West Elm Just Gave Its Holiday Collection a Very New York Twist

Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
As Apartment Therapy's Executive Home Director, I head up our decorating, trends, and designer coverage. I studied Media Studies at UVa and Journalism at Columbia and have worked in media for more than a decade. I love homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey — but not necessarily in that order.
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West Elm is a contemporary furniture designs and other housewares owned by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. with locations worldwide.
Credit: Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

Although West Elm often channels a West Coast cool vibe, and two of the brand’s latest collaborations have been with California-based creatives (Emma Chamberlain and Pierce & Ward), the company is unmistakably Brooklyn-born and bred. So it’s no surprise that West Elm is going back to its New York City roots by partnering with Russ & Daughters, the iconic Lower East Side shop and cafe, on a very special collaboration that’s perfect for the holidays. 

Focused predominantly on serveware, textiles, and decorative accessories, the collection centers on entertaining and incorporates plenty of touches that Russ & Daughters is known for by locals and tourists alike — its command of Jewish culinary fare and NYC nostalgia. Because the shop is over a century old (now with several locations and an eatery), West Elm designers had plenty to pull from as they created a line inspired by the Jewish holidays, hospitality, and generational traditions.

Credit: West Elm

What Is the Russ & Daughters x West Elm Collection?

The assortment features about 20 pieces that are perfect for everyday eating or sharing a special holiday meal. Highlights include a full set of dinnerware, whimsical linens, handsome wooden serving boards (perfect for bagels and challah!), the cutest trays and keepsake boxes, plus a menorah. Everything comes in a blue and white palette, which makes all of the pieces work really well together and with regular white china. “What makes this partnership so special is that it goes beyond product,” said Day Kornbluth, president of West Elm, in a press release. “It celebrates the traditions and sense of connection that happen around the table. Russ & Daughters occupies a unique place in New York culture, and we saw an opportunity to translate that spirit into the home in a way that feels joyful and relevant today.”

Insight from the Russ & Daughters team also played a huge part in bringing these pieces to life. “We wanted this collection to honor tradition while leaving room for personal interpretation,” said Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper of Russ & Daughters, in a press release ahead of launch. “Many of the customs and objects that inspire us have been passed down across generations, but they continue to evolve. This partnership reflects that ongoing conversation in a way that feels welcoming, joyful, and true to who we are.”

Credit: West Elm
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What to Shop from the Russ & Daughters x West Elm Collection

The collection is available to purchase today, with prices starting at just $19. A selection of items should be available in stores, too.

Take a look at a few of our favorites below. A holiday collection this fun and nostalgic just might have you feeling ready for the season — even in August.

West Elm x Russ & Daughters Stoneware Salad Plate Set
$60

This collection centers on a full suite of dinnerware, but items can be bought piecemeal, too. This salad plate set would be a fun upgrade to plain white dinner dishes.

$60 at West Elm
West Elm x Russ & Daughters Napkin Set
$48

The sketch-like style of this collection’s food-based artwork feels at once whimsical and totally sweet. That nostalgic charm is maybe most visible on the linens. Though the table runner depicts a fanciful feast, I love the simplicity of the fork and knife motif on the napkin sets.

$48 at West Elm
West Elm x Russ & Daughters Ceramic Menorah
$25

The collab features an assortment of candlesticks and even a cute matchbox for matches, but the ceramic menorah is a standout. I could see it becoming a modern family heirloom. 

$25 at West Elm
West Elm x Russ & Daughters Wood Challah Board
$60

Crafted from gorgeous acacia wood, this challah board is pretty enough to serve on. The collaboration also features a similar version for bagels, which would be amazing for a holiday brunch. 

$60 at West Elm

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