Mighty Haus: Cook

Gingham Check Napkins

Opt for cloth instead of paper napkins for your next warm weather gathering. Gingham adds instant picnic style to your outdoor table. Mix it up with red and blue for a patriotic twist.

$33 at Pottery Barn | Buy

(Set of 6)

Kirtsy This | Posted 24 May, 2012 by Christy

Kick off your first annual summertime bocce ball tourney with this authentic set made in Italy, where they know a thing or two about bocce. Or, just encourage some friendly competition at your next backyard barbeque.

$155 at The Wildflower Seed & Tool Company | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 24 May, 2012 by Christy

Thomas Paul Portland Dinner Plate

DINING ALFRESCO

Be prepared for summer block parties with this set of nature-inspired and nature- friendly outdoor dinnerware. The best part? No broken dishes when an impromptu football game sends a stray ball in your direction.

$44 at All Modern | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 23 May, 2012 by Christy

Solar Powered Radio

DINING ALFRESCO

Whether you’re dining in the backyard or on a full-fledged picnic, you’ll need some tunes. This radio is powered by the sun, making it perfect for outdoor festivities of all sorts.

$35 at Brook Farm General Store | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 23 May, 2012 by Christy

Paddle Salad Servers

DINING ALFRESCO

For generous servings of leafy spinach or romaine, ordinary salad servers just won’t do. Use these mango wood paddles to scoop up refreshing salad greens with panache. Bonus points are awarded if you’ve grown your own ingredients.

$24 at Anthropologie | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 22 May, 2012 by Christy

Porch Parties

DINING ALFRESCO

If you’re in need of some outdoor inspiration, look no further. From cocktails to canapés, Denise Gee’s guide is filled with photographs and recipes for planning your next porch party. Now, will you be serving Tipsy Tea or June Bug Mocktails?

$17 at Chronicle Books | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 22 May, 2012 by Christy

Recycled Glass Lanterns

DINING ALFRESCO

When that afternoon garden party inevitably continues past sunset, these recycled glass lanterns turn dining at night into a festive evening gathering.

$7 at West Elm | Buy

($20 for Set of 3)

Kirtsy This | Posted 21 May, 2012 by Christy

Yellowstone Picnic Basket

DINING ALFRESCO

Add style to the quintessential summer outing with the Yellowstone Picnic Basket. Fully equipped with the basics, just add food, invite a few friends and head outdoors.

$110 at Target | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 21 May, 2012 by Christy

Jadeite Cake Stand

A cake stand adds instant fancy to any party or gathering. Jadeite is the perfect spring green to elevate sandwiches, cheese, or anything else you’re serving. Of course, you can also use it for serving cake.

$65 at Fishs Eddy | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 27 Mar, 2012 by Christy

By the Pint Dishtowel

New dishtowels are a great way to freshen up your kitchen. Add the vibrant artwork of legendary artist Vera Neumann, and you might just forget winter hasn’t quite made an exit.

$6 at Crate and Barrel | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 21 Feb, 2012 by Christy

Hobnail Glassware

Hobnail glassware is perfect for serving up refreshments in old fashioned style. If it’s a sunny weekend, and the refreshment being served is sangria? Even better.

$80 at Horchow | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 10 Feb, 2012 by Christy

Geometric Hand Printed Tea Towel Set

The best part about this tea towel duo? Besides the cool prints and being super soft and absorbent- oh and making for an excellent hostess gift. Give up? They’re huge! All the better to mop up massive kitchen messes.

$32 at Amy Sullivan | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 13 Dec, 2011 by Rene

Mini Martini Glass

Mini versions of the classic martini glass, these are perfect for serving dessert samples or tiny ‘tinis at your annual tasting party. And, these glasses won’t break the bank if a few get broken.

$2 at Crate and Barrel | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 12 Dec, 2011 by Christy

Emma Cake Stand

That store-bought cake will look fabulous on this elegant pedestal stand. You might even be asked to bring dessert again next year.

$45 at Pottery Barn | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 09 Dec, 2011 by Christy

Epicurean Pizza Cutter

Add a touch of panache to pizza night. Divvy up slices of deep-dish with this efficient pizza cutter by eco-friendly Epicurean. Your friends will be captivated by your swift pizza cutting skills.

$20 at Sur La Table | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 06 Dec, 2011 by Christy

Antler Dishtowel

This flour sack dishtowel doesn’t scream holiday- the hand-screenprinted antlers merely suggest winter, and the soft cotton is perfect for drying all those extra party dishes.

$22 at Terrain | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 02 Dec, 2011 by Christy

Grenade Salt & Pepper Shakers

A seasoning bomb just hit the dinner table. Look out below!

$23 at thabto | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 14 Sep, 2011 by Rene

Joseph Joseph Orb Mortar & Pestle

Grind up herbs in a sleek and smooth orb-shaped mortar and pestle. The lid also doubles as a hand-held mortar for small doses. As a bonus, you can stump dinner guests in guessing what it actually is.

$30 at Willow And Brown Co. | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 29 Aug, 2011 by Rene

Blomster Candletstick

STICK IT TO ME: COOL CANDLESTICKS

Not only is this the greatest deal- $15 for a set of 3!- these are clean-cut, unfussy and timeless candlesticks that you can use endlessly. Clear glass is an elegant look which can easily blend in with any decor or table setting, and this set has a slight modern vibe so they will never feel dated.

$15 at Ikea | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 03 Aug, 2011 by Rene

Porcelain Light Bulb Candlesticks

STICK IT TO ME: COOL CANDLESTICKS

Let there be light, at both ends! A taper fits perfectly into this handcrafted porcelain light bulb. A humorous and artistic addition to your dining room table.

$42 at Revisions Design Studio | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 03 Aug, 2011 by Rene

Pool Ball Candle Holder

STICK IT TO ME: COOL CANDLESTICKS

So, not technically candlesticks, but this tea light holder is a very cool way to reuse a set of pool balls. A great gift for a game-loving family or a swinging bachelor who likes to entertain.

$59 at At West End | Buy

Kirtsy This | Posted 02 Aug, 2011 by Rene