Don’t Rest on Your Laurels: Rituals for 2026 and Beyond

This time of year, while it’s dark and cold in Vermont, the desire for simplicity feels especially necessary. After the busyness of the holidays, we crave the slowness: choosing candlelight over blue light, pen and paper over a keyboard, books over endless scrolling. It’s a rare chance to let the brain rest.

We’re welcoming in 2026 with old craft and timeless rituals. While we don’t believe in annual resolutions, we do believe in rituals that stand the test of time. Pouring your morning coffee into your favorite mug. Clearing your space after the holidays and organizing with your favorite vessels. Lighting a candle and reading a book before bed. Our pieces are made for year-round, enduring use and rituals that last long after January.

While we don’t believe in chasing trends or setting fleeting goals, we also don’t believe in resting on our laurels — that is, we aim to never become complacent. We always believe that we can do more, or make something better.

Our laurel symbol is, on its surface, a decorative element that graces every piece we make. It has become a well-known icon that our collectors associate with and love to seek out. For us, the meaning runs much deeper.

The laurel was traditionally used as a symbol of victory or excellence. We interpret this less as “being the best” and more as a commitment to high quality and high utility. When you receive a piece with our laurel on it, you’re getting something made with heirloom quality.

Our old craft techniques were, at our start in 2012, innovative for a studio pottery. James set out to bring back forgotten pieces and aesthetics — like crockery for the kitchen, two-tone pottery, and utilitarian forms beyond mugs. He designed the laurel to span generations and styles, and designed the pieces to transcend fleeting trends while maintaining a modern sensibility.

When Farmhouse first opened, the laurel was stamped on the bottom of our pieces. After many requests, it was moved to the outside and into full view — a true crown, fully celebrated.

However, it is not the founder’s initials or a single artist’s signature. It represents our family of artisans following one vision: to create pieces that last.

It’s woven into our team culture. Our potters wear it on their aprons. Our team members walk through the doors bearing the laurel every day. It’s our signature mark of authenticity, heritage, and quality that we’re proud to stand behind.