Tournesol Celebrates the World!

 Tournesol celebrates the world!  We offer fine table linens, distinctive dinnerware and gifts for the home from around the world.  Owner Barbara Reilly searches for items not only for their beauty and style, but also for the traditions, quality and authenticity that is preserved... items that reflect the cultures of the world, what we continue to make, what we value, how we make a home for our friends and family to gather, to share, to celebrate our lives. 

You can feel the difference as soon as you walk into our shop.  We are located on the first floor of a golden yellow Victorian home in Shadyside, on Ivy Street, one of the many tree-lined streets in the premier shopping district of Pittsburgh. There are hardwood floors, 3 wonderful marble fireplaces and lots of sunlight! Immediately you are drawn to the colors, textures and mingling of cultures reflected in wonderful table linens, distinctive dinnerware and gifts for the home from around the world. 

How did this begin?  In the fall of 2002 during a visit to France, Barbara Reilly, then a practicing attorney, fell in love with the fabulous tablecloths that were available. She purchased one, then another and before long the vacation became a shopping expedition for tablecloths!  On one excursion to St. Emilion in southwestern France, her husband Tom remarked, "Not that I mind you buying all of these tablecloths, but WHY are you buying all of these tablecloths?" Barbara explained that she just couldn't find what she wanted at home, so she had to stock up in France. Tom innocently asked, "Why don't you open a shop then?"  

It then began.

The thought of owning a retail shop had never occurred to Barbara. But she knew that she loved history, world cultures and beautiful things.  She also realized that the items that she purchased on her travels - that were not easily found at home - were generally her favorites. She assumed that others were like her, searching for unique, high quality items, made in a traditional manner and preserving the history of the craft for generations to come.

So... a door opened. Barbara decided to walk through and to continue the journey unless she encountered a roadblock that could not be overcome.  She has never looked back.

Home and family are the center of every culture. Sharing a meal with those we love is a universal tradition, regardless of how a table is set.  Even so, we believe that there are few things more rewarding than sitting with friends and family around a table set on a wonderful tablecloth, beautiful dinnerware and interesting serving pieces,  sharing a delicious meal. 

Tournesol is committed to providing personalized attention to all customers. Our goal is to make your shopping experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. We have a designated Concierge for you to contact with all of your questions and comments. We offer samples of many of our tablecloth fabrics. We enjoy the challenge of solving "problems" - such as finding the perfect tablecloth for an unusual sized table or the right gift at the right price. We even have a separate category for "Custom Options & Monograms".

Enjoy exploring our website!  We look forward to serving you!