Cool Stuff: Working Class Studio Fabric Bags and Boxes

Re-Gift line just in time for the holidays. They
are perfect to stash under the Christmas tree with a big pretty bow, and
after use, they can be used as home storage boxes. The fabric bags can
also be reused as lunch totes, knitting bags, kids totes and so much more.
Why waste a bunch of paper wrapping gifts when you can use and re-use
these boxes and bags for years to come!

Add panache to gift giving and style to storage with this elegant
collection of collapsible fabric-covered boxes. Available in several
rich colors and striking patters, Re-Gift fabric boxes can be used (and
reused) as gift boxes, colorful home storage containers, or chic accents
to your living and work space. Great for holiday and year-round use,
boxes include a coordinating hang tag ideal for gift labels or content
identification. Pattern design by Ben Morris (professor of fashion, SCAD).

Fabric Bags : Re-Gift
Add panache to gift giving and style to storage with this elegant
collection of collapsible fabric-covered boxes. Available in several
rich colors and striking patterns, Re-Gift fabric bags can be used (and
reused) as gift bags or stylish totes. Each bag is made of durable
natural cotton and features a reinforced bottom for added support. Bags
are available in three sizes: bottle, medium and large. Pattern design
by Ben Morris (professor of fashion, SCAD).

Trendspotting: Mah-velous Melamine

Melamine tableware has been around forever (it was standard issue in military mess halls during World War II). But lately these lowly, lightweight plastic plates have taken on a decidedly glamorous look.

There are plenty of fun, kitschy designs out there, too, of course -- Pop Ink has some great ones, for instance. But these newer patterns are luxe enough to use for more formal occasions as well as for casual dining on the patio. (I recently trotted out my Working Class Studio Ironworks Plates -- below, $6 each -- for a dinner party and got nothing but compliments on them.)

So in honor of the official start of summer, here's a collection of melamine plates that will glam up your next picnic or barbecue -- and look just as great on a candlelit dinner table:

Jackie Shapiro French Bull Ring ($45 for four), Crush ($39 for four), and Mosaic Dinner Plates ($45 for four), available from Plum Party.

Bongenre's Winchester Mandala ($40 for four), Louis ($45 for four), Tangier Sun ($40 for four), Coral ($45 for four), and Wilde's Lacunuae ($45 for four) 12-Inch Plates.

Pop Ink Wallpaper Plates ($40 for four), available from Velocity Art and Design.

Fish Pond Buffet Plates ($24 for four), from Anthropologie.

Jonathan Adler Origami Salad Plate ($10), Peacock Salad Plate ($10), and Origami Dinner Plate ($14).

Thomas Paul Coral ($29 for four) and Folk ($36 for four) Dinner Plate Sets, available from Velocity Art and Design.

Thomas Paul Gothic Dinner Plates ($36 for four) and Gothic Tray ($18), available from Elsewares.

Metallic Spiral Salad Plates ($15 for six), Metallic Dinnerware Collection ($15 to 18), Fusion Dinner Plates ($24 for four), and Red/Gold Dinner Plates ($12 for three), from Target.