MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check

Are you looking for simple yet elegant dinnerware to add to your kitchen and table? Look no further than MacKenzie-Childs and the signature Courtly Check pattern. The pattern is versatile, and it can complement a formal or casual table setting.

What about a fun yet elegant fabric for your upholstered furniture or pillows? The versatile pattern can be seen in tabletop fabrics, drapes, upholstered furniture, and more. You’ll find Courtly Check across multiple product lines. 

The Beginnings of Courtly Check

The first appearance of the Courtly Check pattern was on an armoire as a decorative division between two other patterns. At that time, the pattern wasn’t named, and it was simply a border design on the piece of furniture. 

The MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check collection was initially introduced in 1995 as a part of a product line called Camp MacKenzie-Childs. The Camp MacKenzie-Childs collection was originally designed to be used outdoors for casual dining or glamping. Since then, it has evolved into the signature collection of the company. 

In 2003, MacKenzie-Childs introduced a three-quart tea kettle to the Courtly Check line of products. That kettle is now available in multiple sizes and as a whistling tea kettle, and it’s perhaps the most recognized and iconic Courtly Check product. Many people make the tea kettle their first MacKenzie -Childs purchase. 

The Courtly Check pattern is now available across all of the products created by MacKenzie-Childs. They incorporate the pattern into everything from fabrics to dinnerware. It’s still used on furniture too, but now it’s more than a thin border to separate other designs. 

As the Courtly Check collection grows, it inspires other patterns offered in the MacKenzie-Childs line. It has specifically inspired the Parchment Check pattern that was introduced in 2012, as well as the Royal Check pattern that was introduced in 2019. 

The Materials

You might be surprised to learn that the Courtly Check collection enamelware has a base of heavy-grade steel. The steel is then painted with a glass frit and refired. So, Courtly Check is a glass on steel product.

Since the basis of the products is steel, you may be wondering what happens if it falls or is dropped. According to the information we’ve gathered, the product will chip if it’s dropped. However, the creators say that gives added character to the pieces. 

The textiles line began with a hand-painted textile document that was digitally printed onto high-quality fabrics. As with all MacKenzie-Childs products, the company worked to achieve perfection in color and design through hand painting before approving the digital printing of textile products. 

The Color

At first glance, the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check pattern is simply a black and white checkerboard square look. However, looking closer, you will see different hues drawn through the black to create a one-of-a-kind look that would be difficult to duplicate exactly. Upon thorough inspection, you’ll note ambers, yellows, greens, and even some blue mixed into the color.

Originally, the color of Courtly Check had more amber drawn through the hand-painted checks, which contributed to the original name of the collection, Roasted Marshmallow. The amber gave the appearance of caramelized sugar like you get when you roast a marshmallow which led to the original name. Now, the company focuses more on the black and white aspects of the color to make it more neutral. 

Learn to Layer

When you set your table, do you consider only functionality, or do you lay an aesthetically pleasing setting that complements your overall décor? If you steer toward functionality and casual dining, you can still set a beautiful table using Courtly Check dinnerware. Easily compliment your tableware with the same design’s salt and pepper shaker set and napkin holder. 

Courtly Check is still a great choice if you steer more toward aesthetically pleasing and like a formal place setting with everything you need for a five-course meal. Consider whether you like a completely matched look or whether you prefer a mixed and matched style. Then, layer your dinnerware for a beautiful table. 

Using only Courtly Check gives your table a beautiful, uniform look. Simply stack Courtly Check from the charger to the bowl if you prefer a completely matched look. Accent with serving pieces, napkin holders, and salt and pepper shakers. You can even serve after-dinner espresso with the Courtly Check Enamel Espresso Cup & Saucer Set. 

For those of you who prefer a mixed and matched look but still want a formal place setting, you can layer the Courtly Check pieces with other pieces to create a gorgeous eclectic-looking table setting that showcases your personality. You can use Courtly Check with other collections from MacKenzie-Childs, such as the Flower Market set alternating pieces to create similar yet slightly different settings at each place. For example, use a Courtly Check charger and stack a Flower Market dinner plate, a Courtly Check salad plate, and a Flower Market bowl for one setting. Reverse the stacking for the next setting: Flower Market charger, Courtly Check dinner plate, Flower Market salad plate, and Courtly Check bowl. 

When you choose to use multiple MacKenzie-Childs collections to layer your table setting, you can also mix and match the accessories. Use the Flower Market salt and pepper shakers and the Courtly Check napkin holder or vice versa. Mix and match the serving pieces as well. 

You don’t have to mix and match with MacKenzie-Childs products. The Courtly Check line is the neutral of the MacKenzie-Childs products so that it can be used with virtually anything. Do you have your grandmother’s china or a favorite set of dinnerware? Try layering it with your favorite Courtly Check pieces; your imagination is your only limit. 

 

Wrapping it Up

If you want an elegant, versatile pattern for your table, MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check could be exactly what you’ve been searching for. If you’re interested in learning more about these stunning pieces, or if you’d like to purchase some for your own home, contact Dekado Home Décor. They have a variety of Courtly Check pieces available.