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).

Loving these stylish & earth-friendly entertaining products from Branch:

• 16″ Serving Trays in Colors by Bambu – 100% organically-grown bamboo, non-toxic water-based adhesive, natural lacquer (derived from the cashew nut tree), food-safe polyurethane. ($24 ea)

• Vessel: Ivy by Perch! – created with low-fire ceramic & non-toxic glaze / great home accessory that can be re-purposed as a pretty centerpiece vase for all sorts of occasions. ($64)

• Tiny Basket Bowl by Perch! – created with low-fire ceramic & non-toxic glaze. ($26 ea)

• Curvy Servers by Bambu – made from 100% organically-grown bamboo, natural food-safe wood oil, natural lacquer, food-safe polyurethane. ($14 ea)

• “Outside-In” Bowls (Set of 4) – made from 100% organically-grown bamboo, non-toxic water-based adhesive, natural lacquer, food-safe polyurethane ($56 / set)

Umbra just came out with a fabulous new line at Target called Umbra Loft – and lucky for us, this bold, modern-meets-elegant collection is just as affordable as it is stylish! The overall look of the Umbra Loft reminds me of Nicky Hilton’s fabulous black and white dining room… so if you’d like that look for less, then this is a great place to start! Here are a few favorites from the (quite extensive) collection:

Pictured at top: Vinotella Wine Rack ($19.99), Pinot Wine Rack ($19.99), and Photo Tray ($19.99).

Pictured above: Piatto Platter ($29.99), Lulu Utensil Holder ($14.99),
Gemini Salt and Pepper Shaker Set ($14.99), and Nest Salad Bowl with Servers ($29.99).

Pictured above: Umbra Loft Decorative Vases – Large Black, Small White, and Medium Gray ($9.99 – $19.99), Set of 3 Candelabras ($16.99), and Eternity Mantle Clock ($24.99). 

Pictured above: Gemini Peppermill ($19.99) and Aroma Spice Rack – Clear ($19.99).

Picture above: Faux Leather Black Photo Album ($16.99), Florence Collage Frame ($24.99) and 4×4 Vintage Motion Frame ($14.99).

Click here to check out the entire collection at Target.com!

Are you a fan of Jackie Shapiro’s French Bull tableware? Today over at Simply Stated, check out three new collections from this popular contemporary designer… including the fabulous black & white Felix pattern (pictured above), and two colorful new patterns – Iris and Regal.

In an age where most products are machine-manufactured, there’s definitely something to be said for those who strive to keep handcrafted products alive. The artisans at Glasi Hergiswil on Lake Lucerne are just such people… and they’ve been producing high-quality, functional pieces from exclusively lead-free glass since 1817, despite the struggles they faced along the way.

Pictured above, from top: This dramatic cone-shaped server ($40) is a unique way to serve fruits & nuts… not to mention the perfect foundation for a very modern cornucopia display! (Modern Thanksgiving, anyone?) And the oblong Gondola server ($40) is perfect for serving simple bites like stuffed olives or dips such as guacamole and hummus.

Also pictured above are a few images from the crafting process at the Glasi factory. Click here to view more.

Pictured below: the versatile & generous-sized Party Platter ($72) and the pretty Sushi Tray ($36) – which looks like a cool block of ice to me – with coordinating Dip Bowl ($20).

Today over at Simply Stated: Celebrations – check out 5 Fabulous Cake Stands, along with a tip on how to  create quick & easy DIY cake stands using dishes you already own!

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:

When you arrive at the website of Sandra Isaksson’s gift & home accessories line – ISAK – you’re greeted by a little sign that says “welcome to our world of beautiful, happy things” – and that’s exactly what you’ll find there! The ISAK products feature wonderfully cute, creative & contemporary patterns that you just can’t help but swoon over a bit…  A few favorites are pictured here – check out isak.co.uk for the complete line & retail info.

Pictured above: Kids Animal Cups, Kids Animal Tray and pink & yellow Daisy Plate. Pictured below: Tulip Cutting Board, Bird Plate, Apple Cutting Board, and Blossom & Bill Tray.

These gorgeous Nocturne and Parisian Gold melamine serving trays from fashion-forward French design studio Atelier LZC are almost too pretty to cover up! $45 each at Bunny Maxwell.

(Fabulous gift idea for design lovers & creative types!)