5 Must-Have El Paso Saddle Blanket Co. Place Mats to Master the 2025 Southwestern Decor Trend

The El Paso Saddle Blanket Co. (EPSB) has been a cornerstone of authentic Southwestern decor for nearly five decades, and their place mats are currently experiencing a massive resurgence as interior design shifts toward earthy, textured aesthetics. As of December 2025, the brand's table mat collections—ranging from handwoven wool to vibrant cotton jacquards—are the definitive way to incorporate the highly-anticipated "Desert Modern" trend into your dining space.

Far more than simple table protectors, these pieces are miniature works of art, offering a genuine slice of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico's rich textile tradition. We’ve done the deep dive into the latest arrivals, the founders' incredible history, and the specific styles that are set to dominate home decor in 2025, ensuring your table setting is both current and steeped in topical authority.

The Legacy of El Paso Saddle Blanket Co.: Founders and History

To truly appreciate the artistry of an El Paso Saddle Blanket Co. place mat, one must understand the company's authentic, grassroots origins. The business was founded by the iconic duo, Dusty and Bonnie Henson, whose entrepreneurial journey began over 44 years ago, rooted firmly in the American West.

Dusty and Bonnie Henson Biography:

  • Founders: Dusty Henson and Bonnie Henson.
  • Founding Era: Over 44 to 50 years ago.
  • Initial Business Model: They began by traveling along the legendary Route 66.
  • Original Inventory: Their first products were turquoise jewelry and authentic Mexican saddleblankets, sold directly from the back of their truck.
  • Current Status: The company has evolved into a massive "Wholesale Only showroom and warehouse" in El Paso, Texas, becoming one of the largest suppliers of Southwest and Western home goods globally.
  • Headquarters: 6935 Commerce Ave, El Paso, TX 79915.

This history of global travel, trading, and manufacturing ensures that every item, down to the smallest place mat, carries a story of genuine craftsmanship and cultural connection. The Henson’s dedication to sourcing and designing the best Southwestern textiles is the foundation of the brand’s enduring popularity.

The Must-Have El Paso Saddle Blanket Place Mat Styles for 2025

The latest collections from EPSB focus on texture, rich color palettes, and patterns that perfectly align with the current interior design movement favoring natural, earthy tones like terracotta, soft clay, and muted sage greens. Here are the top five styles dominating the market and new arrivals:

1. Handwoven Wool Chimayo-Style Mats

These are arguably the most iconic and highly sought-after pieces. The Chimayo-style mats feature tight, intricate weaves, often made from wool, reflecting the traditional weaving techniques of the Southwest. These pieces offer a substantial, rug-like feel, adding a layer of authentic texture that is essential for the high-end Desert Modern look. Look for the "Coming Soon" handwoven wool options for the freshest stock.

2. Vibrant Serape Table Mats

Inspired by traditional Mexican textiles, the Serape table mats are a burst of color and personality. They typically feature bright, multi-colored stripes and are often handwoven. These mats are perfect for injecting a lively, festive atmosphere into a kitchen or patio setting and contrast beautifully with minimalist, clean-line furniture.

3. Southwest Jacquard Table Mats

The newest arrivals, such as the 30-pack Southwest Jacquard Table Mats, offer a modern twist on classic patterns. Jacquard weaving allows for complex, geometric patterns that mimic traditional designs like the Aztec or Navajo-style motifs but often come in more contemporary colorways. Being new stock, these are an excellent choice for retailers or consumers seeking bulk, fresh inventory.

4. Day of the Dead Table Mats

For those looking to embrace cultural themes with a celebratory edge, the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) table mats are a unique offering. These often feature vibrant, stylized skull and floral motifs, allowing for a bold, artistic statement that goes beyond typical Western decor. This style is particularly popular for seasonal decorating or as a year-round conversation piece.

5. 100% Cotton Accent Mats (Hieroglyphics & Pottery Motifs)

Many of EPSB’s place mats are made from 100% cotton, featuring designs like Native American-style pottery motifs or Southwestern hieroglyphics animals. These lighter-weight cotton options, sometimes hand-painted, are ideal for everyday use and offer a charming, rustic touch.

Elevate Your Table: Materials, Care, and Decor Integration

Understanding the material and proper maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your El Paso Saddle Blanket Co. table mats. The company utilizes a variety of textiles, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements.

Diverse Materials and Textural Appeal

The selection of materials is what gives these mats their signature textural depth, a hallmark of high-quality Southwestern textiles:

  • Wool: Found in the premium, handwoven Chimayo-style and rug-style placemats. Wool is durable, naturally stain-resistant, and provides a heavy, high-quality drape.
  • Cotton: Used for many of the accent and printed mats, cotton is soft, versatile, and often machine washable (with caution).
  • Jute: Braided Jute table mats and trivets offer an incredibly rustic, natural fiber look, perfect for a farmhouse or coastal-meets-Southwest aesthetic.
  • Poly/Blends: Some woven items, like runners, use a blend (e.g., 90% wool, 10% polyester) to enhance durability and structure.

Essential Care Instructions for Longevity

Care varies significantly based on the material and weave. Always check the specific tag, but general guidelines for EPSB mats are:

  • Woven Wool/Rug-Style Mats: For many tightly woven or wool-heavy pieces, dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the integrity of the weave and prevent shrinkage or fading.
  • Cotton Mats: For non-fringed or non-hand-painted cotton, wash cold with like colors and lay flat to dry. This prevents the mat from losing its shape or color intensity.
  • Fringed Items: Fringed mats, common in the Serape and Western styles, should be treated gently to prevent the fringe from unraveling or tangling. Hand washing or a very gentle cycle is preferred.

Integrating Mats into the 2025 Desert Modern Trend

The latest decor forecasts for 2025 emphasize a "Southwest Flow"—a blend of clean, modern lines with warm, textured, and earthy elements. El Paso Saddle Blanket Co. place mats are the perfect accessory for this style:

The mats' warm terracotta, sandy beige, and muted sage greens complement the natural color palette trending for the year. Pairing a Chimayo-style wool mat with a sleek, minimalist dining table (think black metal or light wood) creates the desired contrast between contemporary structure and natural texture. The vibrant Serape mats can be used as a color pop against neutral stoneware, preventing the Desert Modern look from becoming too monochromatic or stark. By incorporating these authentic textiles, you immediately ground your space in the rich, elevated Southwestern aesthetic that is defining 2025 interior design.