I lived in Brasil for a couple of years, and everywhere I went I would see these stainless steel drinking glasses. No one could ever remember where they got them, because it had been so long since they had bought them. It took me a year and a half of searching before I finally stumbled across some at a hardware store for $0.25 each. I bought a dozen of them. I have been using them ever since and still love them, although the quality of them isn’t the best and some of them are starting to show some rust stains. The other day at Ikea in the bath section I again stumbled across the SEMVIK tumbler which is almost identical to the ones I bought in Brasil. The price is a little higher at $2 each, but for a cup that will last a lifetime, it’s worth it. I bought 4 and plan on buying a couple more next visit.

Available at Ikea for $2.

Memorial day has come and gone, and even though the weather wasn’t exactly conducive to an outdoor celebration, the time for outdoor gatherings is upon us. Whether you are at an outdoor or indoor party, when there are more people than seating, there is always the problem of what to do with your drink. Setting it down may mean losing it, but you still need one free hand to eat with. These clever plates and glasses by Stark have got you covered. Each plate has a small spike built into it where you can set your glass, freeing up one hand and still keeping your drink close by. The plasticware is washable (or disposable for the less frugal) and available from the Conran Shop. Plates come in either round or square and are 6 for $12. Glasses are 10 for $6.
Available from the Conran Shop.

If you haven’t already checked out the new Destination Japan series over at the MoMA Store, it’s time you get over there. While Japanese design isn’t exclusively modern, there is often a simplicity that lends itself to modern decor. Many of the items included in Destination Japan are exclusive to MoMA, and pricing ranges from reasonable to mildly shocking. Shown above is the apple jar with spoon, $55 (ouch). Make sure you check out their folding bread board, $75 (expensive but very cool), Ramen Spoon/Fork $12, and Recycled Dish and Bowl $10 - $15.
Available at the MoMA Store Destination Japan.

Who says a plastic cup can’t look good. Though these B1 cups might have a grown up modern look, the sturdy plastic makes them a great option for kids. Each cup is made of a white hard plastic exterior and a softer brightly colored interior. They are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, and red, and each cup stands 4″ tall and 3″ wide. Just to make things a little easier they are microwave and dishwasher safe. They are $7 each, which is quite a bit more than my plastic Ikea tumblers, but then again, they do look quite a bit better! Plates and bowls are available as well.

Available from Rose and Radish for $7.

I admit that I am addicted to dinnerware. I love all the different sizes, shapes, colors and patterns. Thats probably why all of our plates and bowls are either flat black or flat white, because I just can’t decide what I want. CB2 has got another hit on their hands with these great Bubbles porcelain dipped plates and bowls. The grey, charcoal and olivine circles have a nice pop on their white background making it interesting without being to over the top. Pricing ranges between $3 for a bowl to $5 for the largest plate, which is pretty spot on, especially when you consider that they are porcelain.

Available from CB2 for $3 - $5.

When I think of Thomas Paul, I think pillows, but there is much more to the name than that. Thomas Paul also does rugs, lighting, bags and plates, just to name a few. These great Artifacts Dinner Plates are new to Elsewares, and are a great example of the bold eclectic designs of Thomas Paul put to melamine. In fact, they are almost too good to eat on, and would probably look equally as good on the wall. The classic design follows the emerging trend of “Lux Modern” and puts a print you would expect to see on some fine china on inexpensive durable melamine. Did I say inexpensive? Well maybe not too inexpensive. A set of four will still run you $36, which isn’t bad, but it isn’t cheap either.

Available from Elsewares - $36 for a set four.

I found this great Snap-A-Party set over at Night Lab. If you haven’t heard of Night Lab before, you should check it out. It’s an online store that features unique design, concept and style. It doesn’t have a lot of housewares, but it does have some stuff I have not seen anywhere else. The Snap-A-Party set is a plastic plate set complete with chopsticks, napkin ring, knife, fork, spoon, plate, and even a toothpick. It comes as a set of 4 and is only $12. These would be a great novelty for your next party.

Available from Night Lab for $12.

We have been seeing more and more products made out of bamboo lately, and why not. It is fast growing which makes it very sustainable, and it is hard which makes it very durable. Seems kind of like a no brainer to me. While I have seen lots of bamboo bowls, I think that this is the first bamboo fruit ring I have ever seen. Handmade for Chiasso, this ring is 11.5”dia. x 2.5”- 6”w. It’s also 100% eco friendly. The price is a little steep at $38 but you’ve got to admit it’s a lot cooler than what you put your fruit in now.

Available from Chiasso for $38.

Boon is one of my favorite kids accessory companies. Not only do they make stylish and well thought out products, their price points tend to be quite competitive. That’s why I was excited to see that they have lots of new products coming out soon. Everything from jewelry and clothes to feeding accessories. Shown above is “Fluid” their no spill Toddler cup. I love it’s two handed design and simple organic lines. No idea on pricing yet, but it’s due to come out in October, so we should know soon. Stop by their website and check out their clothes line too. They have some really great stuff.

This one is for all you pet lovers out there, you know who you are.
Before we had our son Arrington, our dog was our child. Going to Petsmart used to be a shopping black hole, we could never leave there with just a bag of dog food. I’m sure our goldendoodle Ainsley would approve of these bowls and stand. The large bowls have a bone embossed on the bottom, and both sizes come with a white food bowl and a blue water bowl. The bamboo stand helps keep thing neat and tidy where they belong.

Available exclusively from Red Envelope for $35 - $55.