WHY You can change the mood of your tablescape by mixing and matching shapes and colors the same way you put together outfits from your closet.

WHAT This venerable Venice pottery studio produces and sells its own handmade, collectible, durable dinnerware, bowls and serving pieces, which come in wonderful satin matte colors. Look for finds in the ‘seconds’ room, the party-like semi-annual sales and owner Cindy Ripley’s unerring eye for accessories, many produced by her talented friends. This place is sort of like the Slow Food of tableware.

WHO Longtime regulars and couples who want a hip, arty alternative to bridal registries.