Hostess with the Mostess™

I have to admit that pretty much anything
I have to admit that pretty much anything Jonathan Adler creates makes me smile, but I’m especially loving this multi-color stripe motif right now. Part of his aptly named “Happy Home” line, this striped “Italia” collection includes fabulous items like the unique cheese dome and cheese spreader (great gift idea!), mini square “tidbit bowls” perfect for party mixes or candies, and the vases trio - which would make a super-hip centerpiece for a fun dinner or even everyday! Check out the entire collection at etabletop.com. (Vases trio ($44/set) is also available at wrapables.com)

Tired of the same old baby shower “looks” and ready-made party supplies? Then it’s time to shake things up a bit and add a modern twist to your upcoming event by mixing just 1 or 2 actual “baby shower” items with some hip “anytime” party goods!

Here’s an example:
For this “Mod Mom” theme, you can take just the plates from the “Here’s an example:
For this “Mod Mom” theme, you can take just the plates from the “Mod Mom Baby Shower” paper collection and build a funky modern shower theme around them, using unexpected elements like these bold black and white polka dot luncheon napkins, pink and white hanging paper lanterns, pink and white table runners on top of solid black table cloths (yes, you CAN use black tablecloths at a baby shower!), pink dots place cards, and this funky mod “blackberry” gift wrap from Luxe Paperie, which can be used as a cool surface to set beneath flower arrangements, shower favors, or desserts.

Speaking of shower favors, these black takeout containers would make a great favor wrap for this shower. Embellish them with a thick band of pink ribbon wraped around the center of the container and topped of with a sticker, like these sage circle stickers from Paper Source (which are a perfect spot to put baby’s first initial!)

Thank goodness Thank goodness Lotta Jansson fell in love with screen printing (”it just clicked on me”, she says) - because we get to enjoy the results of her passion with her cool line of “Lotta Jansdotter” products - including these great table linens ($12 - $48), dishes ($24 - $46), and aprons ($44 - $58) - all adorned with her signature mod designs!

I’ll have scrambled eggs with a side of “Luv U” toast, please! How cool is this I’ll have scrambled eggs with a side of “Luv U” toast, please! How cool is this pop art toaster from Urban Outfitters? This very out-of-the-ordinary “toast art” is sure to put a smile on the face of your kids, yourself, or any special someone! The toaster ($40) is available in bright red or white and comes with 6 stainless steel removable plate designs: birthday cake, heart, snowflake, flower, smiley face, and “Luv U”. So cute!

West Elm just added some cool new table linens to their collection! Rich orange and playful sequinned circles add a bust of sunshine to your table! West Elm just added some cool new table linens to their collection! Rich orange and playful sequinned circles add a bust of sunshine to your table! Sequin floral runner ($34) and sequin placemats ($10/ea) both available at westelm.com. For a coordinated tabletop, pair with West Elm’s new fringed napkins in Cinnabar or Espresso ($16/set of 4)!

Gotta love Urban Outfitters - hip, funky style at an affordable price! Check out this cool Gotta love Urban Outfitters - hip, funky style at an affordable price! Check out this cool Graphic Plates Set and wrapped cocktail shaker from their Kitchen & Barware collection. Vintage vibe + sleek shapes = perfect vintage mod! To play up the modern factor, pair the plates with solid table linens in extra-bright hues like lime or aqua. Wrapped shaker ($24) and Graphic Plates ($24/set of 4) - both available at urbanoutfitters.com.

“unfed loves you” is their tagline…and guess what? we love them back! How could we not when they have such cool stuff - like these funky linen table runners and matching napkins. The dark olive cotton twill runner (aptly named ““unfed loves you” is their tagline…and guess what? we love them back! How could we not when they have such cool stuff - like these funky linen table runners and matching napkins. The dark olive cotton twill runner (aptly named “oh they are a runnin“) has funky printed deer in vivid orange and bright aqua, accented by subtle embroidered green mountains in the background. Comes in 2 sizes to best fit your table ($89 - $111). Coordinating “Fancy” dark olive cotton twill napkins with hand-stiched orange trim. ($28/pair)

Now here are some blues I’d love to have! These delicious blue & white porcelain dessert plates each come in sets of 4 mix & match designs! The porcelain Now here are some blues I’d love to have! These delicious blue & white porcelain dessert plates each come in sets of 4 mix & match designs! The porcelain Sausalito Dessert Plates from uncommongoods.com boast mod floral designs inspired by pop art ($35/set). Or check out Crate & Barrel’s Blue and White Plates - inspired by antique Japanese linen handkerchiefs, updated with a modern, crisp feel ($29.95/set). CB’s plates also come packaged in a fun round box - perfect for gift-giving!

These minimalist “floating” platters are a seriously fabulous find! Sleek glass with polished aluminum and chrome - guaranteed to take your hors d’oeuvre display to the next level! These minimalist “floating” platters are a seriously fabulous find! Sleek glass with polished aluminum and chrome - guaranteed to take your hors d’oeuvre display to the next level! Cubist Platter and Chrome Ring Platter - $38/each at chiasso.com

Impress your guests even before the party starts with gorgeous, Impress your guests even before the party starts with gorgeous, modern imprintable letterpress invites from Elum Designs. The luxurious look of letterpress at an affordable price! I’m loving “Le Belly” for baby showers, “Good Food” for dinner parties and “Groovy Celebration” or “Party Horn” for any special occasion!

Also - be sure check out their great selection of letterpress thank you cards and everyday notes - great gift ideas!