Your culinary creations deserve better than the stack of shiny, plastic, straight-to-the-landfill disposables next to them.  And, come to think of it, so do your guests.  Developed by a Japanese company, Wasara has elevated your disposable dinnerware to a whole new level by designing plates, bowls, trays, tumblers and wine glasses that “accentuate food and drink.”

Made from tree free renewable resources, Wasara uses a unique combination of bagasse (sugar cane fiber), bamboo and reed pulp to create oil and water resistant dinnerware that features an elegant paper texture and a comfortable fit in your hand.

The single-use dinnerware is both biodegradable and compostable, even in home composters.  Available on Branch Home, the collection is available in a variety of quantities based on your needs.  For small events, there are retail packs of 6-12 pieces ($9-$12 per pack) and, for larger events, bulk sleeves of 50-200 pieces ($40-$100).  Caterers and event planners can purchase bulk cartons which come with 400-1800 pieces, depending on the item chosen.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Wasara

The picnic kit,  which measures 10 x 6 x 3, is (amazingly) packed with all of the essentials including knives, forks, spoons, wine glasses, 6″ plates, napkins,  salt & pepper shakers, a cork screw, a cheese knife, a cutting board and tablecloth.

Small enough to keep in the trunk of your car or to bring on a weekend trip, you’ll be ready for any impromptu outdoor meal on grass or sand.

We’ll be stashing one under our desks at work to bring to Bryant Park for movie night under the stars at the HBO Summer Film Festival, which starts on Monday, June 21st, 2010. All we need now is a chilled bottle of rose and some savory treats from ‘wichcraft, which is open for picnic pick-ups all summer long.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Rei

Imagine the dreamy glow of these candles illuminating your al fresco dinner table this summer. Created by Parisian design company Tse & Tse, The Night Igloo is made of delicate porcelain that is crafted into a thin shell to cover your tea light candles.   Not only do they protect the flame from any outdoor breezes, the igloos make a whimsical centerpiece or a beautiful decoration for a window sill or mantle.

Sold at the online retailer Horne, the white igloos ($59 each), which have an organic feel to them, come either riddled or striped in a glazed or matte finish.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Horne

Whether you are an event planning novice or a seasoned entertainer, The Caterer’s Box Collection by Pottery Barn is literally a party in a box.  Designed to let you entertain up to 12 guests, each box is filled with the kind of dinner essentials that the professionals use.  Choose from classic white porcelain plates, glass stemware, stainless steel flatware, a 3-piece set of serving ware, silver napkin rings or a candle set that includes a variety of tapers, pillars, tealights and votives.

Affordable and conveniently packaged, each Caterer’s Box ($49 to $119) comes in a durable, custom storage box that can be easily put away until the next family gathering or holiday celebration.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Eating, drinking and mingling simultaneously at a cocktail party can become quite the balancing act.  Leave it to mastermind, French designer Philippe Starck to come up with an elegant and highly functional solution for party hostesses and social butterflies.  The Lux Collection, made of reusable plastic, features plates, glasses, cups, saucers and cutlery in a variety of colors that can be used both on and off the table.

The round or square plates ($12 for 6 plates) have a cone-like spike attached to secure glasses, cups or bowls so that party guests can free the use of one hand to eat or greet.  Glasses are sold in sets of 10 for $6 while champagne flutes are 10 for $12.  Available in silver and gold, knives, forks and spoons come in sets of 10 for $8.  A large portion of the collection is sold online at Unica Home.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Lux by Philippe Starck

Design obsessed fans of Heath Ceramics can rejoice that the brand has found a new home for their beloved ceramic dinnerware and tabletop accessories at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Designed by Los Angeles based interior design firm, Commune, the 500 square foot store is nestled among the finest organic and artisanal products including the rarified desserts at Miette, local brewed coffee at Blue Bottle and Vietnamese dishes at the Slanted Door.

“The Ferry Building’s unique mix of artisanal local retailers and restaurants, represents the best of northern California, and is a natural fit for Heath Ceramics. We are a design-driven, small scale, family-owned, Bay Area manufacturing company and our primary goal is to be a local company,” explains Creative Director and Co-Owner Catherine Bailey. “We’ve always wanted to be more accessible to our San Francisco customer, and this is the perfect match.”

The store will carry a curated collection of classic and new design pieces as well as a selection of like-minded, complimentary brands including David Mellor Flatware and Libeco Linens.  A live feed of the well known Sausalito factory floor may be watched by visitors for a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the coveted product which is found at some of the country’s top restaurants including Chez Panisse and Brasserie 44 at the Royalton.

Heath Ceramics | One Ferry Building, Suite 12, San Francisco 415 399 9284

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Heath Ceramics

From the Seattle design studios of Jamie Iacoli and Brian McAllister comes an industrial inspired collection of furniture, lighting and design objects. We especially love their mini pedestals which are made from vintage brass candlesticks found in thrift stores.  The unique candlesticks are sand blasted and powder coated (given an industrial paint finish) in bright shiny colors.  Once a hand finished white Corian top is added, the item becomes a whimsical cake stand that can be used for desserts, sandwiches, floral arrangements, potted plants or as decor.

The one-of-a-kind pedestals come in a range of colors including Magenta, Turquoise, Yellow, Red and Black.  Each item is typically priced from $85 to $120 and available for sale on the gorgeous home accessories site, Gretel.

From April 5th to 15th, 2010, the pedestals on 30% off on Iacoli & McAllister’s web shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Iacoli & McAllister

Happy, cheerful, cheeky and fun – words to describe Jonathan Adler’s collection of home accessories and playful pots that have made him a household name.  Now the designer has expanded his offerings to include festive partyware in the form of tumblers, napkins, plates, paper gift enclosures and gift wrap.

Boldly printed tumbler sets ($12.95 for 6), that are reusable and dishwasher safe, come in four patterns including Multi-Chevron, Clover Cup, Greek Key and Zig Zag. Pairs of conversation starting words are featured on each side of the tumbler such as Spiked/Virgin or Sweet/Sour.

Sets of paper dessert plates ($4.95 for 8 plates) and napkins ($4.95 for 20) come in a variety of eye-popping colors and prints to brighten any table setting.  Hang Adler’s oversize paper lanterns ($7.95) either indoors or outdoors for an instant dose of fiesta!

Housed in a chic reusable box, a set of gift enclosures ($14.95) for your hostess will go a long way in saying thank you!  Along with the matching gift wrap, ($6.95) the set of 24 assorted gift cards and envelopes is the perfect stash to have for last minute events!

We think Adler should add to his manifesto, “We believe everyone has the right to party like a Palm Beach princess!”

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Summer has arrived at Heath Ceramics.  The beloved Sausalito company, one of the last remaining mid-century American potteries, introduces four limited edition, hand-dipped pieces to their Plaza line.  Inspired by nature, the seasonal collection offers three new colors “Aqua,” “Zest,” and “Ocean Pacific,” the combination and overlapping of both colors, which resembles the horizon line of a summer meadow.

Expect to find a selection of tabletop items including: a pitcher (Zest/Aqua); 12×12 platter (Ocean Pacific); large modern cup (Aqua); tumbler (Aqua); bud vases (Zest Yellow, Opaque White; Aqua); 6×12 platter (Aqua); deep serving bowl (Ocean Pacific); vegetable bowl (Ocean Pacific) and a vase collection.

Available starting April 1st, 2010, each item may be purchased individually or mixed together in a set.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Heath Ceramics

The embodiment of Hollywood glamour, interior designer Kelly Wearstler has created exquisite interiors for clients including BG at Bergdorf Goodman, The Tides in Miami Beach and the Viceroy hotels in Palm Springs, Santa Monica, Miami and Anguilla.

Now the talented entrepreneur has extended her signature style – of bold colors, textures and patterns – to rugs, wall coverings, home accessories and tabletop.  In partnership with Pickard, the oldest American fine china company, Wearstler has created four original china patterns that range from organic to graphic and from traditional to modern.

All in shades of soft gold and ivory, the different patterns including Pickfair (chevron pattern in soft gray), Tousdale (metallic dots); Mulholland (platinum and gold strips), and Hillcrest (sea anemones and stylized florals) look wonderful when mixed together.

The tablescape shown here pairs the mismatched china with gold rimmed crystal goblets, bright orange linens and, an unexpected element, a white, stone sculpture of a bust.

The Kelly Wearstler Collection for Pickard is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

Make happy hour a stylish and simple affair by filling a Michael Aram nut bowl or olive dish with a selection of savories to accompany your favorite cocktails. We like this little hand hammered olive bowl from the Bronzed Botanical Collection.

“I love the idea of an object’s function being reflected in its form,” explains Aram. “The Olive Branch Dish holds olives … it’s a perfect reflection of this poetic symmetry.”  And, it’s pretty gorgeous as well!

The Olive Branch Dish ($75) is made of stainless steel and oxidized bronze.  For more condiment and snack bowls by Michael Aram, visit their website.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Michael Aram

In a modern tablescape the combination of grey and white could not be more chic.  From Dwell Studios, the Gate collection of placements, napkins and runners is inspired by the ornate trellis work of European gardens.  The graphics are elegant yet playful at the same time.  A few simple stems in a white bud vase from Jonathan Adler and some vintage silverware would easily complete this look.

Made of a linen and cotton blend, the Dwell Studio sets include four placemats for $96 and matching napkins for $64.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Dwell Studio

We all know the expression, “you are what you eat.”  Now what you choose to eat off may also reflect your unique personality. In a step away from the traditional, Ink Dish is a tabletop company that collaborates with cutting edge design partners to create original collections of dishware.

The collection by Paul Timman, the world renowned tattoo artist whose client list boasts the who’s-who of Hollywood such as Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie and Ben Affleck, is in stores now and creating quite the buzz. His incredible tribal and traditional Japanese illustrations have been fired on porcelain plates, bowls and mugs in three collections entitled Irezumi, Cherry Ink and Tribal Lines.

Another upcoming collection is by Alyson Fox, a photographer and artist who works with various mediums such as paper, fabric and ceramics.  She is best known for her delicate illustrations that have be published in Lucky, Domino and the New York Times.   Her December, May and Tug collections for Ink Dish will be available in April 2010 and can be pre-ordered at Unica Home and Velocity Art and Design.

Four piece dinnerware sets for one including dinner plate, side plate, bowl and mug start at $65 but items are also available separately.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Ink Dish

Highlights include: exquisite milk glass plates, serving trays and footed bowls; silver candlesticks; and, one-of-a-kind monogrammed decanters.

All of the vintage items are personally selected by Ross, refurbished (if necessary) and very well priced with all items under $100.  The collection is available on Etsy at the Eddie Ross Shop.

In addition to the amazing store of flea market finds, his lifestyle company, Eddie Ross, Inc (founded with his partner Jaithan Kochar) provides styling services and guided flea market tours.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Eddie Ross

Lighting a candle – whether for a private vigil or a lively party – can change the energy in a room.  With a candle in a glassybaby votive , the gesture can contribute to improving a person’s life.  Created by Lee Rhodes, a cancer survivor who wanted to find a way to give back to the care centers that cured her and to the community of patients that needed her support, glassybaby is a collection of beautifully colored votives that benefits charity.

Every year, glassybaby selects a group of colors to benefit local and national cancer organizations such as the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Martha Stewart Center for Living.  Handmade by glassblowers in a Seattle studio, the votives, which can be used as vases or drinking glasses, come in a wide range of delicious colors from pastel pinks and greens to deep blues and burgundies.  With over 70 shades, there is a color to match every tabletop setting or room aesthetic.

Available at their retail stores in Seattle and New York (opening October 29, 2009) and online, glassybaby votives are sold for $40 each with 10% of sales going to charity.   The sturdy and sophisticated votives can also be rented for weddings and events for $5 each.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of glassybaby

To-Go Ware features a smart-looking set of portable bamboo utensils including a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks, conveniently housed in a holder made from recycled PET plastic bottles.

The RePEat Family Fun Pack ($54.95) comes with 5 complete sets and holders in assorted colors including agave, avocado, beet, hijiki and pumpkin.

One for each of the members of your eco-entourage.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of To-Go Ware

The Colorado Springs company has been creating these beautiful glasses by hand by slicing off the bottom of used wine bottles, sandblasting them to attain a new finish and recycling the tops.  Available in two sizes, the glasses come in a variety of colors including Amber, Aqua, Olive and Blue. A set of 4 old fashioned glasses is $28 and the taller set is $30.

What a romantic anniversary gift to give a spouse to have the actual bottles from the wedding (that might have headed to a landfill) refashioned into everyday drinking glasses.  For an extra touch (and major points), the name, date or a special message can be etched on the exterior of the glass.

To custom order your glasses from Wine Punts, call 719-229-3059 or visit the website.

There are times when you may sacrifice form in favor of function but never in the case of Bodum.  The minimalist brand from Copenhagen, best known for their French Coffee Press, has been creating beautiful and affordable products for everyday life since 1944.

Bodum’s new Cool Collection features a standout piece, the Double Wall Glass Ice Bucket ($39.95), made of two walls of borosilicate glass and topped with a silicon lid for extra insulation.  The innovative design allows the ice cubes to be suspended over the second layer of glass where melted ice can pool without touching fresh cubes.  Besides preserving ice for longer periods of time, the bucket can be used to chill wine, water or spirits and comes with a stainless steel pincer.  Available in 8 vibrant colors including red, purple, pink, green, grey, black,  brown and white.

Launching soon, the ultra light Bistro Ice Tea Jug (top left, $59.95) has a temperature resistant handle and internal filter to be used to brew ice tea, to infuse water with fruit or, with the filter removed, as a pitcher of any type of beverage.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Bodum

There is a certain beauty in imperfections, especially when it comes to the handmade pieces of American potter, Frances Palmer.  Based in Connecticut, Palmer is known for her irreverently shaped tableware and accessories including vases, footed bowls and cake plates all adorned with whimsical details.  For private clients, Palmer throws each piece by hand in her studio resulting in truly unique designs that can be used as functional tableware as well as art.

The Frances Palmer Pearl Collection, which includes everyday dining and serving pieces, is a collaboration between the artist and a leading manufacturer.  Created from molds taken from her hand, the pieces are finished individually in order to maintain their slight irregularities, yet have the durability of high quality china.  The tea service (shown below) including tea cups ($25), creamer ($35), sugar bowl ($35) and tea pot ($175) are particularly charming and come in blue, black, white and honeydew.

The collection is available online via Frances Palmer Pottery or at The Art of Cooking among other specialty retailers.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Frances Palmer Pottery

Opposites attract.  This pair of ceramic mugs, one white and one black, are hand painted with a delicate dandelion design in the reverse color.  Heat sealed and dishwasher safe, they would make an affordable gift for a housewarming or an appropriate gift for a co-worker.

The collection, which includes plates and tumblers, was created by graphic artist and illustrator, Soule (pronounced soul) who has been featured in the book, Stencil Nation, Community Art and Graffiti by Russell Howze.

The 8oz Dandelion Mugs are $19 for the pair and available on Etsy at Soule’s Shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Soule’s Shop

Etsy Finds is a recurring post about the treasures that we unearth on Etsy.com, the online arts & crafts marketplace.

Each piece of earthenware is made by hand with non-toxic low fire glazes with images printed in enamael, then individually collaged and fired.

Not for the faint of heart, the drawings of the creepy crawly critters are both delicate and awe-inspiring.  Perfect as a wedding gift for the non-traditional couple who can appreciate its originality and curious charm.  We love the assorted dinner setting including a Spider Dinner Plate ($46), Beetle Salad Plate ($32) and Snake Dessert Plate ($24).  Definitely not your grandma’s china…

Available at Barney’s New York.  For more information, visit Laura Zindel Ceramics.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Laura Zindel Ceramics

Susan Feldman and Alison Gelb Pincus are the kind of entrepreneurs that any self-respecting home enthusiast envies. From arranging their own flowers, to creating home accoutrements fit for a spread on Design*Sponge seemingly out of thin air, the business partners definitely have a knack for home décor. Fortunately, with their new online venture, One Kings Lane, they’re sharing both their design savvy as well as access to discounted home décor items, from furniture to flair.

The members-only site is essentially to home décor what Gilt is to clothing. From marked down, etching-embellished pillows from John Robshaw, Royal Doulton Flatware and Alora Ambiance Soy Candles, to decorating tips from designer Kenneth Brown, the new site is fast becoming a go-to destination for both home goods and advice on how to fashion your abode. Feldman and Gelb Pincus have no doubt discovered a completely unoccupied niche in the retail market; and, given their vast plans for expansion, it looks as though they’ll be occupying the seat for some time.

How would you describe your entertaining style?
AGP: I always strive for perfection. I like to do things in an elegant, last-century way but my husband is very casual so we have to come to a happy medium. I love a three or four-course sit down meal with a fun dessert. There are great artisanal bakeries in San Francisco, like Tartine.
SF: I moved to Los Angeles after living in Manhattan for many years and my husband and I have found it a great opportunity to entertain more.  It’s almost seasonal: in the fall and winter we tend to have dinner parties, and once the nice weather comes we set up outdoors. I love mixing elements, like bringing nice crystal outside when we are barbequing. I always do my floral arrangements myself.  I’ll also put lemons in a glass cylinder with sunflowers. Sometimes the simpler things are the nicest.

How did you come up with the concept for the site?
SF: The idea came from an apparel model, like Gilt. I was fascinated by this new channel of distribution, and Ali was aware of it as well, but I was also wondering, ‘how come no one is doing this for the home?’ I’m a home enthusiast. We felt that there really was a market out there for this. My daughter in NYC just overheard two friends talking about how One Kings Lane is their new obsession. We want it to be people’s obsession.

Tell me about the advice aspect of the site…
SF: When we decided to do this business, our friends who had seen me do floral arrangements with cranberries asked, ‘are you going to talk about how you do things like that?’ It gave us the idea to feature design experts on the site who can provide members with tips. We realized the stuff we take for granted a lot of people don’t know.
AGP: Like using your decanters for mouthwash.
SF: Yeah, I put mouthwash in crystal decanters in the bathroom because I had all of these decanters that I never used.

What’s a great home gift for a host or hostess?
SF: I’m obsessed with this beautiful leather bound guest book that’s on the site right now. So, whoever comes through can sign it and make a notation; it’s sort of retro, but people are getting back to spending more time in their homes with what’s going on. And it’s something you wouldn’t necessarily go out and buy for yourself.
AGP: I used to do candles and then I moved over to diffusers. We give a lot of wine, which my husband collects. I also bring flowers, because I love to get people arrangements.

What’s an inexpensive way to give your home a face-lift?
SF: I think new pillows for the sofa is an easy thing. Maybe also a beautiful throw that you can toss over a chair; those two things can completely change the look of a room.
AGP: Our expert Kenneth Brown just wrote about painting the walls, and rearranging rooms, which can change the entire feel of the house..

How do you envision the site evolving in the future?
SF: I think it will expand in a couple of different ways – products for one: from candles to furniture, inside to outside. We’re starting to do other aspects of the home. The back end of the site is the ‘get inspired’ section that will evolve into not just 5 written tips but maybe experts on video setting a table, making floral arrangements, and accessorizing a room properly.
AGP: We’re also going to have really amazing puppy things down the road. We’re gradually going to fill in the holes.

Alisa Gould-Simon is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer. She covers fashion and culture for BlackBook, New York and The Daily Beast among other publications.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of One Kings Lane

Use a simple color palette
Sticking to two colors gives maximum impact to your table while lessening the load on executing design.  Bright white and crisp green are great choices for an elegant yet modern look and be applied to table linens, candles and even florals.

Decorate with potted flowers
A few clay pots filled with fresh white tulips are all you need to dress your table.  It cuts down on the time needed for flower arranging and will last  much longer than cut flowers.

Display dessert as a centerpiece
By using a vintage tiered dessert tray or stacked cake plates, you can create a chic and edible centerpiece. Vanilla cupcakes with white and green frosting (here by Billy’s Bakery) can be dressed up with delicate laser-cut cupcake wrappers by Paper Orchid (available online for $13 per 12 pieces) which adds texture to your table. The Basket, Picket Fence and Butterfly patterns are especially cute for Easter brunch.

Have fun with your tray presentation
Caterer Peter Callahan creates a striking and whimsical hors d’oeuvres tray by sticking appetizers like pigs in a blanket in bright green wheatgrass.  To have some fun with simple smoked salmon on pumpernickel, Callahan used cookie cutters to create pig shaped toasts for the tray.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Chuck Fishbein and Brittany Allen

These porcelain owl plates, designed by notable illustrator Klaus Haapaniemi for iittala, the luxury Scandanavian tabletop company, feature colorful Nordic patterns based on the mystical forest.

Inspired by Finnish folklore and Japanese influences, artist Haapaniemi has quickly become known as a rising star for his garment prints for global brands including Diesel, Marimekko and Dolce and Gabbana.

His Taika collection of plates, bowls, mugs, cups and saucers, features either an owl or peacock design in three colors, white, blue and black.  For Spring, Haapaniemi has designed another exclusive collection for iittala called Satumetsa, which centers around a deer motif with pale green leaves and grass.

The Taika Owl Collection is available at Vivre or Finnstyle.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Vivre