Decorative wine glasses practically guarantee good cheer.
High (left): Hand-etched Orchid red-wine glass by Roost, $14, Tabletop; 202-387-7117.
Low (right): Decal-covered wine glass by Studio Tord
Boontje for Target, $3.99; 800-800-8800; target.com.
These nutcrackers provide interactive entertainment without the hard
drive.
High (left): A playful squirrel perches over an aluminum bowl. Nutty the Cracker by Alessi, $75; alessi.com.
Low (right): Silver-plated
Squirrel nutcracker by Godinger Silver, $25, National Wildlife Federation;
shopnwf.com.
Little dishes are perfect for snacks or sweets.
High (left): Versailles small square trays in vibrant glazes by Niderviller, $29 each, Marel Gifts; 516-466-3118; marelgifts.com.
Low (right): Bone-china Peppermint Twist tidbit plates
by Kate Spade, $50 for a set of four; 800-519-3778.
Everyone—repeat, everyone—looks better in candlelight.
High (left): Silver candleholder by Barbara Barry for Wedgwood, $250; 800-955-1550.
Low (right): Ceramic candleholder with hurricane top by
Seletti, $42, the Conran Shop; 866-755-9079.
Bowls this beautifully crafted look great empty or full.
High (left): Food-safe 18-inch solid-wood Cherry Burl bowl by Spencer Peterman, $390, Massachusetts Bay Trading Co.; massbaytrading.com.
Low (right): Hand-carved, unfinished large Root of the Earth bowl at VivaTerra,
$95; vivaterra.com.
Even the droopiest fruitcake perks up on a pretty plate.
High (left): Fine earthenware 14-inch cake stands, edged with 14kt gold, by L’Objet, $136 each; 888-888-4757; neimanmarcus.com.
Low (right): Ruffle ceramic
13-inch cake stands from Horchow, $23.90 each; horchow.com.
Paper napkins can go the way of the dodo if these cotton beauties are
within reach.
High (left): Monogrammed napkins with picot trim by Daisy Hill, $58 each, Table Matters; 205-879-0125.
Low (right): Party-sized packs in
assorted colors, $47.90 for 12; 888-888-4757; neimanmarcus.com.
Stylish and functional, these teapots will brighten the darkest winter
afternoon.
High (left): Petal teapot by Wedgwood, $300; 800-955-1550.
Low (right): Chai stoneware teapot and warmer by ASA
Selection, $90 for both, Mayfair Avenue; mayfairavenue.com.
Ceramic jars with bold graphics look good on the shelf and keep pet (or
human) treats fresh.
High (left): Hand-painted ceramic treat jar by Studio B., $50, Magenta; magenta-inc.com.
Low (right): Best of Show Scottie
canisters (other breeds available), Porcelain by Rosalinde, $60 for a set of
three, Calling All Dogs; 800-965-8596; callingalldogs.com.
Organically shaped serving bowls are quintessential elements of style.
High (left): Shells, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls by Rina Menardi, $60 to $355, Unici; unici.com.
Low (right): Mingle glass bowls, inspired by the
northern lights, by Lena Bergström for Orrefors, $25 to $85;
orrefors.us.
Two tasteful takes on seasonal bling.
High (left): Snowflake relief ornament by Wedgwood, $40; 800-955-1550.
Low (right): Larabee Road
ornaments by Kate Spade, $50 for a set of five; 800-519-3778.
