If you loved the fun Oliver plates from cb2 (see earlier post here), then you’ll probably also love these coordinating Oliver Martini Glasses. This style is so unique: mixed media hand sketch with a color photo of a maraschino cherry that’s actually ON the glass (looks like there’s a real cherry in there!). {$4.95 each}

And in the same style as the Oliver plates & glasses come the holiday-friendly Sammy Appetizer plates featuring doodles of elves skiing on a party pick and riding a “cork” reindeer. {only $2.95 each!}

Is it just me, or has there been a noticeable trend in Octopus-inspired products lately? You can find everything from vinyl wall graphics to laptop sleeves to baby onesies donning tentacle-clad motifs these days! Here are 8 cool “octopus design” finds that fall in the entertaining & home accessories categories:

1. Octopi Cup by Cake ($15 each at Feel More Human)

2. Mod Octopus Vase/Pitcher by Dovetail ($40 at Feel More Human)

3. Octopus Soap & Scrubbers by AnimalHouse ($5.99 each at Kitchen Kapers)

4. Sucker For You Letterpress Card by Hello! Lucky ($4.50 at Luxe Paperie)

5. Happy Octopus Cake Pan by Nordic Ware ($30 at Parker’s Pantry)

6. Sea Life Melamine Dinner Plates by Thomas Paul ($36/set of 4 at Velocity Art and Design)

7. Deep Water Tea/Coffee Set for 2 by LoucheLab ($60 at Etsy)

8. Octopus-inspired Pillows: {clockwise from top left} Octopus Pillow by Thomas Paul ($100 at Velocity Art and Design); Gold Octopus on White Linen by Dermond Peterson ($200 at George Watts); Blue Octopus Hook Pillow ($60 at Gracious Style); and Octopus Cuddle Pillow by BINTH ($60 at BINTH).

I love it when cb2 (Crate & Barrel’s sister store) comes out with a new collection because you can count on them to always be modern and always be affordable! Here are a few fresh NEW finds from their kitchen & dining collection:

Pictured above: colorful, vintage-mod Lable Glasses ($19.95/set of 6).

Pictured above & below: clever Takeout Appetizer Plates ($2.95 ea) available in blue, green & orange.

Pictured below: 1. 42-Piece Fab Four Dinner Set – service for 4 that includes everything from placemats to glasses for less than $100! ($99.85 to be exact) Great gift idea for new nesters or the college-bound. (Placemats also available in white, black, or green.); 2. hi-gloss Palette Bowls in orange & mustard ($21.95 – $34.95); 3. Gem Martinis in electric shades of orange, green & blue ($4.95 ea); 4. new Atomic Dinnerware featuring geometric spirographs ($2.95 – $4.95 per piece).

Winner Update 6/23: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much to everyone that entered! And the lucky, random winner is… Commenter # 683 – Kathy S, who said, “I love the Love Letter Necklace and Birthstone Charm. I’d buy one to commemorate each of my granddaughters. They’re beautiful!” Congrats, Kathy!

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Cambria Cove’s Surprise Giveaway was definitely a hit the first time around, so I’m guessing you’re REALLY going to love having them back – with DOUBLE the prize value this time! That’s right… this gorgeous online shop (that features everything from stylish entertaining essentials to spa products to personal accessories) is back with a $200 Shopping Spree giveaway this week!

The {very lucky!} winner can spend their $200 however they like at CambriaCove.com – but since we’re mid-June and this is HWTM after all, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some favorites from their Summer Entertaining section in particular today. Here goes…

I scream, you scream…

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HOW TO ENTER:

• Post a comment here telling us which item(s) from the Cambria Cove website you think are especially fabulous – or would love to get if you win!

• Giveaway ends Tuesday, June 23rd at midnight PST. Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced Wednesday, June 24th. Good luck!!

Today over on Simply Stated, check out 8 Cool Chalkboard-Inspired Finds for entertaining. It might be partially nostalgic, but I’m loving this white-on-slate trend!

Calling all fashionistas: Add some serious style to your table (or your walls) with these Ben Collection Fashion Plates by Working Class Studio! Each melamine plate features a sketch by the late Savannah College of Art and Design professor and distinguished illustrator Ben Morris. ($8.95 each at heliotrope)

These plates coordinate well with the rest of the stylish Ben Collection products, such as the Ben Bowls ($8 ea), Ben Dinner Plates ($10 ea), and Ben Tumblers ($4 ea) pictured below… all available at Velocity Art and Design.

I love the fun colors and squiggle pattern featured on the Ben Collection dinner plates, tumblers, and coasters…

Check out the Working Class Studio section at Velocity Art and Design for lots more great designs like these!

These Limited Edition Artist Series Glass & Coaster Sets are just plain cool. Not to mention a fabulous, unique gift idea for your favorite people that love one or more of the following: 1. modern art 2. design 3. entertaining 4. neat stuff!

Available in 4 different styles, each glass & coaster set comes in a special clear-top cardboard canister that features info on the artist. $24.50 each at Delight.com.

These fabulous new dishes from West Elm are the perfect excuse for a backyard party! Made from sturdy, outdoor-friendly materials like melamine and acrylic, there’s no need to worry about slippery hands or broken glass ’round the pool. More bonuses: cool, contemporary designs + affordable prices!

Pictured above: Twist Melamine Dinnerware ($14 – $18 per set of 4). Pictured below: Twist Melamine Salad/Serving Bowl ($12) and Round Platter ($14).

Pictured below: Espresso & white Axis Melamine Dinnerware ($14 / set of 4), Square Serving Bowl ($14), and Rectangle Platter ($12).

And last but not least, serve outdoor beverages & cocktails in style – without the worry of breaks & spills – with this Hammered Acrylic Drinkware – available in small & large tumblers, wine glasses, margarita glasses, & drink pitcher (catalog/internet only – $14  – $18 per set of 4).

Today over at Simply Stated – check out some fabulous tabletop pieces from Jonathan Adler that are sure to brighten up your summer table! (Seriously – how great does the tabletop ensemble pictured above look!) Simply Stated: Swoon.

Cool drinkware finds from Greener Grass Design…Pictured above: Fortune Teller Coffee Mugs – Coffee cups with predictions embossed at the bottom. See.. the future looks bright! (on sale for $10 / regularly $14)

Pictured below: Number Mugs – start every morning off with your lucky number! Or give a set of 2 as a thoughtful gift that features a wedding anniversary or birth date…($15 each)

Pictured below: Stamp Mugs – coffee rings never looked so chic! ($56/set or 2)

And last but not least… entertain office friends or family with these clever “Taz Ah Mugs“… there’s a surprise underneath! (Available in rabbit or pig – $23/each)