Picture this: instead of manufacturing your next coffee cup, what if you could just grow it? That’s the beautifully simple yet radical idea behind The Gourd Project, an ongoing exploration by Brooklyn-based CRÈME Architecture and Design that’s turning heads in the sustainable design world.
Here’s the problem they’re tackling. Back in 2006, Starbucks alone used 2.6 billion cups at their stores. Each paper cup produces 0.24 pounds of CO2 emissions during manufacturing, and here’s the kicker: only 0.25% actually get recycled after disposal. We’ve been stuck in this wasteful cycle for decades, bouncing between plastic, paper, and ceramic options that all come with their own environmental baggage. CRÈME decided to ask a different question entirely: what if nature didn’t just provide the material, but also handled the manufacturing process?
Enter the humble gourd. These fast-growing plants have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years, prized for their robust fruits that develop strong outer skins and fibrous inner flesh. Once dried, gourds become naturally watertight, which is why our ancestors used them as cups and containers long before Tupperware was a thing. CRÈME, led by designer Jun Aizaki, looked at this ancient practice and thought: we can do something with this.
But here’s where it gets really cool. The studio isn’t just hollowing out gourds and calling it a day. They’re using 3D-printed molds to actually shape the gourds as they grow, training them into specific forms like cups and flasks. Think of it as botanical architecture. You place the mold around the young fruit, and nature does the rest, filling the shape while it grows on the vine. The result? Vessels that are 100% biodegradable, manufactured using only sun and water, and look genuinely striking sitting on your shelf.
The project started small, with a few gourds grown in a backyard. But CRÈME has since scaled up production to a farm, with plans to eventually move operations indoors to better control for variables like pests and weather conditions. The entire production cycle currently takes about six weeks, and while the team is working to streamline that timeline, it’s still remarkably efficient compared to traditional manufacturing processes that involve mining, refining, molding, and shipping materials around the globe.
Each gourd vessel can be reused between three to six times before it starts to break down. At that point, you’re not adding to a landfill or hoping it makes it to a recycling facility. You just toss it in with your food waste and let it compost naturally. It’s a genuine cradle-to-cradle approach, where the end of one cup’s life becomes the beginning of nutrients for the next season’s growth.
The design world has noticed. The Gourd Project earned a finalist mention at the NYCxDesign awards and has been featured in major publications like Dezeen, Fast Company, and NowThis News. It’s easy to see why. In an era where greenwashing is rampant and “sustainable” often just means “slightly less terrible,” here’s a project that actually reimagines the entire system from the ground up, literally.
What makes this particularly exciting is how it challenges our assumptions about design and manufacturing. We’re so conditioned to think of products as things we make, things we control from start to finish in factories. The Gourd Project flips that script. It asks us to collaborate with nature, to work with biological processes instead of against them. The designers provide the framework, the blueprint. The plant does the actual building.
Will we all be sipping our lattes from gourds next year? Probably not. CRÈME is still refining the process and working toward a consumer launch. But that’s almost beside the point. The Gourd Project proves that radical sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice or hairshirt aesthetics. These vessels are genuinely beautiful, with organic variations that make each one unique. They represent a fundamentally different way of thinking about the objects we use every day.
Sure, we could sit and fearmonger about how AI will one day replace designers, but here’s an alternative reality – what if AI didn’t replace us, it just created a parallel reality? Like you’ve got Japanese ceramics, Italian ceramics, and Turkish ceramics, what if you could have AI ceramics? Not a replacement, not a substitute, just another channel. That’s what BKID envisioned with ‘Texture Ware’, a series of cups designed entirely by AI and manufactured using 3D printing. Minimal human intervention, and minimal human cultural input.
The AI feeds itself a vast repository of data and uses its own database to make textural products that humans then use. BKID’s results look nothing like anything we’ve seen before, each cup of the Texture Ware series looks almost alien, an exaggeration of textures found in nature taken to an extreme. You wouldn’t find such cups in a handicrafts bazaar or your local IKEA. They’re so different that they exist as a separate entity within the industry, not a replacement of the industry itself.
Designer: BKID co
The workflow uses different AI services to go from prompt to cup. The only real input is a text prompt from a human specifying what sort of texture they want. The AI generates the texture image using ChatGPT’s Dall-E, creates a cup out of it in Midjourney, and then translates the 2D image of a cup to 3D using Vizcom. The 3D file then gets 3D printed, eliminating pretty much any actual human intervention as the machine models and manufactures the design from start to end.
“What would normally require a considerable amount of time if crafted entirely by hand was instead realized through two to three generative tools and a process of repeated trial and error,” says BKID. “The exaggerated expressions and omitted forms that emerge in each stage invite the audience to experience the subtle differences in sensibility between traditional handcraft and craft shaped by generative software.”
Users can make cups inspired by brutalist textures of concrete, fuzzy textures of moss, rustic textures of wood-bark, wrinkled textures of crumpled paper, raw textures of coal, columnar textures of basalt rock, porous-like textures of coral, or even alien-like textures of fungi. Each cup looks unique and the AI never repeats itself, which means even cups within the same texture category could be wildly different.
The result truly feels alien, because the AI approaches design using an entirely different set of parameters. Their imperfections become design details, their lack of ergonomics or awareness become a unique design DNA. The result isn’t like any cup you’ve ever seen before, and that’s the point – it’s created by an AI that hasn’t ‘seen’ cups, hasn’t used cups, and doesn’t test its output. That being said, the cups are still usable because of the parameters set by the human. The cups don’t have holes, and contain enough volume to hold liquid efficiently. They’re perfect for espresso, saké, or green tea, something that’s savored in tiny quantities in vessels that feel less utilitarian and more ritualistic.
What BKID’s experiment proves is that AI (at least in this case) won’t replace designers, it’ll exist independent of them. Can an AI make a cup exactly like a regular designer would? Absolutely… but there’s a better case to be made to have AI make things beyond human creativity and culture. These cups contort nature and textures into something that feel extremely new, in a way that allows AI-made cups and human-made cups to coexist peacefully.
Espresso is a tiny daily ritual that usually happens in anonymous porcelain cups pulled from the cupboard without a second thought. More designers are turning their attention to these small moments, using precise materials and geometry to make them feel intentional rather than automatic. UNAVELA’s Aluminium Coffee Cup is one of those objects, taking something familiar and rendering it as a sculptural, almost architectural piece you’d want to keep visible on the counter.
The cup comes from French-Spanish studio UNAVELA, founded by two aerospace engineers who now apply that rigor to everyday objects. The set consists of a cube-shaped aluminium cup with a spherical handle and a square frame saucer, all bead-blasted and anodized in matte silver. It’s designed to be used, noticed, and kept rather than forgotten in a cupboard, and it’s the first piece in a broader collection of functional objects.
Designers: Javier De Andrés García, Anaïs Wallet (Unavela)
The cup itself is a tall, narrow cube machined from a single block of 6061 aluminium, with a square opening sized for a 50-milliliter shot. One face carries a solid metal sphere as a handle, creating a striking contrast between sharp edges and pure geometry. When filled, the silver interior reflects the warm color of the coffee, so the drink visually defines the inside rather than a separate finish or coating.
The saucer takes the form of a flat square frame with rounded rectangular cutouts and a central recess for the cup. From above, it looks like a thin border floating around the cube, especially when rotated into a diamond orientation. The open areas reduce visual weight and echo the cup’s square footprint, turning the saucer into more of a stage than a simple coaster or dish.
Of course, UNAVELA machines each cup from a single block using CNC technology, then bead-blasts the surface to achieve a soft satin texture that feels smooth in the hand. A transparent food-grade anodization protects the metal and keeps it safe for drinks, similar to traditional Italian moka pots. Each piece is assembled and checked by hand in their atelier in the south of France.
The cup isn’t too hot to hold; side-by-side tests with porcelain showed similar exterior temperatures. The anodized aluminium doesn’t affect taste and is safe for coffee. Despite the square opening, one side matches the average mouth width, so you drink from a flat edge rather than a corner, and the experience feels surprisingly normal when it touches your lips.
The cup should be rinsed with water only, no soap, dishwasher, or scouring pads, echoing the care routine of classic Italian coffee makers. The Aluminium Coffee Cup turns a quick espresso into a moment of interaction with geometry and material. It’s less about maximizing insulation or capacity and more about enjoying the shape of the ritual itself, holding something that feels as considered as the coffee inside it.
Espresso is a tiny daily ritual that usually happens in anonymous porcelain cups pulled from the cupboard without a second thought. More designers are turning their attention to these small moments, using precise materials and geometry to make them feel intentional rather than automatic. UNAVELA’s Aluminium Coffee Cup is one of those objects, taking something familiar and rendering it as a sculptural, almost architectural piece you’d want to keep visible on the counter.
The cup comes from French-Spanish studio UNAVELA, founded by two aerospace engineers who now apply that rigor to everyday objects. The set consists of a cube-shaped aluminium cup with a spherical handle and a square frame saucer, all bead-blasted and anodized in matte silver. It’s designed to be used, noticed, and kept rather than forgotten in a cupboard, and it’s the first piece in a broader collection of functional objects.
Designers: Javier De Andrés García, Anaïs Wallet (Unavela)
The cup itself is a tall, narrow cube machined from a single block of 6061 aluminium, with a square opening sized for a 50-milliliter shot. One face carries a solid metal sphere as a handle, creating a striking contrast between sharp edges and pure geometry. When filled, the silver interior reflects the warm color of the coffee, so the drink visually defines the inside rather than a separate finish or coating.
The saucer takes the form of a flat square frame with rounded rectangular cutouts and a central recess for the cup. From above, it looks like a thin border floating around the cube, especially when rotated into a diamond orientation. The open areas reduce visual weight and echo the cup’s square footprint, turning the saucer into more of a stage than a simple coaster or dish.
Of course, UNAVELA machines each cup from a single block using CNC technology, then bead-blasts the surface to achieve a soft satin texture that feels smooth in the hand. A transparent food-grade anodization protects the metal and keeps it safe for drinks, similar to traditional Italian moka pots. Each piece is assembled and checked by hand in their atelier in the south of France.
The cup isn’t too hot to hold; side-by-side tests with porcelain showed similar exterior temperatures. The anodized aluminium doesn’t affect taste and is safe for coffee. Despite the square opening, one side matches the average mouth width, so you drink from a flat edge rather than a corner, and the experience feels surprisingly normal when it touches your lips.
The cup should be rinsed with water only, no soap, dishwasher, or scouring pads, echoing the care routine of classic Italian coffee makers. The Aluminium Coffee Cup turns a quick espresso into a moment of interaction with geometry and material. It’s less about maximizing insulation or capacity and more about enjoying the shape of the ritual itself, holding something that feels as considered as the coffee inside it.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the joy of hosting gatherings and celebrating with loved ones. To ensure your parties are memorable and enjoyable, having the right tools and accessories can make all the difference. We have curated a collection of ten innovative and thoughtful products that will elevate your holiday hosting experience.
Incorporating these products into your holiday and end-of-the-year parties will not only elevate the experience but also add a touch of innovation and style. Whether you’re enhancing the flavor of your drinks, adding elegance to your table setting, or sending heartfelt messages, these products are sure to impress your guests and make your celebrations unforgettable.
1. DraftPro Top Can Opener
Meet the DraftPro Top Can Opener – a unique tool that will transform an ordinary can into a premium, draft-like experience. You can experience the full potential of your canned beverages with this opener. The opener fully opens the top can, forming a wide drinking surface that elevates aroma and flavor.
It lets you savor your drink, whether it is craft beer, soda, or some iced tea. This innovative tool will elevate how you sip, chill, and enjoy your favorite drinks. It merges innovation with everyday functionality, creating a versatile design that is compatible with a large range of beverages. Designed by internationally renowned designer Shu Kanno, it combines precision engineering and modern aesthetics.
You can add ice directly into the can which is great for hot days when you need to cool off. It also supports cocktail mixing on the go, thereby saving time and reducing any extra cleanup. Fully opened cans are also easier to deal with. You can recycle them or repurpose them into creative decor like pen holders or mini planters – truly the perks are endless.
What we like
Enhances aroma and taste by providing a wide drinking surface.
Versatile and compatible with various canned beverages.
What we dislike
Requires careful handling to avoid sharp edges.
May not fit all can sizes perfectly.
2. Titanium Artisans Spirit Cup
Dubbed the Titanium Artisan Spirits Cup, this unique cup perfectly merges elegance and craftsmanship. It will elevate your drinking experience, especially for lovers of fine spirits. The cup originates from Tsubame City in Niigata, Japan, which is renowned for its excellent metalwork.
If you’re serving fine spirits at your next holiday party, then you may want to add this cup to your arsenal. It is a fine specimen of the meticulous artistry of Japanese craftsmen. It weighs around 22 grams and will make every sip memorable and priceless. It refines the experience of drinking spirits, infusing it with Japanese style.
The cup is made with precision craftsmanship and provides an amazing sensory experience. It features a hammered texture that elevates the aromatic profiles of spirits, while the vibrant anodized finish offers a personalized touch to any drinkware collection. The cup is made from premium titanium, making it not only lightweight but also durable.
What we like
Amped with a lightweight and durable titanium construction.
Elevates the flavor profile of spirits with its hammered texture.
What we dislike
Requires careful maintenance to preserve its finish.
3. AromaCandle Thank You Card
The AromaCandle ThankYou Card is a wonderful way to pass on heartfelt messages to your friends and family. It illuminates your messages, bringing back the art of meaningful communication. The unique candle card will fill the air with an enchanting aroma, merging the warmth of a flickering candle with evocative fragrances.
It converts a simple note into a multi-sensory experience. Each card is paired with a scented candle, making your message even more precious and cherished. It offers exquisite scent variants like Sakura, Yuzu, and Green Tea, crafted using the finest aromatic techniques from Paris and New York.
The card features a user-friendly design, which makes writing your note and sending it off quite easy. So you can gift the card to your loved ones at the end of your holiday party! Made from flame-retardant paper with a “natural extinguish design,” it ensures worry-free enjoyment. It serves as a wonderful afternote for your holiday gatherings and dinners.
What we like
Combines a heartfelt message with a delightful aromatic experience.
Made from high-quality, flame-retardant materials for safety.
What we dislike
Limited scent options per card.
Single-use design may not appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
4. Obsidian Black Kitchen Tongs
The sleek Obsidian Black Kitchen Tongs make for a wonderful addition to your diner table. They’re a pair of pitch-black metal tongs, featuring a length of 24cm. They make short work of cooking and serving tasks, whether you’re turning burgers on the grill, or handing out delicate pastries.
The tongs come along with a built-in stand, so you can set down the tongs on your table or counter without fretting that they will scratch the surface. They’re made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, providing twice the strength of the popular SUS304 variant, resulting in a thin and light design.
The tongs are equipped with high corrosion resistance, which ensures longevity. The tongs are reliable and can be used for years to come. The black color is created through a special Black Oxidation process, which ensures no harmful chemicals are utilized, and the color won’t peel over the years. Since the tongs are made from leftover steel sheets, they embody an eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
Durable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-lasting use.
Eco-friendly production from recycled materials.
What we dislike
May not be suitable for extremely delicate tasks.
Limited color options due to the specific oxidation process.
5. Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your holiday party, then you need to incorporate these whiskey glasses. Called the Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass, this luxurious drinkware creates a sophisticated and unique drinking experience. It is reinforced and coated with pure titanium, thereby boasting durability and longevity, which protects the purity of taste.
The whisky glass draws inspiration from the Aurora, and cutting-edge tech was utilized to form a fascinating light and color play, which delivers a truly unique visual experience. It is created by skilled Japanese artisans in Shizuoka, and it merges traditional craftsmanship with advanced space development technology.
Titanium was used to build the glass, which is popular for its strength and biocompatibility. The Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass is odor and stain-resistant, so it will always deliver hygiene. It is inspired by natural phenomena, which creates a visual drinking experience. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship was combined with modern technology, creating a functional piece of drinkware that looks like art.
What we like
Made from titanium, hence it will last long.
The purity of taste is preserved, offering better flavor.
What we dislike
It is intended for whiskey and similar beverages, so it has limited use.
6. Pop-Up Book Vase
Give your flowers a home worthy of fairy tales with this seemingly magical pop-up book vase. Open the cover to reveal a 3D cutout of a vase to highlight the colorful beauty of your floral arrangement. Flip a page to behold another simple yet graceful vase design, allowing for a fresh presentation now and then.
The Pop-Up Book Vase is a creative and whimsical way to display flowers, offering three unique pop-up vase designs per book. Made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating, it’s both eco-friendly and durable.
This ingenious design transforms the traditional vase concept, allowing you to change the look of your floral arrangements with a simple flip of a page. The ability to view the vase from different perspectives adds an enchanting element, making it a conversation piece in any setting. Perfect for those who appreciate innovative design and enjoy adding a touch of magic to their home decor.
What we like
Offers multiple vase designs in one book for versatile displays.
Made from eco-friendly materials with a water-resistant coating.
What we dislike
Limited to lightweight floral arrangements.
Requires careful handling to maintain its pop-up structure.
7. Eterna Glass Mug
Called the Eterna Glass Mug, this drinkware is quite lovely. It merges elegance and sustainability and is made from recycled glass and it is 100% recyclable. The glass embodies a deep respect and love for the environment. Since it is made by hand, it includes little bubbles and traces that add a unique touch.
The Eterna Glass Mug draws inspiration from the cycle of life, and it is equipped with twelve elegant angles that represent the hours on the clock. The mug showcases a continuous flow of time and is handcrafted by artisans in Taiwan. The glass has been selected from Spring Pool Glass, the largest recycling center in Taiwan.
The Eterna Glass Mug merges artistry with environmental responsibility. It is inspired by the cycle of life, hence showcasing a philosophical dimension. The mug is made from recycled glass, which reduces waste and supports a circular economy. Each mug is unique, and one-of-a-kind, equipped with a heat-proof handle.
What we like
Built from 100% recycled glass.
Handcrafted with a one-of-a-kind unique appearance.
What we dislike
Since it is made from glass, it must be handled with care to ensure it doesn’t break.
8. Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs
This one-of-a-kind pair of tongs is called the Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs, and they’ll add an element of finesse and style to your holiday party. You can handle small or delicate pieces of food using these tongs, picking them up and turning them over like an expert. You can use them to serve sushi or other delicate dishes.
The tongs are inspired by traditional Japanese utensils, they combine the elegance of chopsticks with the practicality of tongs. They’re made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, which is renowned for its strength and corrosion resistance. They’re designed to be used every day and are long-lasting.
The tongs feature a special black oxide film which improves durability, imparting them with a luxurious finish that won’t fade with time. They embody a sleek and elongated design which makes them easy to handle and manage delicate foods. They’re a good fit for cooking and dining, serving as a versatile addition to your end-of-the-year gatherings and dinners.
What we like
Mergesthe precision of chopsticks with the versatility of tongs.
Durable and resistant to fading or scratching, ideal for long-term use.
What we dislike
May require practice for those unfamiliar with chopstick-style utensils.
You can’t use them to handle larger food items and dishes.
9. Stacking Sake Drinkware
You could add sake to your holiday party, incorporating a unique element within it. If you do want to serve sake, then you need to get your hands on the Stacking Sake Drinkware Set. This set is designed to elevate your sake-drinking experience. It is inspired by the beauty of Japanese rice cakes, and made from high-quality tin. The tin will enhance the flavor of sake, making it more palatable.
The set showcases a matte finish which is created through sandblasting. This adds a pleasant and soothing touch to the tin, forming a seamless sensory experience. The drinkware is stackable, so the items can be stacked on top of one another, creating an organized set that won’t occupy much space.
The Stacking Sake Drinkware Set is a classy way to enjoy sake. It builds a sacred and pleasing atmosphere where guests can cherish the tradition of sake. The set is designed to cater to both communal and individual experiences, embodying the beauty and richness of Japanese culture.
What we like
Built from high-quality tin, which enhances the sake flavor.
Perfect for individual and communal use.
What we dislike
Specifically designed for sake, it may not be as versatile for other beverages.
10. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
When hosting a holiday party, you need to create an ambiance that feels inviting and cozy. If you want to create a relaxing environment for your guests, then you could incorporate the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser in your home. It serves as a serene and eco-friendly way to enjoy some essential oils. It will surround your guests with calming scents that will melt away their stresses.
The aroma diffuser harnesses the simple yet powerful principles of science and physics. It uses the warm of a single candle to gently disperse soothing aromas throughout your home, creating an ambiance that is welcoming and comfortable. It allows your guests to unwind and feel at ease.
This diffuser stands out for its innovative design that eliminates the need for batteries or external power sources. Instead, it cleverly utilizes the heat from a single candle to activate and distribute calming scents, creating a peaceful ambiance without the carbon footprint. Crafted from sustainable materials, this diffuser embodies a minimalist, eco-friendly ethos, making it a perfect addition to any environmentally conscious home.
What we like
Made from recyclable materials, serving as an eco-friendly way to enjoy aromatherapy.
It is compatible with all kinds of essential oils.
What we dislike
The absence of electric controls means that adjusting the intensity of the aroma can be challenging.
It’s almost too easy to take for granted the vessel we’re drinking from. After all, we’re definitely more interested in the taste of our drink, unaware that the material our glass or cup is made of can actually have an adverse effect on the very taste we’re so fixated on.
And that glass you’re drinking from? It might not even be pure glass but mixed with some metals to reinforce the material, metals that also affect the taste or, worse, affect our bodies.
If you’re searching for the perfect glassware, you don’t have to look far because we have just the perfect design for this very purpose. Stunningly beautiful and faithful to your flavors, this small piece of glassware is able to recreate the magnificent Aurora lights right in your hand, turning every sip into a memorable experience.
Drinking glasses are a common sight in many households, whether they’re for “regular” beverages or alcoholic drinks. Clear as they might appear, some of these are mixed with some metals to produce certain colors or effects.
And while these metals aren’t so dangerous to our health, they do have negative effects on the taste of the drink.
It is almost as if you can’t combine beauty and taste in a glass, but that theory has been proven false with PROGRESS’ Rex Rock glassware.
Skilled craftsmen from Shizuoka, Japan harness the same technologies and processes used in making space-grade equipment like satellites to process titanium of the highest purity to reinforce the glass and coat its inner surface.
This rare form of pure titanium doesn’t release metal ions that mess with the flavor of the drink inside. In fact, it actually works to enhance the taste by breaking down unpleasant flavors.
Pure titanium is also regarded to be the most human-friendly and safest kind of metal because it rarely changes over time. That means no staining, no odors, and completely hygienic.
Pure titanium alone, as impressive as it already might be, isn’t enough to create an unforgettable drinking experience. This drinking glass takes the design even further by reproducing the mesmerizing colors of the rainbow and of the majestic Aurora lights.
This feat is made possible by making extremely precise cuts and changes to the glass’ thickness down to nano levels. Pouring drink into the glass results in a shimmering effect that’s comparable to the soothing glow of the aurora, a bonfire, or a murmuring stream, imagery that calms the heart and soothes the soul.
Stop worrying about the safety and taste of your drink and start enjoying the flavors and the dazzling visuals offered by this pure titanium-reinforced glassware. Whether it’s liquor, soda, or even just ice-cold water, this stunning drinking glass will turn the activity into a joyful and reinvigorating experience, rich in flavor and color.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and reflection. As we prepare our homes to welcome family and friends, our chosen decor can significantly impact the atmosphere. This year, consider embracing the minimalist elegance of Japanese style to create a serene and sophisticated setting. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and beauty, focusing on quality over quantity.
By incorporating a few carefully chosen products, you can transform your Thanksgiving decor into a calming retreat that honors tradition and modernity. And we have curated a collection of five unique products that perfectly embody this style. Integrate them into your Thanksgiving celebration for a lovely Japanese-inspired atmosphere!
1. Use Mood Lighting To Create A Cohesive Ambience
Japanese style and philosophy have the innate gift of making one feel calm, at peace, and almost zen-like. And, that’s exactly the kind of environment you want to create at your Thanksgiving dinner. Create a cohesive and harmonious ambiance by integrating soothing lighting options. Pick a gentle light source to guide guests, and form a welcoming atmosphere. You can use these lighting designs as centerpieces or along pathways.
Consider subtle candle designs like the Japanese Lantern Candle, and group multiple candles on a tray with other natural elements like stones or leaves to elevate the minimalist and Japanese-esque aesthetic. Your guests will feel welcomed, warm, and at ease, allowing them to shed their worries and truly make the most of Thanksgiving.
Japanese Lantern Candle
A great option would be the Japanese Lantern Candle. This lovely candle is inspired by the classic “chouchin” lanterns that were used to illuminate Japanese festivals and traditional bars. This candle will add a touch of historical charm and modern elegance to any space. It offers a warm and relaxing glow, which makes onlookers feel at ease. It is handcrafted, and blessed with a minimal aesthetic, making it an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving table setting.
The outer wax of the candle does not melt, thereby allowing the lantern to maintain its shape and beauty with time. It is a durable product that functions as a long-lasting source of ambient light while forming a peaceful atmosphere that is great for all those present at your dinner.
Showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of traditional Japanese artisanship.
Functions as a decorative piece and a functional light source.
What we dislike
Ideal for indoor use, but not may be able to withstand outdoor conditions.
2. Serve Traditional Japanese Beverages Or Whiskey To Add A Cultural Touch
If you want to fuse some Japanese culture into your Thanksgiving Day, you could consider serving some traditional Japanese beverages or whiskey in some Japanese-influenced glassware. This will help add a cultural touch to your meal, while also creating a unique visual appeal. The sleek and crisp aesthetic of Japanese glassware will elevate and enhance a sophisticated table setting.
You could pair up the glasses with minimalist tableware to create a setting that is classy, elegant, and refined. It will serve as a unique and refreshing change from the conventional Thanksgiving table settings we’ve all grown accustomed to over the years. You could consider the Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass for this job – it will add some cultural charm to your table!
Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass
Elevate your mundane Thanksgiving toast with the luxurious Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass! It is crafted by skilled Japanese artisans and has a sleek and classy appeal. It merges tradition with cutting-edge technology, to create a glass with unmatched durability. It is made from pure titanium which enhances the flavor of beverages, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving celebration.
It is inspired by the Aurora, and cutting-edge tech was used to form a fascinating light and color play, creating a truly mesmerizing visual experience. It adopts advanced space development technology, which creates a product that is practical, functional, and beautiful. The glass is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene.
Made with pure titanium which offers long-lasting use.
Titanium preserves the purity of taste and provides an enhanced flavor.
What we dislike
Limited use, since it is mainly designed for whiskey.
3. Use A Single Color Theme For Synchronicity & Seamlessness
A simple yet clever approach to creating a seamless table setting and incorporating some Japanese-inspired cleanness is to adopt a single-color theme. Try picking out tableware designs of the same color to create a streamlined and organized aesthetic that screams Japanese design philosophy. Stick to crisp and classy colors like black, for a theme that feels subtle yet sophisticated.
We would recommend avoiding loud colors, and instead sticking to the simpler neutral ones. You can never go wrong with black, and a stellar recommendation would be the Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs. It will create a unique table setting for your guests, and serve as an interesting conversation starter for your dinner, and the next few ones as well! You could win the title of a Thanksgiving trendsetter!
Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs
The Obsidian Black PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs are an excellent option to kickstart your single-color-themed table setting. They are a unique blend of tradition and modernity, and they’re great for both cooking and dining. They feature a sleek black color, which will support you in creating a cohesive all-black table setting. You could add other products to the mix like the Obsidian Black Salad and Serve Tongs too!
What makes these tongs even more unique is their chopstick style! They are inspired by traditional Japanese utensils, offering better precision handling and versatility. They add that extra touch of Japanese inspiration to your meal. Whether used in the kitchen or at the dining table, these tongs can add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving meal.
Made from durable SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are built to last.
Features an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable grip.
What we dislike
May be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with chopstick-style utensils.
Use may be limited to certain types of food.
4. Integrate Essential Oils To Complement The Minimalistic Aesthetic
Essential oils are a gateway to peace and calm. Add essential oils to your Thanksgiving dinner atmosphere, to create a vibe that feels calming and relaxing. You can choose essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, or sandalwood to complement the minimalistic aesthetic. These scents will create a lovely atmosphere, helping guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.
You can use diffusers to spread the scent of the essential oils throughout your living space. Place the diffuser in a central location to ensure the gentle aroma spreads and permeates your space. A diffuser to consider for this task could be the Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser. It will help your guests feel at ease in your home, encouraging them to unwind and have a wonderful dinner.
Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
You can incorporate sensory elements into your decor to create a lovely overall experience for your guests. The Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser is an eco-friendly option that uses the power of a single candle to disperse calming aroma. This little diffuser will add a sensory dimension to your Thanksgiving decor, while also aligning with Japanese emphasis on environmental consciousness.
What makes the diffuser unique is that it doesn’t need any batteries or external power sources to operate. It uses the heat of a single candle to spread the calming aromatic scents. The diffuser is built using sustainable materials, adopting an eco-friendly and minimalist ethos.
Made from recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly option.
Suitable with all kinds of essential oils.
What we dislike
It doesn’t feature electric controls, making it tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma.
5. Use Seasonal Flowers To Capture The Essence Of Fall
Flowers are an evergreen addition to any decor or setting, they add a hint of fresh air and natural beauty. You can add seasonal flowers and foliage, using them as stunning centerpieces to capture the true essence of fall. They will beautifully embody the minimalist Japanese appreciation for nature and simplicity, adding some natural charm to your home.
Use unique and innovative flower vases or modular tubes to create an interesting setup. Pick geometrically fascinating ones to build some visual interest, urging your guests to ask you ‘Where did you get this piece from?’ One such worthy option can be the Modular Flower Tubes. The tubes feature different heights creating a visually intriguing experience.
Modular Flower Tubes
Called the Modular Flower Tubes, these beautiful little tubes are an interesting and fun alternative to the boring old vases we all tend to use. The container is built from metal and wood, and it provides flexible creativity to users, allowing them to create their own tailored flower arrangements according to their tastes. You can select seasonal flowers to create a wonderful floral arrangement to add to your Thanksgiving decor.
The tubes have different heights which adds some visual interest, while the use of copper ensures the water is clean and odorless. You can arrange the tubes in different configurations to complement your Thanksgiving decor theme. You can develop different patinas with time, enhancing the aesthetic sense, and adding more value to the vase. The wooden base offers stability and durability to the product.
Creating a perfect table setting is an art that combines functionality with aesthetics. The right kitchen accessories not only enhance the dining experience but also add a touch of elegance and style to your table. In this article, we’ll explore five exceptional kitchen accessories that will elevate your table setting to new heights. Each product is thoughtfully designed, offering a blend of innovation, sustainability, and beauty.
These five kitchen accessories offer a perfect blend of functionality, style, and sustainability, making them essential additions to any table setting. From the innovative design of the Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs to the playful charm of the Playful Palm Grater, each product enhances the dining experience while reflecting a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these accessories will help you create a table setting that is both beautiful and memorable.
1. Iron Frying Plate
Dubbed the Iron Frying Plate, this unique kitchen accessory will revolutionize the way you cook and serve food. It eliminates the middleman between cooking and dining and allows you to enjoy your meal directly from the frying plate. This retains and enhances the flavors and textures of your meal. It features a detachable wooden handle that can be attached and detached, allowing it to convert from a frying pan to a serving platter.
The plate’s unique wooden handle offers convenience, and ease of use, making it a versatile and unique addition to your kitchen and dining table. It is made from 1.6mm-thick mill scale steel, and the plate is rust-resistant, as well as stick-resistant, providing a seamless cooking experience.
The Iron Frying Plate features a unique design that blurs the boundary between cooking and dining. It lets you eat directly from the frying plate, offering a culinary experience that is truly like no other. It uses mill-scale steel, which provides durability and resistance to rust. The detachable wooden handle, on the other hand, delivers convenience and versatility. This plate represents an effort to create an interactive and engaging dining experience.
What we like
Features an innovative design that supports eating directly from the frying plate.
Made from rust-resistant mill-scale steel, providing a durable construction.
What we dislike
The plate could retain heat and requires careful handling.
2. Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs
Say hello to the Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs – they are a masterpiece of design and functionality and a lovely addition to your dining table. They convert the mundane task of cooking into something delightful and exciting, delivering convenience and style. It features a generous length of 9.45 inches, and they are great for different culinary tasks from flipping burgers on the grill to serving yummy pastries.
They come along with a built-in stand, which lets you place them on the counter without worrying that the tips will touch the surface. They are built from SUS821L1 Stainless Steel, and they feature a lightweight yet durable form. They have a thin and sleek form, which makes them a stylish addition to your table.
The Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs are packed with an innovative design and sustainable production. Since they are made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, they are blessed with twice the strength of conventional tongs, which provides them with longevity and reliability. They feature a stunning all-black aesthetic as a result of the black oxidation process, which also eliminates the risk of harmful chemicals contaminating your food. They are made using recycled steel, signifying a commitment to sustainability.
What we like
Made from high-strength stainless steel for long-lasting use.
Features a built-in stand that keeps tips off surfaces.
What we dislike
May be too long for some tasks in smaller kitchens.
3. Eterna Glass Mug
The Eterna Glass Mug is beautiful drinkware that merges elegance with sustainability. It is made from recycled glass and is 100% recyclable, representing a deep respect for the environment. Each Eterna Glass Mug is made by hand and features little bubbles and traces that add a unique personality to the glass while retaining the luxurious appearance.
The mug is inspired by the cycle of life and features twelve elegant angles that represent the hours on a clock. This showcases the continuous flow of time. It is handcrafted by artisans in Taiwan, and the glass is picked from the Spring Pool Glass, the largest recycling center in Taiwan. This glass-dyeing technique offers each mug with a unique color.
What makes this mug unique is that it combines artistry and environmental responsibility. Since the design is inspired by the cycle of life, it has a philosophical dimension to it. It is made using recycled glass, which reduces waste and supports a circular economy. This makes each mug unique and elegant, serving as a functional and beautiful product. It features a heat-proof handle, and tapered bottom for easy and efficient stacking.
What we like
Made from 100% recycled glass.
Handcrafted with a one-of-a-kind appearance.
What we dislike
Since it is made from glass, it must be handled with care.
4. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky
Dubbed the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this luxurious drinkware provides users with a unique and mesmerizing drinking experience. It is reinforced and coated with pure titanium, which delivers unmatched durability and longevity, preserving the purity of the taste. The metal prevents the release of metal ions, maintaining the true essence of your beverages.
Inspired by the Aurora, the glass uses cutting-edge technology to create mesmerizing light and color play, offering a rejuvenating visual experience. Crafted by skilled Japanese artisans in Shizuoka, this glass combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced space development technology, resulting in a product that is both functional and beautiful.
This glass uses titanium, a material renowned for its strength and biocompatibility, making it an innovative drinkware. The glass is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene. The design draws inspiration from natural phenomena, integrating a visual element into the drinking experience. The glass merges traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology, creating a functional piece of drinkware that looks like art.
What we like
Reinforced with pure titanium for long-lasting use.
Titanium preserves the purity of taste and provides an enhanced flavor.
What we dislike
Primarily designed for whiskey and similar beverages, so it has limited use.
5. Playful Palm Grater
Named the Playful Palm Grater, this lovely kitchen tool makes grating veggies and cheese fun and easy. It looks like a piece of paper curled at the corner, and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, providing better control, and ensuring your hand is clean It features a sleek and compact form which makes it a great addition to your dining table, and isn’t meant to be hidden away in your kitchen.
Made from a single aluminum alloy plate, it is both simple and safe to use. Available in a variety of lively colors, the Playful Palm Grater adds a touch of fun and vibrancy to your kitchen, making it an attractive accessory for both cooking and serving. You can use the grater to garnish fresh herbs onto your meals.
The grater is blessed with an ergonomic design and playful aesthetic. It features a unique shape that fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, offering better precision when grating. It utilizes a single aluminum alloy to provide durability and ease of use. It comes in different color options, making it a playful and fun addition to your kitchen. This encourages guests to participate in the cooking process. This grater not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an element of joy and creativity to meal preparation.
What we like
Available in a range of fun and vibrant colors.
It is a fun and engaging design and encourages guest participation.
What we dislike
It has a small size, which may require more frequent emptying.
While I have a lot of mugs at home, most of them are just your normal liquid vessel. They just differ in color and the design printed on the cup itself, but otherwise they’re just your typical mugs. But I’m always open to adding more to my collection if I see a design that is pretty eye-catching. Whether I actually use it or not sometimes depends on my mood though.
If this concept for a mug for a conceptual chocolate brand gets made, it’s something worth adding to my collection. The Horeca mug is a concept for Xocoyo, a brand that doesn’t actually exist but can possibly in the future. It draws heavily from Aztec architecture since the fictional brand also draws inspiration from that ancient civilization. You would think that steep staircases and ancient design would not have anything to do with a coffee or hot chocolate mug, but they were able to incorporate it.
The matte dark ceramic brings back the feel of the earthenware vessels from the Aztecs. The mug itself has geometric shapes from their architecture including the stairs-like bottom part and an angular-shaped handle. The wooden base complements the “steps” and adds a more organic look to the entire product. The name of the brand is etched into the mug.
This kind of design blends storytelling and functionality into what is usually a utilitarian object. But if you can sip your hot liquid of choice from such a mug or even if you just have it on display, wouldn’t you want to add something uniquely designed to your collection?
Drinking coffee or tea is often imagined as a relaxing and chill activity. That’s why cups and mugs for these drinks are designed with comfort in mind. Handles are, of course, the main part that makes it possible to hold even a piping-hot mug of cocoa with confidence.
But what if you took that conventional handle away? Would that mean being cursed with cold or, worse, lukewarm beverages only? This mug has a rather interesting answer to the question no one really asked, designing a mug that you can still safely grip regardless of the contents, presuming you have the finger strength to do it. Or, at the very least, develop that strength from gripping this mug made for rock climbers.
Grabbing a mug of hot liquid with your bare hands is nothing short of dangerous, which is why handles were made for this kind of drinkware. As long as you keep most of your hand away from the mug’s body, however, you’re mostly safe from burns and pain. Even if you just need to grip some parts with your fingertips, all will be fine. Hopefully.
The Pinch Hold Mug was designed precisely in that fashion. While most of the mug is smooth, one side has a rough and uneven surface that would remind you of a rocky crag on the side of a cliff. There are specific indentations where you could place your fingers on and grip them with just your fingertips. It’s definitely a precarious grip, unlike the confidence of a handle, so why would anyone design such a mug?
The answer is that while this mug still lets you enjoy your coffee, tea, or cocoa, it also makes you work for it by exercising your grip every time you want to lift it up. In other words, it’s designed precisely to exercise how you would hold on to rocks while climbing mountain faces and cliffs. If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s a mug designed for rock climbers, but anyone with a strong grip can also get some exercise as well.
The Pinch Hold Mug also strikes an interesting visual, with the juxtaposition of smooth and rough surfaces on opposite sides. It’s made from bone china with a white finish, which is a bit ironic for its rocky inspiration. There’s also a tinier Espresso Cup version designed to hold double shots with some milk for those who like their coffee strong and their grips small.
