Pesky summertime bugs can be quite functional (and stylish) — when they’re in the form of serving plates, nightlights and other homey helpers.
Serve it up
Hors d’oeuvres look stunning in this polished aluminum dragonfly dish by Mariposa. Handmade in Mexico using a traditional sandcasting technique, the versatile 16-by-18-inch piece goes from oven to table to freezer. Just avoid putting it in the dishwasher or microwave, or cutting directly on its surface.
Cost: $84 at Peachtree Place, 303 Happ Rd., Northfield, 847-441-7585.
Nightly buzz
There’s no need to be wary of this bumblebee, which casts a warm, welcoming glow sure to brighten any room. Made of solid brass with an amber-colored glass shade, this unusual lamp is 8 inches long.
Cost: $56 at Equinox, 3401 N. Broadway, 773-281-9151, or 609 N. State St., 312-335-8006.
Bee clear
These bee-embossed glasses are sure to create a buzz. Imported from France, the everyday tumblers add a splash of whimsy to servings of liquid refreshments. Made from sturdy, solid glass, each glass stands 4 inches high.
Cost: $8 each at Tabula Tua, 1015 W. Armitage Ave., 773-525-3500; visit tabulatua.com.
Containing itself
These are the most elegant bug jars we’ve seen, although we recommend filling them with cookies or candies and not creepy-crawly things. Topped with a pewter dragonfly, the colorful canisters, also available in clear glass, come as a set of three, measuring 7 inches, 8 1/2 inches and 10 1/2 inches tall without the 3 1/2-inch lids.
Cost: $250 at Beshka & Margie, 2009 N. Fremont St., 773-248-1255.
Getting antsy
Ants are actually welcome at a hand-forged stainless steel table (shown on the cover), made by a South African artist who calls himself The Weird Wizard. It measures 55 inches by 45 1/2 inches by 16 1/2 inches.
Cost: $3,800 at Design Inc.,
1359 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-4333.
Weighty issue
Keep late-summer picnics perfect with these butterfly-shaped tablecloth weights. Clip one to each corner to resist wind, add some sunshine, and enjoy an outdoor feast fit for any monarch.
Cost: $1 for a set of four at Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-3600.
Bee keeper
This light blue honey pot keeps a potentially sticky situation under control. The small yellow bumblebee adds a dash of cheeky humor to the 43/4-inch-tall ceramic piece (matching teapot, cups and saucers also are available).
Cost: $12.95 at Sur La Table, 50 E. Walton St., 312-337-0600, or 755 W. North Ave., 312-787-5111, or 55 S. Main St., Naperville, 630-428-1110; surlatable.com.
