Simrin Nature Coasters

You might know your way around a stiff drink or a hot dish, but it's a good idea to make sure your coasters and trivets can navigate their way as well. These concrete pieces by Nobuhiro Sato and A + R Store offer a road map to good design, as the southern Caifornia shop's two locations serve as the focal points on a 1/1200 scale.

These porcelain and cork salt and pepper shakers were named for the latitude where Denmark meets Norway, but designed for the dining table at the intersection of mashed potatoes and green beans. We like the unfussy shape, nice contrast of textures, and—best of all—very clear distinction between with spice is which. Available for purchase from Velocity Art and Design.

Nursery rhyme all-stars bring their stories to the table on this set of four small drinking glasses from Fish's Eddy. Jack and Jill, Mary and her little lamb, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Boy Blue all make an appearance, and the set can be bought separately as individual cups, mugs, and coasters as well.

Done with the dishes? This flat-pack plastic rack will keep your plates and bowls aligned while they dry. Excess water drips off into the draining tray, which can be easily poured from the small spout in front, and your utensils will stay put in the removable cutlery cup.