A flannel layer keeps tea hot
French Salam 4-cup teapot, $120, by P.O.S.H., 613 N. State St.; 312-280-1602, poshchicago.com
A new classic
Handmade serving pieces and place settings by Ofra-T, $40-$48, at lille a shop, by special order; 773-342-0563, lilleashop.com
Photography: All photos courtesy of vendors
Mary Maher, co-owner of Cakegirls, likes to give this
Bird cake stand by Whitney Smith Pottery, $36-$153, at Virtu, 2034 N. Damen Ave.; 773-235-3790, virtuchicago.com
“Beautiful heirloom quality and simple styling—it’s a spin on the traditional cheese knives.”
Lori Oelhafen, designer, Morlen Sinoway
Blue Leaves cheese knives and plate, $290, at Morlen Sinoway, 1052 W. Fulton Market; 312-432-0100, morlensinoway.com
Adds whimsy to the table
Pear salt-and-pepper shakers by Michael Aram, $99, at Material Possessions, 704 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-280-4885, materialpossessions.com
Photography: All photos courtesy of vendors
“Waylande Gregory is one of the most famous ceramicists of our century. His items are being reintroduced this year, so it is a little old and a little new.”
Jonathan Goodman, buyer, Elements
Tree of Life bowl by Waylande Gregory, $695, at Elements, 741 N. Wells St.; 877-642-6574, elementschicago.com
An eco-friendly idea
Bamboo fruit bowl, $49, at Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St., Geneva; 630-232-1303, scentimentalgardens.com
A raclette grill: way more interesting than a fondue set!
Raclette Party Grill by Swissmar, $125, at The Chopping Block, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza: 312-644-6360, thechoppingblock.com
Photography: All photos except bamboo bowl courtesy of vendors, (bamboo bowl) Kennon Evett
A favorite of the designer himself
Zodiac embroidered pillows, $98, at Jonathan Adler, 676 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-274-9920, jonathanadler.com
“Give this decoupage advice tray along with some wisdom on married life.”
Devin Kirk, merchandise manager, Jayson Home & Garden
Advice tray, $75, at Jayson Home & Garden, 1885 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-248-8180, jaysonhomeandgarden.com
Marina Birch, event planner, recommends this retro-inspired turntable
Traveler Turntable by Crosley, $129.95, at Target; 800-591-3869, target.com
Photography: All photos courtesy of vendors
“Wouldn’t a strand of pearls look beautiful in this box?”
Steven Burgert, owner, I.D.
The Giftbox by Harry Allen, $75, at I.D., 3337 N. Halsted St.; 773-755-4343, idchicago.com
For the eclectic bride
Wood chopsticks, $35, at Design Within Reach, 10 E. Ohio St.; 312-280-4677, dwr.com
Photography: All photos courtesy of vendors