With a background in retail merchandising and buying, Linda de Valpine fulfilled her dream of owning her own shop by opening Greentail Table in Newton last July. The Arlington resident says her goal is for the store to be the destination resource for modern tabletop and home entertaining wares, including housewarming, wedding, and hostess gifts. The name is short for GreenRetailing.

Q. How do you describe the business?

A. Tabletop tends to be a trade term; basically, it covers dinnerware, glassware, table linens, accents, and everything else that goes on a table. We specialize in modern, clean lines and very functional pieces with a simple aesthetic. There are a few decorative pieces, like some fancy things to serve desserts and hors d’oeuvres on, but not too many dust collectors.

Q. How do you determine which products to stock?

A. My original concept was eco-friendly everything, but then I worried it was too focused. I still prefer natural and sustainable materials, although I do carry a mix of polycarbonate from Italy and melamine from Germany. The materials have to be high-quality, and I stay away from trendy, so pieces can be enjoyed for years to come.

Q. What if someone is looking to get a little creative?

A. We have a lot of fun with color. There are also several whimsical choices, such as a carp flower vase and a hedgehog toothpick holder. People love to give gifts that make their friends smile and that not everyone carries.

Q. What can customers expect in terms of price?

A. There’s a wide range — from $5 to $300 — because it’s very important to me that everyone can come in and buy something that speaks to them. I love it when I hear, ‘Your prices are so reasonable,’ because I want people to feel like they can shop here time and again.

Q. How are you growing the business?

A. Originally, I thought the store would cater to people looking for new ways to set their table for entertaining, but it has definitely become more gift-oriented. Most of my business is still walk-in and repeat customers, but a lot more orders are coming in online through Pinterest and advertising on Facebook. I’m hoping to have a wedding registry later this year. It seems like the natural next step.

Greentail Table is at 343 Watertown St. in Newton. For more information, call 617-244-3510 or visit greentail­table.com.

Cindy Cantrell may be reached at cindycantrell20@ gmail.com.