THE RIGHT STUFF: Shape and Color

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CORE VALUE

Little details make all the difference, and a prime example lies in OXO?s clever Strawberry Huller. The spring-loaded gadget pierces bland pith?leaves and all?to scoop it away in a single motion. Perhaps a step above those glorified tweezers parading as proper tools, this petite plunger is a welcome helper when prepping the seasonal fruit for salads, tarts, or snacking.

About $6 at The Chef?s Shop, 31 Railroad St., Great
Barrington, Mass., , www.thechefsshop.net;
Different Drummer?s Kitchen, 374 Pittsfield-Lenox Rd, Lenox, Mass., , www.differentdrummerskitchen.com; Marx Home, 344 Warren St., Hudson, N.Y., , www.marxhomeonline.com; www.oxo.com

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COOL HAND LOOT
More than ordinary household hand protectors, the brightly colored latex and oilcloth Gloveables are constructed with both fashion and function in mind. Thick and flexible, the waterproof manicure-savers are also stitched with ruffled cuffs in funky prints to shield forearms from splashes and debris. Take them away from the sink during light gardening or yard work and show off your smart sense of retro style.

About $15 at Karen Keenan Gifts & Home, 15, Lee, Mass., , www.karenkeenangifts.com; www.gloveablesinc.com
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PRETTY BIRDS
Brighten up a summer outfit with a few pieces of colorful, chunky wooden jewelry hand-carved by Argentina-born, Barcelona-based artist Silvia Mariasis. Her aqua-, mango-, and banana-colored abstract birds are?celebratory and affordable?it?seasy to fall prey.?

Necklaces starting at about $39 at Casablanca,
21 Housatonic St., Lenox, Mass.,
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NICE BUCKET
Lightweight, waterproof, and collapsible, the Presto Bucket is a straightforward, space-saving taskmaster for all sorts of odd jobs?toting water, dirt, picnic lunches?anything with mess potential. It?s that simple.

Ten-inch diameter, three-gallon capacity, about $15 at the , Routes 102 & 183, Stockbridge, Mass., ,
www.berkshirebotanical.org
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SCREEN GEMS
While you certainly don?t want to be that guy?you know, the one who barges through a host?s screen door in a margarita-fueled haze?you also don?t want to be the one fixing pesky rips and tears and cursing said guest the following day. Snap up a few of the magnetic metal emblems that cling onto mesh panels?Patio Screen Savers?and draw attention to the sometimes undetectable barriers.

About $5 at Williams & Sons Country Store, 38 Main St., Stockbridge, Mass.,

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IN THE FOLD
Add another clever carrier to the list of widely available grocery sacks: the Timbuk2 Hidden Backpack, named for its ability to press down into a tiny package when not in use. But while portability is paramount, the origami aesthetic of its crisscrossing straps?cut from 90 percent recycled, rip-stop fabric?is meant to be seen, so flaunt it.

About $28 at AdventureUS, 276 Main St., Great Barrington, Mass., , www.adventureus.net; www.timbuk2.com

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