With family members to visit, new cities to explore and backyard soirees to attend, you may be busy packing your bags and arranging your packed summer schedule. But through all of the partying and traveling, there is one thing you mustn’t forget: your lovely hostess. She’s the one who fluffed the pillows, stocked the fridge and scrubbed the bathroom tile until she got finger cramps—all in preparation of your happy arrival.

The hostess gift is, quite simply, a sweet thank you for all the work she put in behind the scenes. So whether the rest of your summer includes plans for attending afternoon barbecues or crashing in a friend’s spare bedroom for a weekend, keep a few gifts handy to ensure that you never show up empty handed. All 10 of the BurkeDecor.com faves featured here are summer-budget friendly—just in case you don’t have a lot left over after purchasing airfare or filling your gas tank!—and sure to get you invited back next summer.

1. Set of Four Scrimshaw Dessert Plates, Thomas Paul (burkedecor.com): This set of four nautical-themed plates is so summery and fun. I know what you’re thinking: china in checked baggage—bad idea! But these dessert plates are melamine, which means they’re awesome travelers. Aside from the anchor and lighthouse designs shown here, the set also includes two plates that feature a pelican and a sail boat.

2. Tea Leaf & Wild Honey Soy Candle, Lucia (burkedecor.com): Don’t know enough about your hostess’s style to pick out a gift? This Lucia candle is a no-brainer. It’s environmentally friendly and fair trade. And the packaging? Yeah, it’s pretty darn chic as well.

3. Cherry Tomato & Basil Soap, Lucia (burkedecor.com): Perfect for grabbing on your way out the door before attending a party and stuffing into your purse, this gorgeously packaged bar of soap requires no wrapping and no fuss—just present it to your hostess as is upon arrival. She’ll love the clean, fresh fragrance and the fact that it’s handmade using 100 percent organic Shea butter.

4. Small Bamboo Bowl with Spoon, Sagaform (burkedecor.com): If your hostess is known for throwing dinner parties that last well into the night, give her something that reminds her of you every time she fills it with another one of her culinary showstoppers. This bowl and spoon set, which is crafted in Sweden using ecologically grown bamboo, is gorgeous in its simplicity.

5. Neko Containers, Imm Living (burkedecor.com): Aside from being utterly adorable, these containers (available in pink or blue) are said to bring prosperous wishes to your environment. Such a sweet parting wish for your host or hostess!

6. Eyeglass Case, Thomas Paul (burkedecor.com): Perfect for a fashionable hostess or bespectacled host, this hand-silk screened case is made of heavyweight canvas. A stylish and memorable present for any lover of vintage shades.

7. Kennet Kitchen Drawer Kit Print Tool Kit, Wild & Wolf (burkedecor.com): Your miss-fix-it hostess will absolutely coo over this set of tools, which is the perfect marriage of utility and pretty feminine appeal. The graphic floral print that envelops the scissors, tape measure and six-in-one screwdriver is inspired by 15th Century Italian fabrics.

8. Stoneware City Thermo Mug Two Pack, Sagaform (burkedecor.com): When you stay the week with your Big Apple bestie, leave these mugs (smashingly designed by Lovisa Wattman) on her kitchen countertop to say, “Thanks for pretending to not hear my snoring.”

9. Sunflower Salad Set in Blue, Sagaform (burkedecor.com): Oh, the summer salads that could be tossed in this stoneware looker. Don’t you think this beautifully shaped bowl looks like it just washed ashore with a pool of frothy sea foam?

10. Set of Three Hummingbird Safety Matches, Hawthorne (burkedecor.com): Those who show up bearing a small token of gratitude—especially luxurious little extras like this three-box set of matches—are sure to be remembered fondly (and added to all future guest lists).

(Images by: Elizabeth Ulrich)

Two whole days have past since the Liberty of London collection hit Target shelves. Do you know what that means? It’s nearly all gone. (Yes, already.) I told you that such a juicy collaboration would be pillaged quickly.  But don’t worry, there is still plenty of pillaging to be had.

Of course, I marked the launch on my trusty calendar. (Not that I needed to be reminded. I’ve yammered so much about the line that even my mister knew that Liberty of London was coming to town on Sunday.) And, while I had seen some previews and even shared a sneak peek of the line here, I must say that I was a little overwhelmed when I saw the actual Liberty of London collection.

I’m not typically a greedy person. But when I spied all of the home décor, pretty dresses and accessories, office supplies and gardening goodies, I wanted it all (even though I have an aversion to potting soil and the like). Unfortunately, logic got the best of me.

Rather than cleaning out the contents of my wallet, I simply bought one of collection’s kiss lock wallets instead—well, that and a few other things. A girl has to indulge sometimes. More on my personal Liberty of London scores later.  For now, let’s talk home décor, shall we?

Happy Homewares
In our pre-launch looksy, we got a glimpse of but a few teacups, a teapot and kitchen goodies of a similar ilk. As I’m sure you’ve gathered from the lovelies in the image above, there is much more to be had. Here is the thing: I’m a sucker for punchy shots of color and feminine prints in my home. I purposefully keep the walls, furniture and other big-ticket items in neutral tones to allow for frequent color bursts elsewhere.

So, it makes sense that I’m tempted to grab the entire collection and spread it throughout my home. However, I’m also aware that doing so would be overkill (and would result in the defection of my mister, who has to put his foot down to ensure that our place retains some masculine influence). If this wasn’t an issue, you can rest assured that I would stockpile all of the following:

1. Dunclare Pink Dinner Plate
2. Small Maynard Canister
3. Lampshade in Dunclare Black
4. Liberty Print Rectangle Pillow
5. Peacock Print Toss Pillow
6. Floral Print Chair

Liberty Fashion
From’70s-inspired vintage jumpsuits to frilly dresses, coquettish sleepwear and swimsuits, there are enough finds in this collection to take you all the way through summer. Confession: As someone who spends a good portion of the day working from my home office—where the dress code is admittedly pajama friendly thanks to a complete absence of coworkers—I’m tempted to conduct business in that sweet yellow romper.

1. Yellow Floral Romper
2. Keyhole Jumpsuit in Dunclare Black
3. One-Piece Swimsuit in Turquoise Isis Print
4. One-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress in Pink Garla

Spring Style in the Bag
Remember my aforementioned pocketbook purchase? I snagged the blue floral beauty in the upper right. It’s such a happy little wallet—even though I’ve already stuffed it to the gills with my unwieldy collection of credit cards, coupons and business cards. Pick up one of these accessories, and it’s impossible not to get a little rush of glee when you grab it on your way out the door.

1. Coated Shopper in Garla Red
2. Kiss Lock Wallet in Jennifer Flowers Blue
3. Kiss Lock Wallet in Poppy Pink
4. Floppy Hat in Dunclare Black
5. Zip Around Wallet in Susanna Green

Let’s Hear it for the Boys
My Liberty of London purchases were already making their way to my doorstep when my mister needed to make an in-store stop at Target. I wandered the aisles alone to see what Liberty wares were left (not many), grappling with the desire to allow myself just ­one­ more indulgence, when my mister found me with an unexpected find in hand. He too couldn’t resist the lure of the Liberty of London print. He chose the silk tie on the far right with the little yellow and gray cars. What can I say? He’s a man after my own Liberty-loving heart.

1. Navy Floral Shirt
2. Blue Floral Shirt
3. Multi Floral Shirt
4. Mauverina Blue Silk Tie
5. Darnley Pink Silk Tie
6. Martha Grace Dark Blue Silk Tie
7. Garla Red Silk Tie
8. Cars Cream Silk Tie

Some people will wait outside of sporting venues or department stores for hours—days even—to nab tickets to the big game or to grab the hottest Wii this or that. Me? I’ll show up outside of Target long before the automated doors slide open on March 14 to grab home items (supermarket sweep style) from the new Liberty of London for Target line.

Or even better, I think I’ll avoid the whole waking up early and getting dressed portion of the event and just click to my heart’s content as I troll the online store. I’m much less likely to throw some ‘bows as I grab for teapots that way.

Not familiar with Liberty of London? Well, Liberty is a 134-year-old British brand revered for its super-detailed prints, which exude a lavish, ’60s-style charm. While Target’s collaborations with big-name designers and labels are certainly nothing new, it’s the broad reach of this line that has tasteful tongues wagging.

You see, Liberty of London has joined with Target to offer everything from looks for fashionistas big and small to kitchen wares, garden goodies, stationary and even a bicycle or two for good measure. And the entire array of products is stamped with Liberty of London’s bold, colorful prints.

So, it follows that Liberty’s bedding, throw pillows, coffee cups and such are a simple and oh-so-cheery way to start adorning your home with bits of springtime goodness. (Sure, I don’t need a second teapot or another two-level serving tray. But I do need the ones in the photo above, you know?)

As someone who is perpetually in the market for light, fun, retro-inspired home décor, another springy dress and a cruiser bike that reflects my taste in all of the aforementioned, this Liberty of London collab will transform Target into my shopping Mecca. Not that Target needed much of a boost in that department—did you see the Orla Kiely and Jean Paul Gaultier collaborations? Dreamy.

Right now, Target is featuring but a few tasty morsels from the line on its website. But if you watch the Liberty of London promo video on the site (repeatedly and with frequent pausing and rewinding sessions, as I did), you’ll catch glimpses of storage canisters, a lampshade, purses, watering cans and an umbrella. While you’re there, download a free desktop wallpaper or iPhone background to kick-start your Liberty of London binge.

Sounds fabulous, right? Mark your calendars for Liberty’s March 14 arrival. If the Orla Kiely collaboration taught us anything, it’s that products from the juiciest of Target partnerships are pillaged quickly and without concern for those of us who are a little late to the party.

Few days are as groan-worthy as laundry day, especially for those of us who daydream about washer-dryer hookups, lovely steam washers and laundry rooms to call our own. Unfortunately, dates with my dirty clothes typically involve a handful of quarters (scrounged from the depths of my purse and every hidden car nook), a bottle of rock-heavy detergent and my unsightly laundry bag.

Alas, a solution for the latter issue: gorgeous laundry bags from India Rose. These 100 percent cotton bags are the dirty clothes solution I never knew I needed. Now, after stumbling upon these lovelies at BurkeDecor.com, I can’t imagine my laundry life without them.

The Need: A Sturdy Laundry Bag
These India Rose bags are roomy enough to hold all of the lights, darks and delicates you can stuff in them. And they’re sturdy enough to withstand the unruliest loads of laundry. But unlike hard-to-carry baskets and the utilitarian bags I’ve typically resigned myself to schlepping to the laundromat, these laundry bags are actually cute.

As any New Yorker can attest, there is a certain amount of awkwardness involved in parading a bulging bag of dirty laundry down the block for every stranger to see. And with other bags and baskets, it’s quite clear to all who cross your path that you are, indeed, smuggling unmentionables across town. Enter the India Rose creations.

The Want: Something Pretty
Once on your shoulder, these India Rose bags look a bit like fun and frilly summer dresses. The line’s quintessential White Devil Bags (shown in white, grasshopper and neapolitan in the top two photos above) are as sweet as sherbet.

And the Calypso Ruffle Bag at the bottom right—very carefree can-can dancer, don’t you think? To top it off, with its lime-hued tuxedo ruffles, the Canggu Laundry Bag hearkens back to girlhood days when fancy, ruffled socks were all the rage.

The best part? All of these bags are appealing enough to detract from your laundry day fashion don’ts. (Mismatched socks, anyone?) Plus, you won’t feel the need to hide them away in the depths of your closet between washes. And, if you really fall for these expertly designed laundry bags, you may be finding reasons to carry them long after the spin cycle is complete.

Interior stylist and author Emily Chalmers is a gal after our own hearts. Her new book, Cheap Chic, due on store shelves on February 28 but available for pre-order here, sings a song we never get tired of hearing: “You don’t need to be wealthy to have a wealth of style.”

With the help of writer Ali Hanan and photographer Debi Treloar, Chalmers proves that swoon-worthy home style isn’t expensive. It’s a notion that is quite a relief to us—and we suspect that you might find it reassuring as well.

As we work to build our nests and surround ourselves with pretties that we can’t live without, many of us have had our “I just don’t have the money to make this fabulous” moments. After all, we’ve logged in many hours gazing at celebrity home spreads in our must-read glossy magazines. They have designers and decorators and such a grand budget, we say.

And the rest of us? Well, we scour thrift store shelves, gladly accept most hand-me-down furniture, pick up things here and there from chain stores and only splurge when we must. But we still want to create the homes of our dreams, and Chalmers gets that. Drawing on expert vision, Cheap Chic explains how to mix chain store basics with individual finds. (Think flea market and garage sale goodies, secondhand lovelies, curbside recoveries and all of the things you already love dearly.)

Why We Love It
When we got our happy hands on our copy of Cheap Chic from the publisher, Ryland Peters & Small, we kindly welcomed a flutter of butterflies into our stomachs. The smattering of 200 gorgeous, light-filled photos—so perfect in their simplicity!—were enough to make to us chipper. But the advice dispensed by Chalmers and company really made us giddy.

The tips found within Cheap Chic strike the perfect balance between practicality and expert inspiration—all dispensed without a hint of inaccessibility. This is real style for real homes and real people (read: those of us who don’t have a personal decorator on speed dial but do have boyfriends, husbands and children who leave beds rumpled and stacks unsorted).

After tucking in to Cheap Chic, we feel a bit more empowered to create a stylish home on our own terms—and with our modest decor budgets. Chalmers guides us where to invest—a proper, supportive bed, a decent couch and other big pieces that are essential to our everyday comfort. And she divulges where and how to spend less for big impact. (Like salvaging rolls of vintage-print wallpaper from bins at second-hand shops. Or buying bright pink saris on the cheap at ethnic shops or street markets and using the fabric as a table runner or whipping it into a gauzy curtain.)

Why We Think You’ll Crush, Too
Whether you live in a spacious country house or a just-big-enough-for-me-and-my-clothes studio on a frenzied metropolitan street, we think you’ll adore Cheap Chic just the same. By our estimation, Chalmers left no decorative stone unturned.

The first section of the book, The Elements, examines color, patterns and fabrics and provides “Why didn’t we think of that?” tips on flooring, lighting, storage, accessories and other essential home materials. While the second section, The Spaces, offers room-by-room insight on how to create a beautiful, comfortable backdrop for daily life.

Of course, no one explains Cheap Chic better than Chalmers and company. With an introduction like this, the book really had us from hello: “…this book is a bible for the budget-conscious who also strive for style. Money, after all, can’t buy good taste. Style is instinctive—and it can come at a snip as long as you have an eye for beauty as well as a bargain. As the interiors doyenne Andrée Putman once put it, ‘[To have] style is to see beauty in modest things.’”

An extra treat for those of you who simply can’t wait until February 28 to get better acquainted with Chalmers: Pick up her Flea Market Style and Table Inspirations books, also published by Ryland Peters & Small.

(Image: Elizabeth Ulrich for Extrabux)

This week, as we relish the sound of crispy leaves crunching beneath our boots, we’ve collected a group of items that we seem to seek this time every year. These are the must-haves that we just long for once a hint of a chill comes our way. When we curl up with good books and peer out of our windows to experience blustery days from the comfort of our homes, we always turn to these warm and homey necessities. Tell us: What are your must-haves come autumn?

1. Sweet as Pie: Sure, you could bake up a storm in your kitchen, whipping up pumpkin pies and such. Or you could opt for a lounging session and let a yummy candle do the olfactory work instead. This super-delicious soy candle has all the scent appeal of mom’s holiday pies—think fresh pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, brown sugar and buttery vanilla—without all the measuring, stirring, dirty dishes and, um, calories. Plus, the reusable container makes for a perfectly sized juice glass once the candle is long gone. Maison Soy Candle in Pumpkin Spice by de-luxe.

2. Such a Softy: Nothing says warm and cuddly like cashmere. Yes, fleece is soft and flannel is cozy. But cashmere is so luxe. This cashmere blanket is certainly an investment, but think how many times you’ll bundle up inside of it and just melt. Plus, it’s a neutral—so it will weather all of your many, many redesign whims. Fringed Cashmere Throw by Sofia Cashmere.

3. Pillow Talk: Who says flannel is only fit for guys and other lumberjack types? This pillow is far too cute to be confined to lumberjack digs. Don’t get us wrong, this pillow certainly has a rugged mountain man appeal, but that just makes it all the more suitable for pairing with ultra-girly pieces of furniture. Besides, nothing exudes laidback fall style like flannel—and tossing a few pillows here and there is the easiest (and most wallet-friendly) solution to infuse your home with a snug, autumnal feel. Plaid Throw Pillow by Shetland.

4. Thrill of the Chaise: If it’s possible for furniture to be sexy—and we think it is, indeed, possible—this chaise has an irresistible allure. With its curved back and tufted upholstery, it has plenty of glamour to spare. Plus, the deep plum color and dark, kiln-dried hardwood frame make it very fall appropriate—and very nap ready. Curves Tufted Chaise Lounge in Purple by Avenue Six.

5. Tea Party of One: When it comes to enjoying the season from the great indoors, a cup of hot tea (preferably in front of a fireplace) is requisite. And when it comes to a cuppa, any tea connoisseur will tell you that loose leaf teas (preferably brewed at home in your jammies) provide the richest, purest flavors. Sure, tea bags are easier. But this all-in-one porcelain steeping mug makes it oh-so-doable. No infuser—and no extra rummaging through your cramped utensil drawer—required. Steeping Mug in Blue Sky by The Tea Spot.

6. Cold Feet? No, Thanks: These aren’t your grandmother’s slippers. Knit on the outside, furry on the inside and a little bit chic—they’re absolutely perfect for looking cute even when you’re in your most baggy of sweats. With their heathered look and those furry little pom-poms that we’re madly in love with, you’ll want to rock these at the grocery for sure. But buyer be warned: These booties are meant for indoor use only, so you’ll have to limit yourself to soft strutting in the living room and such. Snowflake Boots in Natural by Rocket Dog.

Polaroid photo by Clementine Gallot.

We were mesmerized by Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are. All it took was one glimpse at those fantastically furry wild things to transport us back to that place—the one where we, as children, were completely transfixed by Max’s world. One where he dressed up in his wolf suit and got into all sorts of mischief, only to be sent to his room where an extraordinary world awaited him.

It was a world where a boy who fantasized about ruling the world—just like we did—set sail on a boat and washed ashore on a beach with an amazing forest. What he found was a place where he could create a ruckus as a king among wild things. Even as adults, it’s a place we wouldn’t mind visiting.

Alas, the big screen glimpse into that world ended all too soon. So we’ve concocted a list of beastly items that should tide us over now that we’re back in the real world. From the movie’s amazing soundtrack to a grouping of whimsical forest items, we found a few things that feel a little less grown up and a little more wild—things that take us away from the responsibilities of the hurried adult world. Perhaps you’ll find room for them to live in your home. You know, a spot somewhere in the place where someone loves you best of all.

1. Oh, Deer: The next time you’re sent to your room for chasing the dog with a fork or shouting that you’ll eat your mother up, we hope this deer will spur thoughts of a far away land. This lasercut, cardboard forest dweller is the latest in cruelty-free kitsch, and we just adore him. He comes disassembled and ready for your DIY touch. Just paint him up or adorn him with some vintage wallpaper, and he’s ready to claim his spot on the wall. Cardboard Mounted Deer, ModCloth.

2. Knock on Wood: We can’t chop wood, but we sure can craft. And this cushion is the perfect object of all your DIY desires. This crafty pillow comes in a package that contains all the materials you’ll need (think needle, embroidery floss, and wood grain-printed, wool-felt panels) to sew some lumber of your very own. Soon, you can rest your head on a log and channel Max for a sweet forest slumber. We Wood Craft 4 U Kit, ModCloth.

3. Where the Wild Things Sing: When we first heard the soundtrack for Where the Wild Things Are, we were as moved and awestruck as we were the first time we laid eyes on the book’s extraordinary illustrations. Much like the book, the soundtrack, which features music by Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and The Kids, just feels special. It’s dreamy and dripping with a melancholy, childlike feel from beginning to end. But when you give the collection of sweet songs and sad ballads a listen, you’ll know that this soundtrack was meant for more than just the wee ones. Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack, Karen O, Interscope Records.

4. Grin and Bear It: No collection inspired by Where the Wild Things Are would be complete without something for the kiddos. And we think this movable bear, which is made of sustainably harvested beech wood and can hold many poses, is perfect for hours of imaginative play. Plus, durable wood limbs make this bear nearly impervious to breakage. So this is one toy that won’t be as fleeting as your days spent concocting fairytales in your childhood bedroom. Ursa Minor, David Weeks, Bobby Berk Home.

5. Get Hooked: This rugged moose hook would be a quirky addition to your entryway or hallway, and it’s strong enough to hold your favorite coat. But we’d much rather imagine it as the resting place for Max’s wolf suit once he’s returned from his fantastical voyage. Decorative Hook Moose, Sierra Lifestyles.

Remember when Halloween meant plastic jack-o-lanterns filled with candy from neighbors (and, okay, from a few strangers)? In those days, your favorite Halloween décor was all about cheap, plastic spiders, stringy faux spider webs and garbage bag ghosts in the front yard. Now that you’re all grown up, it’s time for your Halloween décor to grow up as well.

After all, if you’re throwing an adult shindig in your very adult digs, why shouldn’t your décor also have a touch of grown-up chic? Our recommendations still capture that dark, festive feel without channeling the days when you still had to ask if you could have another piece of candy before bed.

1) Skull Spreaders: How chic are these simple silver skulls? The minute we spied them, we were ready to trade in our bowl of cheap candy for a yummy cheese tray faster than you could say, “Trick or treat.” With this four-piece stainless steel spreader set, cheese has never looked so tough. Bone Collector Spreader Set of 4, Target.

2) Hot Plate: Yes, you could buy a stack of paper plates featuring cartoon pumpkins and Frankenstein’s big green blockhead, but why not opt for a more mature, eco-friendly option instead? The melamine skull plates in this 12-piece set are sized perfectly for appetizers, and they’re dishwasher safe. We think the black-and-white and black-and-cream designs are understatedly spooky. Skull Melamine Appetizer Plate Set of 12, Target.

3) Growing Fear: This pet plant has a certain Tim Burton appeal, don’t you think? The Nyokki grass plant—Nyokki means “grow” in Japanese—has a charmingly suspicious evil grin. The egg-shaped, glazed ceramic pot is filled with growing media and rye grass seeds that are easy to grow. While you can trim and cut the hair like you would coiffe a Chia Pet, we think the wild, unkempt version better suits the season. Sure, it may not be a giant bloodthirsty plant a la Little Shop of Horrors, but it will grow frighteningly fast. Halloween Nyokki Grass Pet Skeleton, Nyokki.

4) Bone Collector: The pattern that the crisscrossed bones create on this platter almost reads like argyle—brilliant! It’s also made of porcelain, which lends a surprising refinement to a piece that is covered in misplaced femurs and such. Plus, it’s more than a foot long, so there will be plenty of room for your monstrous munchies. Bone Collector Serving Platter, Target.

5) Smart Design: There is just something about the owl that brings thoughts of darkness and mystery to mind. While you can’t recruit a few real wise owls to hold still and look scary for your Halloween fete, you can buy a few of these paper versions to place strategically throughout your house. The detail on this owl is amazing—and plenty spooky. Can’t you just envision one perched on your mantle or bookshelf? Black Paper Owl, Cost Plus.

Maybe you know Jonathan Adler as the genius judge on Bravo’s Top Design. Or perhaps you know him as the man who put pottery on the map. But did you know that he was once told by a pottery professor that he lacked talent and should find a career that better suited him? Um, yeah.

Luckily for us, Mr. Adler did not buy into that skills assessment. What he did do, however, was translate his obsession with throwing pots in the basement of his boyhood home into a design empire. We’re talking furniture, bedding, towels, stationary and on and on. The objects he creates for homes—and the way in which he puts them together to create truly unique interiors—are in a word, inspiring.

Now, he has partnered with Barnes & Noble to offer an affordable array of home and office goodies. (Yes, the same Barnes & Noble where you pick up books and a coffee and then dawdle on a comfy chair or two as you “browse” through magazines you have no intention of buying—yes, we do that too!) The collection oozes Adler’s signature style. Not to mention, it’s sure to brighten up your desk and make sitting at your workspace feel a little less like, well, work. Here are a few of our favorite pieces:

1) Buy the Book: Okay, so this book isn’t a part of his collection. And it isn’t exactly new. But Adler’s 2005 My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living is just that—an Rx for design bliss. Part designer bio, part décor guide, part picture book filled from cover to cover with gorgeous photographs sure to get your mind churning with dreams of room redesigns, consider this book as the muse that will motivate you to finally declutter your living room—or even revamp your office space. My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living, Jonathan Adler.

2) Dear Diary: The bold graphic patterns in this set of mini-notebooks—they’re just six inches tall and four inches wide—are just so very Jonathan Adler. With three in this bunch, you can use one as your journal, another for your many lists (to do, grocery and the like) and the other to keep notes at the office. Let’s face it—if you’re going to have to take notes (or at least pretend) in another never-ending Monday meeting, you should at least have a cheery notebook to collect your expert doodle drawings. Kensington Multi Color Mini Journal Set of 3, Jonathan Adler.

3) Flower Power: With its matter ivory glaze finish, this stoneware vase is so understatedly chic that all it will take is a single stem to top it off. Plus, it’s small enough to fit comfortably in even the tiniest of cubicles. Small Ivory Ceramic Vase, Jonathan Adler.

4) Write Off: Who needs boring number two pencils when you can scribble in style? These chocolate brown and blue beauties will certainly brighten up your boring coffee-cup-turned-pencil-holder. Kensington Blue & Lavender Pencil Set of 24, Jonathan Adler.

5) The Well-Read Puppy: Let’s face it, this Dachshund is darn cute. And all he wants in life is to keep your favorite books organized. Ready to give him a home on your bookshelf? Dachshund White Resin Bookends, Jonathan Adler.

We have long found woodland creatures, tree dwellers and forest friends to be just plain cute. And lately it seems many big-name designers couldn’t agree more. We’ve seen droves of animal imagery popping up on our favorite store shelves. Perhaps that’s because doses of strategically placed animal décor never fail to add a sense of whimsy to any space. We’ve found a few irresistible treasures with personalities sure to have houseguests cooing. Go ahead, bring your outdoor loves inside and create a menagerie that’s all your own.

1. Birds of a Feather: Designer Thomas Paul, who is known for his bold use of color and pattern work in textiles, now has created an exclusive lighting collection with Seascape Lamps. The enchanting bird motif coupled with the sweetly subdued hues give this lamp a quiet charm. And the bamboo base provides a textural treat. Can’t you picture this piece nestling on a nightstand in a serene bedroom retreat? GoldFinch/Bamboo Aqua Table Lamp, Thomas Paul Lamps, $215, bobbyberkhome.com.

2. Love Nest: Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with a few feathered friends in a soft nest? The tranquil navy and gray tones of this pillow are ideal for naptime nuzzling. Lane Pillow, Mibo, $92, bobbyberkhome.com.

3. Cuteness Perfected: This porcelain panda is just as versatile as it is adorable. Use it as a bowl, a soap dish or even as a catch-all tray near your front door that will send you off with an endearing goodbye and eagerly await your return. Baby Panda Dish, ModCloth, $14.99, modcloth.com.

4. An Owl of Many Talents: A wise owl knows that it doesn’t pay to be a one-trick pony. Truth be told, we’d buy this piece based on its name alone. With a moniker like the “Pour Little Owl Pitcher,” who can resist? But this owl is more than a pretty face: Uses for this pitcher are only limited to your imagination. Cream server, bouquet holder, gravy boater—the possibilities are endless. Pour Little Owl Pitcher, Two’s Company, $13.99, modcloth.com.

5. Pretty Pachyderm: This unglazed ceramic elephant, inspired by the wilds of India and Morocco, is refreshingly understated. Let him live on a stack of books one week, and then on a pile of papers and letters the next. Ceramic Elephant, West Elm, $29, westelm.com.