Cuckoo clocks by Mark Feldstein & Associates

Mark Feldstein & Associates (MFA), a product development company and importer of housewares, giftware, and electronics for over 25 years, is rolling out a line of seasonal and holiday cuckoo clocks. The line includes: 
The North Pole cuckoo clock depicts elves  in Santa's workshop at the North Pole. On each hour, an elf comes out of the workshop holding a present, accompanied by one of 12 Christmas carols.
The Snowy Cabin cuckoo clock is a snow-covered log cabin. One the hour, a cardinal pops out from his roost chirping his distinctive, beautiful song.
The Garden Cottage cuckoo clock is a cottage.  Like the Winter Cabin clock, a Cardinal pops out on the hour to chirping its song.
The company previewed the clocks at the Housewares Show in Chicago in March. The will be available in August.

Espresso machine and milk frother

The Concerto

At the Housewares Show in Chicago in March, Espressione introduced a range of coffee appliances. Among them are:

• The Rapid Touch Coffee Grinder with stainless steel blades and chromated push button control
• The Squissita Plus 18 bar pressure espresso machine with unique electroplate chrome finish, and the
• “Concerto” capsule espresso machine with a cool-to-the-touch plastic housing, built-in thermostat and automatic shut-off system.

The espresso machine uses Meseta biodegradable capsules, which are available in four blends.

The Cremaccino milk frother

2 new air purifiers for home or office

The stylish cylindrically shaped silver and black mesh Blueair Model 103 air purifier is designed for small rooms (150 square feet; 14 square meters; or smaller), such as bedrooms, playrooms and home offices. The new model use HEPAQuiet air purifying technology that is said to deliver more clean air at a faster rate with less noise than any other comparably rated air purifier on the market.

The company's new ZON personal air purifier stands less than 8 in (20 cm) tall and weighs just 1.5 lbs (6.8 kg). with the filter included.

Classic plastic boxes in 5 new colors

AMAC has been producing the classic M Series boxes since 1960. This year, the company exhibited at the Housewares Show for the first time. It introduced five new colors: Ember, Olive, Pink, Slate and Marine. They will only be available packaged in retail friendly "Consumer Packs." The smallest three sizes are wrapped in sets of three, the two medium sizes are packed in sets of two and the four largest sizes are wrapped singly. Together, this colorful collection of jewel tone boxes adds a splash of color to any retail environment.

Company founder Gene Hurwitt designed the boxes in 1960 in the bohemian enclave of Sausalito, Calif. AMAC boxes joined the permanent collection of New York's MoMA in 1966.

Dining trays for indoor and outdoor use

Lappers are ergonomically designed dining trays with indentations fitted with an anti-slip silicone mat to keep plates and glasses in their place. The trays have large, comfortable handles for easy carrying. The trays nest into each other for convenient storage. Made of melamine, they are dishwasher-safe. The mats can be custom-printed (see insert photo for examples).

Stylish plastic wine, cocktail glasses

Swirl 6-ounce wine tumbler by Takeya

Swirl premium plastic wine and cocktail party tumblers are suitable for around a swimming pool and parties when glass is not an option. The built-in swirl ridge on the glass is at the 6-ounce pour line. The ridge is also positioned to give the hand a grip on the glass.
The tumblers are made of BPA-free plastic. They hold 16 ounces. The glasses are sold in two-packs, six-packs and 72-packs (for institutional buyers). There is a four-pack mail order box option, too. Swirl is sold by Takeya.

Cook set for fruits and vegetables

The Apple Cooker set from Mastrad is said to be a better way to cook fruits and vegetables. Fruits cook in the microwave or a conventional oven.

The set includes two non-stick, BPA-free silicone apple cookers, one corer with scoop and a recipe book. The scoop has a slight tip, which helps pierce the fruit flesh and enables swift removal of the core and seeds in one clean motion. The scoop is also marked for one teaspoon and one tablespoon measures to make food prep easier. Sets are available in candy apple red, apple green and black.

Under-bed storage products

Evriholder Products’ patented Rise ‘N Stor bed risers are said to be “the perfect solution” for cramped dorm rooms and living quarters. The risers lift the bed 6 inches for under-bed storage of mobile phones, TV remotes, keys, notebooks and other items. There is a large compartment for magazines, books and papers while the slits in the storage pod accommodate chargers and cables. The storage pod even spins for easy access.

The Rise ‘N Stor five-piece set includes four bed risers and one storage pod which comes in lime green and gray colors.

Keith Haring art livens up mops and brooms

Dust pans from the Keith Haring collection

The Keith Haring Cleaning Collection from Casabella uses the late artist's imagery on mops, broom, dust pans and microfiber dusting cloths. Casabella's cleaning tools, kitchen and bath accessories and organizing products have received numerous design awards and industry recognition. It also markets the BE Gourmet line of food prep.

Tagine in new colors holds 4 quarts

The Emile Henry large tagine is now available in fig and olive colors. Introduced at the Housewares show in Chicago this month, the large tagine is 12.5 inches in diameter and holds nearly 4 quarts of food (enough to serve six people).

It is made from an innovative ceramic technology that allows the vessel to be used directly on a heat source or stovetop (for browning meats and vegetables) and then can be placed in the oven for a gentle, flavor-producing simmer. The traditional tagine lid allows the steam to rise, condense on the walls and then moisten the food below.

Create a French bistro at home

Picardie tumblers

The Picardie Tumbler is a popular drinking glass used in French bistros, cafeterias and homes. Duralex offers multiple sizes of the stackable tumbler. The glass is extremely tough and durable and will last for many years without breaking or chipping. Eight sizes range from 3.25 ounces to nearly 17 ounces.

The Duralex For Kids collection of glass, bowls, tumblers and plates are BPA-free, 100% recyclable, dishwasher and microwave-safe and an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Made in France, the collection is said to be 4 to 5 times stronger than standard glass.

The “le Gigogne" (below) is an iconic drinking glass used in cafeterias for half a century. It is considered to be a national treasure.


le Gigogne, an iconic drinking glass from France

A set of 3 nesting birch bowls

The new Family Tree bowl set from The Great Alaskan Bowl Company includes 7-inch, 9-inch and 11-inch birch bowls. The set comes with a display stand, a bottle of block oil, an instruction card and wood chips.
The company was a first-time exhibitor at the Housewares show this month in Chicago.

The classic French press coffee maker

Bodum says its Chambord French press system is the greenest way to make a cup of coffee. A user pours in just as much water as she needs. There is no metal, plastic or paper waste. The coffee grounds are compostable.

Moreover, the company says the materials of the press (glass and stainless steel) are completely taste-free "so nothing comes between your ground coffee beans."

View a Bodum commercial (below).

Dinnerware in stripes and solids; paper goods for Halloween

Trade Associates Group, better known as simply tag, exhibited more than 600 new items in a wide range of materials at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago this month. tag says many of the introductions are in stock and ready to ship.

Highlights included:

The new Sonoma Stripe

• 6 1/2" appetizer plates in 10 Sonoma dinnerware colors, with a handy new iron plate caddy (upper left). The company introduce new Sonoma Stripe in two colorways, Celadon and Chocolate, that complement the entire assortment. In addition, a rich, new Sonoma Navy colorway was shown (below).

• Handmade mosaic glass in Halloween (below); Jardin; Fall Flora and Harvest; and tag’s Christmas collections Mistletoe, Holiday Elegance, Christmas Holiday, and Hope, Peace and Joy.

An owl motif on mosaic glassware

• Colorful new paper tabletop products including plates, cups, bowls and napkins in Halloween, Fall Flora, Harvest and Hope, Peace and Joy.

Paper goods from tag

Fiesta dinnerware in fresh, new colors

At the Housewares Show this month, Homer Laughlin China Co. celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Fiesta dinnerware line. It was originally designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936. Discontinued in 1973, Fiesta made a resurgence in 1986. The line is popular for bridal registries and with collectors. The company continues to introduce new colors and retire older ones. The March 7 Gift & Home Today post featured the company's soup tureen in the new Marigold color.

Fiesta blue

Diner Bistro

Fiesta Marigold

Digital piggy bank for children

The Digi-Piggy is a coin collector and counter from Cisco Sales Corp. It was introduced earlier this year at the 108th Toy Fair in New York City and the 2011 International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago. The LCD snout on the Digi-Piggy keeps an accurate and running tally of all American coins inserted into the bank, making it easy for children to learn the values of different coins and how to count change.

Pantone's 2012 color trends forecast

Based on a Pantone press release

Pantone Unveils 2012 Color Inspiration and Direction for
the Home Furnishings and Interior Design Industries

At the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago this month, Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® VIEW home + interiors 2012, a trend forecast containing the nine most directional color palettes for home furnishings and interior design in 2012. “PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2012 is the road map to color for 2012, which is filled with interesting new directions,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

The color of the year for 2011

“Some paths lead to exhilarating tones that encourage the prospective buyer to forge ahead into adventures with novel color combinations, while others invite them to stop for a moment, take a deep breath, relax and consider the more classic hues in a different kind of mix. The continuing challenge and goal will be in keeping the consumer visually engaged by blending the playful with the practical. To reach that destination, color is the compass.”


PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2012 is a forecasting book that provides color and trend direction, enabling designers to select the right shades and combinations for home furnishings or interior spaces. PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2012 contains visual inspiration, suggested color harmonies, individual tear-out palette cards for each of the nine forecasted palettes, swatches of the 73 forecasted colors, and images from the forecast for use in presentations and storyboards. Additionally, PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2012 includes the PANTONE FASHION + HOME digital color library which enables direct download of all the PANTONE FASHION + HOME palette colors into design software.

The nine palettes for 2012 are: Nonchalance, Subtleties, Resilience, Indigo Effects, Transcending Time, Back to the Fuchsia, Reflections, Nouveau Neon and The Comics.

The simplicity and casual ambiance in this palette, called Nonchalance, are easy toread and enjoy. The reassuring colors coax a feeling of tranquility and relaxation with no suggestion of anxiety in the surroundings. The comforting pastel pinks, ethereal blues and soft egret white wrap us in carefree baby blanket colors, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray and grape tones.

Subtleties are just that – a close connectivity between the color families, sliding effortlessly into a seamless collection of hues that are either closely related or quietly complementary. The atmosphere they present is effortless and compatible: hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue and tinges of gray and green artfully set against a tasteful brown earthy red.

Resilience represents a group of sturdy hues that work very well together. It speaks of hand-hewn objects of substance, sustenance and solidity in a range of natural, outdoor shades. There are nuances of the deepest browns, varietal mushroom tones, foliage green and greenish yellow. A dash of flamingo orange adds an exotic touch to this otherwise organic grouping.

Like the twilight colors of a descending night sky, Indigo Effects evokes a mood of broad expansiveness and depth – enveloping and protective, yet mysterious. The colors are variations on a blue theme – celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos – all deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve and moody gray.

Transcending Time is a palette that speaks of continuity – inspirations from the past, both style and color-wise, which continue well into the future – containing hues that heirlooms are made of, including elegant wine and plum, warm beige and wood tones, as well as classic rose. A touch of frosted almond adds a soft and subtle glimmer to the atmosphere.

Bold, daring and audacious, this is a group of tantalizing colors that makes no excuses for the attention it creates. Back to the Fuchsia celebrates the energy generated through the provocative melding of dancing reds, purples and pink, all highlighted by a variety of fuchsias. Jewel-toned peridot both accentuates and complements the hotter hues.


Glossy finish and color are a magical coupling, fascinating the eye and riveting attention. Metallic or glassy surfaces undulate and move and twist and turn, taking colors to new dimensions. Included in this arresting palette, called Reflections, are tones and tints that spark the imagination: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga, cloud dancer as well as the classic silver and gold.

The colors of the Nouveau Neon palette are not the phosphorescent neons of yesterday. They are instead a collection of exuberant shades that bring a fresh new perspective to combinations. Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange Popsicle® and berry purples, while citrus colors toy with pink and raspberry. A flavorful butter-rum tan is the unexpected accompaniment to all of the vibrant colors in the palette.

Cartoons come to life in this effervescent palette called The Comics. Funny paper hues pop off the page in whimsical ways that bring a smile and create the need to take some time to play. Ominous phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up to honeysuckle and primrose. It’s quirky joy and spontaneity.


About Pantone
Pantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone now offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.

4-piece knife set adds color to the kitchen

The DuraCeramica collection of colorful ceramic knives comes in four fresh colors with durable soft grip ergonomic ABS handles.
“Ceramic blades are all the rage in cutlery now for their long lasting sharpness and effortless cutting ability,” says Suso Balanza, vice president of sales for Hampton Forge. The company exhibited at the Housewares Show in Chicago.
The collection consists of a 6-inch chef knife (Raspberry Red comfort handle), a 5-inch Santoku knife (Mint Green), 5-inch serrated-blade utility knife (Lemon Yellow) and a 4-inch paring knife (Citrus Orange). The collection will be available in stores in the third quarter 2011.