I was out for a stroll the other day when I heard it: the tinkling, warbling, tinny sound of summer — an ice cream truck! I couldn't even pretend to play it cool. My heart still skips a beat when I hear an ice cream truck kicking out the jams in the distance. So let's get excited about the sweet, sticky months ahead. First order of business: ice cream.

A delicious drink is one of life's simple pleasures. Whether you like to take your drink cold or warm, inside or outside, a covered mug will keep it fresh until your next sip. 

Maureen Goldman thinks that the dining room is one of the most soulful spaces in the home. To that end, Maureen has stocked her web shop with tabletop goods that are handcrafted by American artisans. Named after a dear aunt, Catherine's Table is a curated collection of what Maureen calls "comfort goods".

In November, as we neared the end of our year long editorial calendar, our focus shifted toward the ways we share our homes with others, during the holidays and beyond. Hosting parties, dinners and gatherings is enjoyable on many levels, not least of which (for design lovers like us) is the opportunity to dress up a table beautifully. Check out what our wonderful writers came up with as ideas for well-styled settings circa 2012...

• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Simple Chic Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting an Organic Black & White Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Happy Modern Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Warm Industrial Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting An Eclectic Collector Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting an Elegant Yet Quirky Table in Black and White
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Cocktail Party Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a New Traditional Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Green & Gold Table
• Entertaining Elements: Setting a Monochromatic Table in Red/a> More

Warning: This roundup of barware posts from 2012 may inspire you to pour yourself a little tipple. But, hey, it's the end of the year so that's perfectly fine, right? Cheers!

• Celebrate in Style: 10 Contemporary Champagne Flutes
• Simple & Beautiful: Pitchers
• Cocktail Chic: Aperitif Glasses
• Celebrate in Style: 10 Simple and Beautiful Champagne Flutes
• Best Ice Buckets 2012
• Basic Bar Essential: Cocktail Shakers
• Best Corkscrews & Wine Openers 2012
• 15 Round Bar Carts: Serving in Style
• Everyday Good Design: Wine Glasses
• Easy Summertime Entertaining: Drink Tubs More

If you're a fan of bottled soda, the green-tinted glass filled with tiny air bubbles might look familiar to you. When those thick glass bottles from Coca-Cola can no longer be recycled and reused, Japanese studio Nendo upcycles them into the modern tableware you see here. More

Every now and then I stumble upon some interiors that totally get me excited - giving me ideas for how I'd like my home to be one day. Some of them are a bit extreme, but the ideas embedded in them stick and I find myself daydreaming in this direction for weeks. When I saw these pic of Host Restaurant in Copenhagen I fell in love. More

Google "gold dipped wine glass" and you'll find tons of DIY projects out there, proving that this trend is still going strong. If you don't have time to do some yourself, or are afraid of inhaling metallic spray paint, you can always head to a store instead. These seven wine glasses each have a touch of gold and are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Cheers! More

Bamboo is usually used on a summer tabletop, but I love this combination of a fresh, green material with a rich, winter color. Not everyone has frigid weather during the winter, and this modern combo serves as a lighter option for holiday entertaining. Or, you may be hosting a more casual party: monochromatic reds and a lighter, sustainable bamboo play up the mood in a less formal setting. What do you think? More

When it comes to setting your dining table sometimes simple is best. Keeping classics on hand ensure a clean, chic, timeless table, regardless of the season or holiday. Neutral colors and natural materials always look great solo, together, or mixed in with special occasion wares. More