Flat rectangles call out for creative contents: words on a page, paint on a canvas. So it is that tea towels—those wonderful kitchen workhorses that are simultaneously potholders, cleaning cloths, makeshift placemats, and oven-handle decor—are the perfect platform for an outpouring of creativity. From visual puns to classic linen stripes, these 25 tea towels are some of our all-time favorites to have or (if you're in a giving mood) to receive.
Everything's Better With Stripes
French Stripe Tea Towel, $24 at studiopatro.com
Libeco Amherst Tea Towel, $23 at mingsunvalley.com
Graphic Design
Lattice Tea Towel, $25 at Leif.com
Triangle (Black) Tea Towel, $17.95 at fermlivingshop.com
Punningly Clever
Mr Tea Towel, £7.50 at todryfor.com
Diner-saurs Tea Towel, $12.99 at Modcloth.com
Advice for Life
I've Choreographed a Special Dishwashing Dance for You, _$22 at Able & Game/Etsy_
Small Brain Towel, £9.95 at Todryfor.com
Scandinavian Style
Isak Blossom & Bill Tea Towel, _$17 at Huset-shop.com_
Marimekko Kesatori Tea Towel, $36 for two at Finnstyle.com
Properly British
Jubilee Steadfast and True Tea Towel, £4.95 at EmmaBridgewater.co.uk_
Mushy Peas Tea Towel, _£12 at Culturelabel.com
Good Enough to Eat
Linen Tea Towel--Sweets, $20 at Poketo.com
Silly Sausage & Sensible Egg Tea Towel, £10 at Howkapow.com
Useful Reference
Classic Cocktails Tea Towel, _£10 at Culturelabel.com_
Conversion Dishtowel, _$4.95 at Crateandbarrel.com_
