Hand embroidery was simply part of Mariana Barran Goodall’s upbringing in Monterrey, Mexico, where it was taught by the nuns in her school. When she arrived in Houston, Texas, in 2014, the lack of hand-stitched textiles surprised Goodall. So she picked up her needle and thread again and started making special pieces as gifts.
Goodall eventually opened a studio, Hibiscus Linens. She named it for the pitcher of hibiscus tea in her family’s refrigerator that indicated expected guests. She designs many of her products especially for guests: napkins and delicate hand towels either elegantly monogrammed or adorned with delicate floral motifs and crochet borders. The pieces take many hours to create. They speak to the beauty of bespoke detailing, which is why we believe they made such a meaningful gift. And they are meant to last—“to be heirlooms handed down,” says Goodall.
Mariana’s Holiday playlist: “It is a family tradition to play ‘Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad.’ It’s a very welcoming song—calm and perfect to put everyone in the mood of giving and being welcoming. And growing up, I used to do ballet, so just listening to the Nutcracker soundtrack always puts me in the holiday mood.”
Hand-embroidered hydrangea dinner napkins with crochet trim, $1,800 for set of six, hibiscuslinens.com