A ceramic planter does more work than a plain pot when the pattern is painted by hand, and this gingham check is painted square by square before firing. Two small drainage holes are built into the base, so it takes a live plant rather than only a plastic nursery pot dropped inside. The fired glaze is food and water safe, which means it also works as a centerpiece holding lemons, a bread basket, or cut stems on a spring table.
Perfect for: housewarming gifts, hostess gifts, spring and summer table centerpieces, kitchen windowsills, bridal shower gifts, and Mother's Day.
Drainage holes matter more than they sound. A planter without them traps water at the roots, so a pot with holes and a saucer underneath is the difference between a plant that lives and one that quietly drowns.
Run one down the middle of a long table with a gingham picture frame at each end.
