The Dolly table’s distinctive curved legs can actually store papers or magazines, making it the perfect side table. The polycarbonate piece is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and its simple shape makes it a great accent for literally any space. Trust me: just one piece of lucite will shake up the style in any room that has gone stale. And this one is on sale for only $108 at Brookstone. That’s a steal!

Style has been served. This set of handcrafted utensils is made from organically grown bamboo. The handles look like they’ve been dipped in citrusy paint palette. $9.99

This whisk will whip up the fluffiest eggs and batters, and its pared-down design will look beautiful on your countertop. Designed by designer Normann Copenhagen, this kitchen tool will stand on its own, keeping your countertop mess free. $26

The garlic zoom will keep your hands garlic-free and turn out perfectly chopped garlic every time. Internal stainless steel blades turn out perfectly chopped garlic from peeled cloves! Top rack dishwasher safe. $9.99

Photo: From the blog "Between Naps on the Front Porch"

If you’re avoiding a fancy schmancy restaurant dinner this Valentine’s Day and have opted instead for a quiet dinner at home, amp up the romance with a special table setting. Here are some tips to consider while planning your lovely feast.

Pick the right setting: The dining room is fine if you’re having a larger group over for dinner, but you might want to get a little creative if it’s just you and your sweetie. Opt for a picnic-style dinner in front of the fireplace, create a dreamy setting on your coffee table, or pick a table for two on the porch (if it’s warm enough). Hot find : the eyelet napkins seen in the photo above came from Pier 1, and they’re only $4.95 each!

Mood lighting: Candles are a must for dinner any day in my book, but they take center stage on the most romantic day of the year. Set out a collection of votive candles or whatever collection of candle holders you have at various heights. The flickering flames will bask you in a golden glow. Battery operated candles will keep your house flame-free in case you get distracted. Oh yes: make sure that the candles are unscented. You don’t want a floral bouquet to hit you over the nose while you’re sampling penne in vodka sauce.

Serve it family style: Make fewer trips by placing everything on the table, including the wine. That way you can spend more time gazing into your loved one’s eyes as you serve seconds instead of breaking out in a sweat as you run back and forth between the kitchen and your dinner companion.

If you want a more permanent expression of your love this Valentine’s Day, how about a heart-shaped tub?

These expressive fixtures have moved beyond roadside motels and budget honeymoon accommodations to become eye-catching centerpieces in luxury bathrooms–and for those  with a luxury budget.

This free-standing model, retailing for $4,500, comes in red or white and is made in Portugal. Tell me, is this the ultimate statement maker for your bath, or just a questionable way to spend money?

Condé Nast announced this week that it plans to publish a special edition of Domino called Quick Fixes. The publisher says it will be a reprinting of Domino’s best home decorating stories, focusing on easy and inexpensive changes that make a big difference – from quick spruce-ups of dowdy furniture to more involved DIY projects like painting stairs or reorganizing a home office. Domino Quick Fixes will be available on national newsstands in April for $10.99. A second special edition is scheduled for the fall. Visit them on Facebook for updates!

Home decor shopping can be a challenge, but I really do love the hunt. Using a collection of favorite shopping websites, blogs and catalogs, I use my investigative skills to rule out and narrow down the best options for each and every piece. The only time I ever get frustrated is when I have a very specific item in mind and I have no idea where to find it.

Home decor master Grandin Road is making it easier to shop for those must-have furnishings and accents with a new app for the iPad or iPhone. The easy-to-shop app reads like a magazine and features the latest design trends in home furnishings. Check out special sections for holiday decor and celebrations. You can even zoom on product details, bookmark faves, watch featured product videos, and purchase with just a touch. Now you have no excuse to finish that design project, pronto!

Enjoying coffee and a croissant in a wonderful cafe is the ultimate Parisian experience. It’s on chilly winter weeks that I dream of spring and my first trip to the City of Light. There, I whittled away several mornings on a sunny pavement terrace, getting to know strong black coffee while watching the effortless chic walk by. Whether it was coffee without cream or a silk scarf tied effortlessly, I learned that sometimes simple is best.

This set of four handcrafted porcelain mugs remind me of spring in Paris. They are emblazoned with labels straight from turn-of-the-century Paris cafes and are sized extra large for double doses of morning coffee, oatmeal or your lunchtime soup. What a perfect gift for your Valentine. $39.

Photo: The Container Store

I have a dirty little secret: my underwear and sock drawers look like a tornado stormed through them. Tossed about and full to the brim, my pretty little underthings have not been treated with the kindness and respect they deserve. Really, it’s a bit of a shame; those little scraps of satin, cotton and lace can cost a small fortune, so why would I leave them in shambles? No more! This week I am organizing the dickens out of my dresser drawers. To do that, I’m making a very small investment in a few key organizational items.

Organizing the drawers in your home is a snap with our interlocking drawer organizers. They’re easy to use – just measure to fit your drawer then snap off the extra length. You can join pieces together to create openings in virtually any combination. $4.99 each.

Linen drawer organizers are a slightly more sophisticated solution for keeping lingerie, undergarments, hosiery and accessories organized, visible, accessible and protected. Choose from four sizes to create a customized drawer organization solution. $17.99 each.

If you’re a bit of an accessories junkie, check out these Eva jewelry organizers. Made from dense, suede-like foam, they will protect eyeglasses, watches and jewelry. Use these modular organizers in a drawer or on a dresser top. They are stackable, so the small and medium fit perfectly on top of the large. $19.99.

Brad Goreski, People magazine.

The red color of this electric kettle by Delonghi, $79.95, adds a little bit of style for your kitchen.

Who says office work should be boring? The red shoe tape dispenser, $9.99, adds a touch of glam to your busy work.

Amp up the romance with a floral and musky-scented French-made candle by Diptyque.