No party is complete without the punch bowl

Often the centerpiece at any party is the punch bowl that adorns the table full of refreshments and snacks. It's funny to me how often I attend parties and see a punch bowl where people are gathering near and catching up in conversation. You would think that at certain ages, this fruity concoction would lose its appeal, however that does not seem to be the case. Kids obviously love punch and revel in having their lips turn a different shade of color. Even guests that are enjoying other beverages will often sneak a cup of punch just to sample it as well as freshen up their pallette.

Glass punch bowls are timeless pieces for any party. Another decorating favorite is a nice pewter or stainless steel piece. Sterling silver is high maintenance that is quick to tarnish. The stainless steel or pewter look accomplishes the same result as silver and yet removes the trouble of cleaning and polishing. Besides there is already enough cleaning that has to be done before and after the party!

Get a Cool Magazine Rack: Part Two

Here are two more great ideas for the often forgotten magazine rack. In a previous post I showed you a set that would really add a cool look to a modern environment, and these will also. The Flex has a rather industrial look with its chromed steel and slate leather but also a simple style that is timeless. Available from Jensen-Lewis for $139 16''w x 16''d x 22''h. The Sprung from designer Michael Sodeau is also very simple and has a springy curved metal case and boxed metal leg structure. The Sprung is available in white, red, royal blue, and green from Bonluxat. Made by Liv'it 40x30x32 cm

Don't Forget the Magazine Rack when Decorating

Even the most basic addition to your home can make it more unique, revealing some thing about your personality. As I have said many times, decorative accessories can really make the difference in a great looking home. Check out these two very different, but nice looking magazine rack options that will house or display your latest periodicals. The Gus wall mounted magazine rack has a vertical "barely there" but functional place to display your magazines. This stainless steel structure offers a very clean and modern look and measures 13x59 for $295.00 available from Artafax. The Mela from designer Anna Buechin has a much more classic look, and features a matte exterior and high gloss interior with a pedestal base. The Mela is a little better at hiding magazines but keeps them up and within reach. Available in Black/Ivory as shown for $63.00 from Umbra.14.25 x 9.75 x 15.5" (36 x 25 x 40 cm)

Modernize your Kitchen with a new Pub Table and Barstools

Today the modern home has a much needed face lift from the wood paneling and boring interiors of the past, and I couldn't be happier. One thing that has changed the most is where we gather and enjoy meals or hang out with friends and family. This brings the counter height pub table and bar stools on to the scene as not only a useful, but good looking addition to the most used room in the home. Pub tables are perfect for casual dining and the occasional card game that tends to break out when entertaining. This good looking metal and glass pub table with matching bar stools from Contemporary Furniture really keeps the look of you kitchen furniture light and refreshing.

Organize with a Cool Modern Wine Rack

If you are going to become a professional wine drinker then by all means invest in a quality wine refrigerator. If you are short on space or inspiration, but still need some storage space, consider one of these really cool wine rack options. The Echelon fromKikkerland offers a modular 6 bottle unit in stainless steel that looks great and can be configured into the perfect wine rack for your needs. Reasonable priced at $55.If you are short on counter space or have abundant wall space then this wall mounted wine rack from European manufacturer Black & Blum may be the perfect addition to you kitchen. This wall mounted wine rack features polished stainless steel construction, and will hold up to eight bottles of your favorite wine. Black and Blum did a great job on the creative yet minimal design which will surely add a cool touch to your modern décor for the modest investment of $50. Both wine racks are available online from 1ofakindstuff.