Bird motifs have always been great design inspiration…even when it comes to home entertaining! Here’s some proof from cool brands like Danica Studio, Dwell, and Shinzi Katoh…

Pictured above and below: Aviary Apron, Placemat, Napkin, Oven Mitt, and Table Runner (all from Danica Studio).

I’m also loving these adorable, porcelain Birds of a Feather Napkin Rings (such a fun way to dress up any table!)…

Also pictured above: polypropylen (translation: “easy to clean”!) Bird Cage placemat featuring a charming illustration by Shinzi Katoh and Chinoiserie Placemat Set by DwellStudio (currently 50% off!)

Pictured below: Whimsical bird-themed aprons in Pink and Yellow.

This week’s Surprise Giveaway is guaranteed to make a lucky someone’s table look extra fabulous!

It’s from a super stylish shop called Cherry & East that’s full of all sorts of cool & contemporary finds for the kitchen and table and beyond. The winner gets $200 to spend on their choice of mix & match tableware (placemats, napkins, coasters and runners) from the ultra-modern DwellStudio collection!

Several shots of the DwellStudio table linens are pictured above and below…

I’m especially loving Dwell’s “Gate” pattern… available in Sun (above) and Java (below)…

The modern-art-inspired “Color Field” design (pictured below) is reminiscent of paint brush strokes and available in 2 colorways – Ink & Java:

Pictured below: “Woodblock” placemats & napkins (left) and “Gate” coasters (right):

Pictured below: “Mosaic” placemats & napkins in “Lake” (also available in “Sun”)

Click here to check out ALL of the available DwellStudio tabletop products.

Also – here’s a small sampling of the other types of great kitchen and table products available at Cherry & East. They somehow managed to get all my favorite brands into one place…it’s a little overwhelming – it a GOOD way! =)

*****

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

• Post a comment here telling us which product(s) from the Cherry & East website you especially love!

• Giveaway ends Monday, August 10th at midnight PST. Winner is chosen randomly and will be notified Tuesday, August 11th and announced here as soon as they accept the prize. Good luck!!

Watch out boring, boxy aprons…there’s a new girl in town! Say hello to Smocks – and to flirty, smart designs for entertaining in style!

Smocks is a brand new company created by mother-daughter duo Christopher Ireland – a West coast techie & marketing/brand consultant – and Kelley Culp – a fashion editor & designer living in New York. After noticing a growing trend in the markets of cooking & entertaining, especially with more and more people entertaining at home these days, Kelley and Christopher decided to launch a line of stylish, affordable aprons that actually compliment your outfit rather than just cover it up. How’s that for a concept!

Smocks are manufactured in the USA and designed to be attractive on a wide range of bodies, but they even offer a little extra guidance in the fit department if you’re worried about a specific feature.  All fabrics are inspired by contemporary designers and pre-tested & machine washable, of course!

Each apron has a unique name and it’s own little dose of personality. For example, the description for “Jane” (pictured at top) reads, “You’re no wallflower. Demure, maybe, but then there’s that tattoo…”.

Smocks range from $34.95 – $44.95 and are sold exclusively at www.smocksdesign.com.  (Great Mother’s Day gift idea!)

Even your most refined dinner guests will have a hard time resisting these clever Mustache Napkin Rings! Each laser-cut, clear acrylic ring is fused with a chalkboard mustache that doubles as a placecard. Love it! ($24/set of 4 at Modern Dose)

Today over at Simply Stated – check out some fresh kitchen & dining finds featuring a bold blue and yellow color palette and fabulous Scandinavian style!

Designer Kim Seybert introduces her refined fashion sensibility and love of rich color and texture into her self-named line of luxury designs for the home. Pictured above are some of her stunning products that will be available during a Sample Sale on Gilt.com happening today at 12pm EST/9am PST. Be sure to check out other Gilt sales going on around the same time to snap up deals on designer duds!

Gilt.com is an exclusive online sample sale featuring the hottest designer clothing, accessories, jewelry and home goods available at huge discounts for a limited time. Gilt Group membership is usually by invitation only, but they have created a special VIP link for HWTM readers to sign up! www.gilt.com/hostesswiththemostess.  Happy Shopping!

I’m excited to see that 3 new holiday designs have been added to this line of charming Pop Up Paper Placemats from Publique Living. Pictured below: new Reindeer, Fireplace and Festive Feast Banquet Table, along with the original Birdcage, Tree, and Mailbox designs.

$24 per set of 10 {recycled paper} placemats at WeddingThings.com.

…beautiful new organic tabletop collection by amenity: placemats and runners made from textural hemp blended with organic cotton and soft, organic percale napkins…

More cool new kitchen & dining finds from MoMA Store in sleek silver, black & white:

1. Pop-up Bottle Cap Remover – designed by Alessi, one of my personal favorites – this egg-shaped bottle bottle cap remover uses a pressure mechanism to open bottles with ease… and flair!
2. Hanging Demitasse Spoons – Cleverly designed, these stainless-steel spoons are bent to hang on cups and dishes.
3. Ramen Spoon/Fork Set – In keeping with the eco-friendly mindset – these 2-in-one utensils are intended to eliminate the waste created by disposable chopsticks.
4. Palette Serving Set – Express your inner artist with this creative way to serve your favorite appetizers & dipping sauces!

…and pictured below: fun pressed-vinyl Bubble Placemats:

I stumbled upon the MOZI website yesterday and am smitten with their products, to say the least!  Seriously…did you ever think that olive oil decanters (pictured above) could be this dreamy?!  And pictured below, just a few of the very many fabulous tea towel designs…

And guess what…there’s much more!  MOZI offers 3 core collections based on pattern – the colorful, mod Secret Garden collection (which most of the above tea towels and the olive oil decanter on the right fall into), the Casablanca collection (red, white, and blue motifs), and a pretty Botanical Australia collection.

Pictured below: Secret Garden mugs, placemats, and oven mitts and aprons…

Pictured below: Casablanca mugs, placemats, and potholders and aprons…

The above are all favorites from MOZI’s kitchen category, but they also offer lots of fun stuff in the following departments: accessories, bathroom, living, stationery & gift wrap, and gift packs.

Also – MOZI is located in Australia, but these magic words are on their website: International Shipping. Phew!