tannins in tea are notorious staining agents. These towels were also used to prevent scratches while drying china teacups and dishware. Many tea towels featured intricate embroidery done by the mistress of the house, making them home decor items as well as kitchen accessories. 

Today’s tea towels range in size from 16 inches by 28 inches to 18 inches by 30 inches, and still function as kitchen accessories and decor items. 

How Are Tea Towels Different From Other Kitchen Towels?

A main distinction between tea towels and kitchen towels is fabric. Tea towels are made of either cotton or linen, and usually flat-woven to prevent streaks on dishware. Non-tea kitchen towels are typically made of terry cloth, which is ideal for soaking up spills but not recommended for drying fine china or other expensive dishware, such as crystal glassware, since they can cause streaks and minor scratches.  

Tea towels also differentiate themselves from terry cloth towels with their food cover applications. They are often used to cover bread products, such as rolls and muffins, to maintain their warmth. These towels are also ideal for polishing silver jewelry, as they easily remove tarnish. Both tea and terry cloth kitchen towels are utilized in dish and glass air-drying, such as placing the towel under a dish drying rack to catch water droplets. 

Browse the beautiful tea towel collection at Treehouse Gift & Home, the 10,000 square foot home decor and gift shop serving the 50-mile radius around Onalaska, WI. One of the largest gift shops in the state, this unique store offers a diverse inventory from top brands, including Willow Tree®. Custom picture framing services are also available. Call (608) 433-7896 today with questions or shop for home decor and gifts online. Like the Facebook page for the latest product and special event updates.

Decorating your home for fall is an exciting task to undertake. Not only does it allow for a variety of seasonal colors, but it can also incorporate soft materials to make the space feel cozy. However, with the options that are available, such as candles, narrowing them down may prove difficult. Here’s a closer look at the most popular ideas to help you determine where best to start. 

4 Ways to Decorate Your Home for Fall

1. Use Baskets

Baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Staging one as a centerpiece will create an attractive focal point, especially when you arrange it with a collection of flowers and gourds. 

Consider hanging a few on the wall to add some texture to the room. The delicate weaves will highlight the surrounding décor and enhance the natural warmth. 

2. Select a Wreath

First impressions are everything when it comes to gathering for a family meal. Selecting a wreath for the front door will instantly produce a welcoming appearance. 

Choose materials that complement the color of the home, such as dried fruit and subtle greenery. Add a decorative bow to accentuate the piece and give it a touch of elegance. 

3. Light Candles

It’s known that the sense of smell is linked to core memories. Lighting candles that remind one of a fresh pumpkin pie or a bubbling apple crisp will make a person feel right at ease. Even those that mimic the scent of freshly fallen leaves could cause the stress to melt away and have a naturally calming effect. 

4. Spread Out Blankets

As the temperature drops, family members will start looking for ways to stay warm. Spreading out a few blankets is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere. It allows you to introduce an assortment of seasonal tones, such as burnt orange and sunshine yellow, and encourages the family to gather. Include a few throw pillows to produce an attractive finish.

Revamp your indoor décor by stopping over at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. They are a locally-owned gift shop that’s been in business since 1988. Their inventory features an assortment of items, including candles, and caters to all occasions. The friendly staff is knowledgeable about each of their products and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a representative or visit their website for additional information on their fragrances.

Do you like to learn new skills and make new friends? We have the perfect workshop for you! Get involved with a few of our intro courses to alcohol inks.  Shirley Johnson from Onalaska has been one of our local artists featured with art in our store for slightly over a year now, and she has started teaching others how to produce gorgeous art just like the pros.

Alcohol Inks are really give you such vibrant colors to play around with. What to Expect: in Shirley's workshops, you'll create three different alcohol inks pieces.  You'll learn fun techniques using unusual tools to guide and blend the inks.

Try the Intro to Florals: Show your bloomers workshop or the Intro to Landscapes this week for a fun introduction to the craft.  Find the class options and times here.

All supplies are provided.  Intro courses are great for beginners.  No experience necessary. Advanced courses do require you have taken one intro course.

See for yourself how much fun learning can be!  Call the trusted professionals at 608-433-7896 or book your tickets online with in-store pick up today!

We put together a video to explain a little further, what we mean when we say you'll find Treasures from the Heart!  

Often, when searching for gifts, many people focus too heavily on finding items the recipient will enjoy on purely aesthetic or leisurely grounds. While this is usually a great way to find a treasured item, it might be more helpful to some, especially those setting up their first home, to be given basics like essential kitchen utensils. Here are a few items every kitchen should have.

Top Ideas for Kitchen Gifts

1. Cooking Knives

Quality knives are a must-have in any kitchen, since they’ll drastically reduce food preparation times and ensure consistent, clean cuts with every use. Although knives are available in a wide variety of quality metals, stainless steel is suitable for most kitchens and everyday uses. Look for a set that includes a chopping knife or cleaver, a serrated bread knife, a paring knife, and a sharpener. Encourage the recipient to clean and sharpen their knives regularly to get the most out of them.

2. Nonstick Cookware

Even the finest ingredients and most lovingly prepared recipes will be little use without quality pots and pans in which to cook them. Sets of nonstick cookware make great gifts because they can be a useful kitchen asset for years to come and they’re often overlooked by those setting up their first kitchen.

Look for sets that include two to three saucepans and frying pans of varying sizes fitted with secure, comfortable, heat-safe handles. If possible, try to find cookware that is dishwasher safe to make cleanup simpler.

3. Cutting Board

Quality kitchen knives need a sturdy, stable surface on which to use them. Plastic cutting boards are widely available, easy to clean, and affordable, but they tend to wear out after short periods of use. Wood is a better option. Although wooden cutting boards must be oiled and cleaned regularly to prevent them from wearing out or becoming permanently damaged, they can last for several years when properly maintained. On top of that, wood is durable enough to stand up to sharp edges without constantly dulling knives.

When you’re looking for the perfect gifts to stock a kitchen, stop by Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. In business for over 20 years, this local business carries an extensive inventory of quality goods from top brands, along with unique pieces from local artists and craftspeople. Call them at (608) 433-7896 to discuss your needs, or visit them online to browse their selection.