FLOWER POWER
Pure whimsy is plucked in these spring-poppin’ fleurs from Crate and Barrel. Simple, sweet, straight from the garden, these enamel-on-iron flowers come in four wake-me-up colors: bright pink, orange, yellow and spring green. Slip on just one, or two, or, well, who’s stoppin’ you?
Cost: $2.50
Crate and Barrel, 800-967-6696, crateandbarrel.com
POP, FIZZLE, PIZAZZ
We dare you to pout when you sit down to this bead-popping pyrotechnic explosion, not-so-quietly napping there on your napkin. This sizzler comes from Kim Seybert of New York City, in a whole host of colors. This one’s in celadon.
Cost: $14
Dinner at Eight, 1167 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-8380, dinnerateight.net
RING AROUND THE POSIE
Leave it to the Swedes to design a simple ring that pops off the table. It’s see-through acrylic in a flower shape a child might have drawn — only with a little more studio wow. And it won’t break if the kiddies drop it.
Cost: $9
The Sweden Shop, 3304 W. Foster Ave., 773-478-0327, theswedenshop.com
BEAD BLOSSOM BOUQUET
This beaded beauty belongs on the breakfast table on the dreariest morn when you need a megadose of cheer, or on some star-studded night when you’re setting the table for maximum magical powers. It’s made in India, designed by Bodrum and guaranteed to enchant.
Cost: $10.95
Dinner at Eight, 1167 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-8380, dinnerateight.net
WHO OPENED THE ARK?
This long-necked giraffe, hand-carved from soapstone, hails from the Kenyan village of Nyamarambe, a region of Africa known for its soapstone and carvers. This menagerie (there are four animals from which to choose) comes from a fair-trade cooperative that provides work for the villagers.
Cost: $12
Ten Thousand Villages, 719 Main St., Evanston, 847-733-8258
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bmahany@tribune.com
