Much like shoes and handbags, you can never have too many placemats — or any table linens, for that matter. They're simply an effortless accessory that dresses your dining room up or down. Inviting the parents over? Go classic with simple white, perhaps a monogram. Having a casual brunch with friends? Try the Elsewares French Floral Placemats ($19.99, reduced from $26). Their bold poppy print Read more

I'm not quite sure if I'm sick of the cuckoo clock trend or not, but I must admit I like the Klaus Rosburg Cuckoo Clock ($95). While there's been a proliferation of die-cut mirrors, something about the mirrored silhouette shape of a cuckoo clock against this exposed brick wall caught my eye. The ornate, three-dimensional design of traditional cuckoo clocks gives them a lively, kitschy feel, but Read more

I like cards that are to the point, whether it's for a baby shower or actually welcoming a wee one. I have a hard time handing over an embossed card written in verse about bouncing bundles of baby joy and the woes and wonderment of parenthood — especially when the recipient is a sleep-deprived new mom who has spit-up stains on her shirt. This Born to Ride card ($3.50) from Elsewares is the Read more

The SUCK UK Moon Jar ($40), a luna-like light that comes equipped with a solar-powered cell and rechargeable battery that soaks up sunlight, is new at Elsewares these days. If it looks familiar, it is: it's the dimmer sister of the Sun Jar, which we've raved about before. Still packaged in that traditional mason jar, it automatically flicks on for five hours when it gets dark, or can be turned Read more

If your gift recipient is anti cutesy hearts and flowers for Valentine's Day, then these heavy-duty 10" Lovesick Plates are going to be up their alley. Although they do have flowers in the background, they're way too interesting to be considered cutesy. They'd make a great gift to use on the dinner table, but they'd look even more divine hanging on a wall. Set of four for $40.00. If hearts are Read more