An simple pleasure of going someplace new: discovering issues I can incorporate into my life at house. After I was in Copenhagen lately, I spent a complete day in Illum, the division retailer, admiring Scandi flat-weave rugs and Mogensen chairs and wishing I lived across the nook so I might outfit my house tip to toe.

However after all, none of this stuff slot in a suitcase, notably in case you delight your self on packing in a carryon (as I do) or in case you’re flying Ryanair and declined to pay for further baggage (as I did, and by no means will once more).

When discovering housewares to convey house, I’ve three standards. It should 1) be helpful, 2) be a steal, and three) slot in my bag with out taking over a lot house or including a lot weight. Limiting components, however I like a problem.

I’ve discovered one factor that—reliably—suits the invoice, each time: kitchen towels. I’ve taken to selecting up a pair each time I am going someplace: summery checked variations from a basic retailer on the Cape; thick undyed cotton cloths from Dublin; and, most lately, striped linens from Denmark. (N.B.: I’m not the one Remodelista editor recognized to do that! Julie introduced every of us hardy scrub cloths from a visit a number of years in the past—sensible and pleasant.)

the best souvenirs are free (or at least inexpensive). i found this pretty kitc 28 — Above: One of the best souvenirs are free (or at the least cheap). I discovered this beautiful kitchen towel at Sugar Instruments’ dearly departed brick and mortar and the birds’ nest fairly actually at my ft on a day journey to Lincolnville, Maine.

I do know what you’re considering: Kitchen towels—boring! Or possibly: twee! Hear me out. Kitchen cloths make an ideal memento. Right here’s why.

Everybody wants kitchen towels—and I’m prepared to wager there are a pair in your drawer proper now which have seen higher days. This reality principally ensures you gained’t endure from purchaser’s regret when you get house and the holiday excessive has worn off (additionally, when you have a look at your financial institution statements).
Kitchen cloths are simple to seek out wherever you go, and there’s no scarcity of patterns, supplies, and varieties on the market.
For the color-curious however commitment-shy like yours actually, you will get a few shiny kitchen towels with out going all in on, say, a blanket or curtains. Cling them from a hook, layer one on a desk, or tack one up as a pseudo sink skirt and bingo. A brand new twist in your kitchen.
They’re cheap—$30-$40, tops, and infrequently a lot much less. Reader, my delight is quadrupled once I snag a deal.
They’re light-weight and roll up tiny, taking over just about no actual property in your bag. You may even make like Julie and get a pair further to provide as presents.
They’re endlessly helpful, which suggests you’ll be reminded of the place you picked them up everytime you dry the dishes, wipe the counters, or set out drinks for pals—which is to say in little methods, each day.

Satisfied? Listed below are three ideas in case you’re on the hunt.

1. Search for good supplies, like 100% cotton, and keep away from synthetics.

2. {Hardware} shops, markets, and basic shops are the place the nice linens are. These off-the-beaten-path spots will all the time yield higher (and cheaper) finds than vacationer outlets.

And three., and that is the hill I’ll die on: a dangling loop is all the time higher than no hanging loop.

Whether or not you’re two cities over or abroad, you, too, can begin on the kitchen towel hunt. Or, in case you’re searching from house, contemplate these 5 variations I’m admiring, every from a distinct vacation spot.