Uncovering the Best Sources for Design and Home Decor
Welcome to the “Stores & Stories” series where I’m exploring businesses that offer more than one would expect! Whether it be innovative, unique products or an inspiring history, I am officially on the hunt to find the most interesting home decor and design sources to explore and share with you.
Charleston is one of the most charming and historical towns I’ve visited and one of my favorite finds here are the handmade sweetgrass baskets. While this series will usually focus on a particular store, I had to make an exception for these treasured baskets which are available at a variety of places throughout Charleston.
Product: Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Special features:
- Authentic, handmade souvenirs using local sweetgrass and palmetto leaves
- Every artist has a unique design in how they create the baskets with coiling
- Durable and water resistant (sweetgrass is grown in moist areas)
- Centuries old tradition, originating in West Africa as a tool of rice production and processing
It was important to coil a basket “so tightly they could hold water”.
These baskets come in all sizes and different shapes with each having unique features. The prices range, starting at about $5 for the tiny ones… up to…
….this large one that I’m holding which is $2,500!
Decorations, such as roses, wreaths and many other products are also created with sweetgrass and palmetto leaves.
How delightful is this basket of roses?
Wall or door decorations to hang – love the red flower with the red door (good choice Aunt Maribeth!).
The sweetgrass baskets are sold are the street, in stores and at the historic Charleston City Market. You can also create a custom design and purchase online here. These durable, one of kind baskets would be a great gift!
The highway into Charleston is referred to as ” Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway” where you will see many vendors. There is also a Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion where many events and weddings are held throughout the year (noted for my next trip!).
I had the best time exploring Charleston and in case you missed it, check out my post on how I was Charmed by Charleston!
Next up for the “Stores & Stories” series is a special place in Nantucket! Thanks for reading!
