Hot products at Summer Gift Shows

From the Big Apple to “Hotlanta” and places in between, buyers will be flocking to the gift shows this summer.

By Courtney M. Paschal -- Casual Living, 7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

From the Big Apple to “Hotlanta” and places in between, buyers will be flocking to the gift shows this summer to check out all the new products designers have to offer. From outdoor accessories like weather-resistant rugs to garden decor and casual furniture, manufacturers haven’t scrimped on style this season. Here is a preview of what you’ll see in the weeks ahead.

A screen from Fishtales features the company’s staple – a fish design – crafted of teak or mahogany and available in a variety of finishes.
	Perfect for a centerpiece, Zodax’s scaled down ceramic flower pots sit in a rattan and iron stand.
Standing an impressive 4 feet tall, Ring Toss by Artisan House is a freestanding sculpture of cold-rolled steel with multilayered acrylic paint shaded in vibrant hues.
	New indoor/outdoor rugs debut from Dash & Albert. Constructed of 100% polypropylene, the rugs feature summertime stripe palettes and designs and are machine-washable.
Crafted of rusted steel, the Life is Good garden stake from Z Garden Party is designed by Susan Regert as a lighthearted addition to the outdoors.
	Natural landscapes provided the inspiration for new Shaded Leaf and Birch Bark candles from Vance Kitira International. Wax-on-wax Shaded Leaf candles feature a hand-carved brown sugar accent leaf. The Birch Bark candles are made of recycled wax and feature hand-painted white and brown colorations and tree ring designs to mimic the characteristics of birch.
The Cool Patchwork Balinese umbrella by Zen Zen Garden + Home is crafted of hand-woven Balinese cotton in cool tones of olive, aqua, lime and turquoise. Adorned with tassels, gold tin hearts and brass bell dangles, the umbrella is available in three sizes.
	The Rug Market’s Outdoor+Indoor Collection includes the Veranda series of polypropylene rugs in a variety of elegant designs.
The Siena Collection from Oxford Garden is designed for lounging in smaller spaces. The armchair can recline in five positions, and is complemented with an ottoman and side table. All are crafted of shorea.
	From Immortalis Botanicals’ Designers Loft Collection, an oblong vase holds three gorgeous stalks of burgundy calla lilies with a hint of water bamboo for a classic, yet modern centerpiece.
Teak and all-weather wicker combine for Three Birds’ Ciera Collection, giving the line a more sleek, modern profile.
	Kingsley-Bate’s Tiburon Collection fuses teak and stainless steel for a contemporary outdoor design. Available in orange, black or cream fabric, the line includes a dining armchair, side chair, chaise lounge and bar chair.
A large grill assortment of artificial display foods from Bard International is part of the company’s Babas Marketplace division and perfect for merchandising showrooms.
	From Grasslands Road’s Classic Garden Collection, wall thermometers feature tiny glass chips combined in a resin/cement mixture and then antiqued in metallic copper to create a glistening effect in the sun.
A pressed medallion in the center of the verde green wall thermometer from Infinity Instruments lends a traditional style to the indoor/outdoor piece.
	Jewels of Java expanded its Taft Collection to include a loveseat, coffee table and end table. Sculpted, turned legs highlight the deep seating lounge chair and ottoman.
Grandma’s Attic frog statuary by The Encore Group is crafted of a stone-based resin in art nouveau style. Studded with colored gem stones, the frog can be placed indoors or out.
	Consumers can sit back and relax in Alfresco Home’s St. Moritz Collection, featuring aluminum frames wrapped in all-weather wicker.
New from For Every Body, Vanilla Destinations includes double-wick candles all with a vanilla base combined with fruit and floral fragrances, such as Hawaiian Pomegranate.
	From SPI Home, an angel birdfeeder is enhanced with an antique cranberry patina, also featuring simple, flowing lines for a graceful addition to the yard.
Woodstock Chimes debuts America the Beautiful, a chime highlighted with a blue-washed finish and ash wood design surrounded by five stain silver tubes. The windchime plays the last six notes of the song’s refrain.
	Geometrics are highlighted on the Olympia Collection of outdoor decorative pillows from Elaine Smith Pillows/ESP. The pillows are available in spa and cocoa and as a corded square or fringed lumbar design.
Chang Mai lanterns from PTMD Collection are inspired by the Thailand annual festival, where lanterns are set afloat down a river in thanks of an abundant crop and hope for further bounty. Crafted of wood, metal and glass, the series has been expanded with a round wood lantern.
	The Pangean glider from Byer of Maine is a full-size sling chair that folds flat for storage and transport. The frame is crafted of eucalyptus in a rich, dark finish that will weather with age.
Available in an oval, rectangle or round, the Rainforest Out-durable braided rug by Homespice Décor is constructed of olefin. Soft to the touch, the rugs are stain-resistant and can withstand outdoor elements.
	A new addition to Shady Lady’s Mambajamba Collection, the Arc lamp features three hanging moveable arm lanterns users can position any which way they want.