By now you have read Part One and Part Two (hopefully…if not, you should probably do that) about the plaid trend. So let’s go to the other end of the plaid scale and talk about the simplest form of plaid: gingham. What’s that you say? Gingham isn’t a plaid? Well my reverberated friends (name that musical?! If you guessed My Fair Lady then you would be correct!), I am here to show you why when thinking of plaid, gingham should be a part of the party!
So when I think of gingham, I usually think:
Dorothy Gale and her blue gingham dress
The infamous blue gingham dress, is in fact a plaid. The first records of Gingham was its importation to western Europe in the 17th century. Gingham tends to be thinner and lighter due to the lighter and different yarns used to create the woven pattern. Made in the same manner as tartan, the different colors are woven together, but traditionally there are only two to three colors used: white or black with one or two different shades of another color. Not to be confused with checkered pattern (no gradation in color when woven together), gingham truly belongs in the plaid family.
Gingham is on the other spectrum of the plaid scale due to it’s relaxed feeling. Sure gingham can be dressed up, but it is more commonly found on a picnic table as opposed to the grand dining hall of Versailles. Because it’s made with lighter fabrics, it lends more of a playful and jovial feeling when added to decor. It also is much cheaper to procure more yardage of gingham than a heavy woolen tartan.
The beautiful lavender gingham table-cloth on the top left really allows the different shades of lavender to pop against the white while still having a calm and light atmosphere. Adding the light blue gingham look to the cake like second from the left is the perfect touch to offset the brightly colored sugar flowers. Having your groom and groomsmen wear gingham ties (bow or otherwise) give an air of seriousness while still being relaxed in a khaki suit like the second from the right on top. The dessert table in the far right corner uses gingham to accent wooden table which is perfect for that picnic look. Also enhancing the wooden bar table is the bottom left-hand corner shot of fancy navy gingham chairs and orange gingham place mats. Another gingham table-cloth on the bottom second from the left, but this time is darker than the floral while still letting the different shades of blue pop. This fun DIY pink gingham boutonniere is perfect for the groomsmen like the one second from the right on the bottom. When figuring out what kind of center pieces you want for your event, looking at these pails and watering buckets as vases for the floral is such a cute idea, especially in the pink gingham in the bottom left hand corner.
No matter what kind of plaid you choose, know that you can always mix and match the different kinds. Gingham can go with tartan and rainbow plaid just like rainbow plaid can be paired with tartan, if you choose the right colors. You don’t want things to look too busy, but you can always find a way to make it work. Plaid on plaid is a hot trend this year, so stay abreast and find a plaid that works for you!
-Hilary
