The pineapple is a traditional symbol of warmth, hospitality and friendship.

Musical Interlude With apologies to the trusty old clock built into the microwave, we have a new favorite way to keep on track as we are cooking. When this tiny timekeeper winds it down plays with the tinkling notes of Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turca." BUY IT: Kikkerland, $18

Stately Spoon Rest Do not let his delicate looks mislead you: Bert the Peacock is pretty enough to perch on a bar or buffet table and sturdy enough to handle utensils stoveside. (He is also an excellent hostess gift.) BUY IT: CB2, $25

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Himalayan Salt Plate Guacamole power transfer: Serving your dip with this curved piece to give it only a lot of extra brine. (Alternate power move: Seasoning your guac using the four ounces of earth salt that arrive with your plate, should you really feel like using it as a purely decorative accent rather. Your call.) BUY IT: Elemeants in Etsy, $19

Functional Art This laser-cut custom mirror sizes . smoked-oak-veneered trivet protects tabletops from hot pots and plates, of course, but that wants to pay it up? Divide the difference and leave it out when dinner's over. BUY IT: Finnish Design Shop, $20

Scientific Spices When you have emptied these lab-quality Erlenmeyer flasks of the peppercorns, don't be shy about filling up 'em with blossoms -- they are mighty cool as contemporary vases. BUY IT: Reluctant Trading, $14 and upwards

Pattern Play Meet the commencement of your quirky new pottery collection: These terracotta cachepots complement each other and can make blue-and-white bits you pick up in years to come seem much better. BUY IT: Pottery Barn, $15 and upwards

Ceramic Chic The pineapple is a traditional symbol of warmth, hospitality and friendship. This lemon (which divides into a set of measuring cups) is a symbol of how your tchotchkes work twice as hard as everybody else's. BUY IT: World Market, $13

Seasonings' Greetings Unlike real cats, all these salt-and-pepper-dispensing felines won't push other objects off of the dining table and feign innocence. BUY IT: West Elm, $24

Nordic Pop Unless (or maybe especially if) you've developed a sentimental attachment to soup-stained ducks in straw hats, it's time to retire those old oven mitts and achieve for some Marimekko. BUY IT: FinnStyle, $15

With the Band When getting everyone out the door on time feels just like embarking on a 12-city arena-rock excursion, Mike Vaiksaar's tin guitar-case lunchbox has you covered. (Psst: Left open on the countertop, it doubles as a stylish fruit bowl) BUY IT: SFMOMA, $22

Wash This Space Yes, you have to keep a scrubber out close to the sink -- but no, they do not have to be eyesores. BUY IT: Kitchen Stuff Plus, $15

Instant Classic First produced in the '40s and '50s, pale green jadeite glass was once available at hardware stores. Pieces such as this bowl are hot collectors' items today, and it's easy to see why: They create everything appear good. BUY IT: Terrain, $22 and up

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Go-Everywhere Serving Plate Having a style boost from Chip and Joanna Gaines, a humble late-night snack is suddenly Instagram-worthy. BUY IT: Magnolia Market, $18

Glam Colander It is high time that your farmers'-economy haul got the Hollywood treatment. This colander is a capable co-star in both traditional and modern spaces, thanks to its own chrome base and golden accents. BUY IT: Crate and Barrel, $25

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Dadaist Detail We're prepared to bet Salvador Dali's kitchen clock seemed something like this. (If you want to double back on surrealism, set this bit with Les diners p Gala, his 1973 cookbook. Yup, Dali wrote a cookbook.) BUY IT: FirstStreet, $20

Food and Fauna While scientists have yet to establish that hors d'oeuvres taste better when arranged around ceramic infant wildlife, we're convinced the statement is coming any day now. BUY IT: A&G Merch, $19

Skeleton Crew Who knew getting volunteers to aid with the dishes was as simple as purchasing the very best rubber gloves ever? Huh. BUY IT: Fred, $10

Sweet Stoneware This quartet of measuring spoons does not have to disappear into a drawer when preparation is finished. Looped over a knob or cup hook, it's a lovely pop of unexpected interest. BUY IT: Anthropologie, $18

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Graphic Tea Towel Made from natural unbleached cotton and published with environmentally-friendly ink, this mod fabric is ideal for cooks who dream about the desert as they wash their own dishes. BUY IT: Etsy, $12

Pressed-Glass Stand Don't sweat it if you're not a dessert enthusiast: This vintage-inspired piece elevates everything from cupcakes to keys. (Disclaimer: Please don't eat your car keys) BUY IT: Pottery Barn, $15