Mozaiko Charger Plates
From the mind of graphic designer Ana Risquez comes a collection of acrylic charger plates that add a ton of pizzazz to a table setting. These modern and colorful designs work beautifully as charger plates or to display food on as is. Each plate is hand-finished printed acrylic, 14″ diameter, and made in U.S.A. Seen in the photo at the top of this post: Madame Butterfly adds freshness, and looks amazing with gold accents. Flod Blue features abstract poppies on a graphic burst in indigo.
Woody takes the idea of a slice of wood, just without the splinters. A tongue-in-cheek way of looking at the natural world.
Oceanica is inspired by the rhythmic movement of summer waves and adds a groovy freshness to the table.
English Oak gives botanical drawing a modern twist and would be a sweet Thanksgiving decoration or autumn serving tray. Would love to see a pie served on this. All the designs come as a set of 4. Check the website to see more designs. $180. getmozaiko.com
J. Hill’s Standard
J. Hill’s Standard makes contemporary hand-cut crystal, using skills passed down through generations of craftsmen. The company derives its name from John Hill, an 18th century glass innovator who is credited with revolutionizing the production of cut crystal in Ireland. His process, a unique formula for compounding glass, set the STANDARD.
Today the company works with talented designers to create collections of modern cut crystal glassware using the same techniques. The Cuttings Series includes a gorgeous set of Champagne Flutes designed by Martino Gamper. These are heirloom quality, and are a joy to hold and drink from. Capacity: 3.38 oz, 1.8″ D x 6.29″ H. Set of 2, $375. jhillsstandard.com
Bottlelight
Now here’s a clever idea that incorporates recycling to lend a pretty result. They’ve created illuminated sticks that run on batteries, and can fit into empty wine and champagne bottles. (So, first you’ll have to host a party to get all the empties!) So in lieu of candles, which can be a little dangerous in certain situations, place these guys around for a more modern effect.
The BOT03 fits into standard glass bottles and provides an ambient LED light in white or warm tones. Three AA batteries supply 100-120 hours of operation. BOT04 exudes a nice warm white light with an adjustable two levels of brightness, and can use rechargeable NiMH cells or standard AA batteries. It is also waterproof. $30.
BOT05 offers playful color into the party scene with their “vivi-LED.” $50. Available at Uncommon Goods in Brooklyn, uncommongoods.com. bottlelight.eu
Caspari
I love the Caspari collections, not only for their lively designs, but for their commitment to being environmentally friendly. Each napkin is a substantial triple-ply tissue, printed with non-toxic, water-soluble dyes and food-safe ink. When done with using them, they are biodegradable and compostable. Zanzibar, the pretty silver leopard pattern, comes in guest towel and cocktail sizes. Cocktail: 20 per package, 5″ square. $5. Guest Towel: 15 per package, 4.25″ x 7.75″. $7.
If you love Klimt as much as I do, then add a bit of his genius with pattern right onto your table. If you are not familiar with his work, Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter known for his portraits of society women, which incorporated elaborate patterns and gold leaf. This napkin design is a detail of his painting Hope, II. Viennese Nouveau Paper Guest Towel Napkins in Platinum or Red. Cocktail: 20 per package, 5” square. $6. Guest Towel: 15 per package, 4.25” x 7.75”. $7.
Caspari also offers two styles of napkin holders, to keep things tidy. To show off the patterns, the Acrylic Cocktail Napkin Holder in Crystal Clear is made from a durable acrylic which can be used indoors or out. Cocktail: Approx. 6″ square. x 2.5″ H, $22.50. Guest Towel: 9″ L x 5.5″ W x 2.5″ H, $27.50 Also available in pretty silver, (seen with the Zanzibar pattern) the Lacquer Cocktail Napkin Holder, $24.50. Guest Towel, $30. casparionline.com
Spextrum
Spextrum is a Korean-based company whose team of designers, artists and engineers collaborate on the development of new products, each adding their area of expertise. Rainbow coasters are made of acrylic and make a cool pattern when stacked on the bar. They add a futuristic touch when situated under a cocktail, and work as a way for guests to keep track of their drink at a party. The 4 piece set comes in blues, yellows, hot pinks, and turquoise tones. $49.
The Wave Humidifier can add a bit of mystery plus a dose of hydration to a party space. Inserted into an ordinary bottle, the hydration system is disguised by an intricate, laser-cut covering. You can regulate the spray, set to shut off in 8 hours, or set a timer for 3, 5, or 7 hours. The hardware includes an LED light which changes color.
These two products are brand new, and are available in early December or January. Check out their other cool and stylish products on their website. us.spextrum.net
W & P Design
W & P Design’s collection of pineapple products were inspired by the idea that pineapples are symbol of hospitality: warmth, friendships, and a welcoming vibe. This tradition began with sea captains in Colonial times returning from the Caribbean. They would spear a pineapple on their fence post to alert neighbors that they had safely returned. The pineapple was thus an invitation to visit, share food, drink, and catch up. Place one of these on your bar so guests can open bottles in style and remember when the fruit was a rare commodity in the US. Available in gold, copper and silver. $15. wandpdesign.com
Arbiter Collection
Add a touch of the surreal to your table with the Unconlegs bowl. These bowls came as a result of some clever thinking. Rebirth, a second generation ceramics studio was in the business of producing traditional, highly decorated ceramic figurines. The latest generation of designers are taking the existing molds but repurposing them in modern and surprising ways, as seen in the legs added to prop up these bowls. You can also find a shark head protruding from a chip bowl, or small birds and butterflies adding whimsy to cups.
Pieces come a rainbow of solid colors. Available at Ron Robinson in Los Angeles, or email Robin Lynch at info@arbitercollection.com to find a bowl near you. Arbiter
