If your idea of a well-designed home involves elements of traditional, vintage, or even grandmacore style, chances are you're familiar with toile (also known as toile de Jouy).
Toile dates back to 18th-century France, when the term referred to linen or cotton fabric decorated with intricate pastoral scenes in a single color. The classic patterns showed up on everything from upholstery to window treatments, often featuring blue, red or black designs against a crisp white background.
Believe it or not, this classic print has made a major comeback—and I'm all for it. These days, you'll find plenty of fresh takes on toile, including festive pieces made for holiday entertaining.
Whether you’re planning a casual gathering for just a few family members or a large bash to pull out all the stops, you can find all kinds of holiday-themed toile finds to elevate your space. (And as a home editor, I can’t stress the importance of crossing holiday shopping off your to-do list early, since the good stuff tends to sell out quickly.)
Go for toile-patterned platters to serve chips and dip, or an assortment of your best festive treats (gingerbread or sugar cookies, perhaps?). Show off your attention to detail with toile cloth napkins, a table runner, or a cute salt and pepper shaker set. Or, you can try pot holders and dish towels featuring the chic pattern—it doesn’t hurt to add a touch of holiday whimsy to the kitchen when you’re in full-on party mode.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
