Pure EssenceSleek, simple form is the essence...

Pure Essence

Sleek, simple form is the essence of these tables by Donghia.

John Hutton, design director for Donghia, gave the table legs a little flair by using a Queen Anne style.

The Essence tables (from $1,820 to $3,120) are made of maple and have brushed brass galley edges to protect the glass tops. They are finished with a matte lacquer. Ten colors are available, and custom requests are welcome.

The tables are easy to move, making them handy additions to any room or office.

They’re available at the Donghia showroom at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Call (310) 657-6060 for more information.

Pastime Provisions

You’re ready for major-league entertaining with the home plate cutting board and on-deck bat board.

As part of the Hall of Fame induction celebration this weekend in Cooperstown, N.Y., the boards are sure to score big with baseball fans.

The cutting board ($35), made of white birch and treated with mineral oil, is designed after the official home plate used by Major League Baseball. The 17-inch by 18-inch board can be personalized with initials on the front and the Hall of Fame logo on the back.

The bat board ($32, 35 1/2 inches long and 5 inches at its widest point) will be a hit with hoagies or hors d’oeuvres on it.

“These items are a way to share your love of baseball in a different way,” says Barbara Shinn, director of merchandising. “It goes beyond the usual bats, balls and caps.”

To order the boards or the Hall of Fame catalog, call (888) 425-5633.

For Openers

Dress up the passageways in your garden with ornamental gates by Gary Vasquez, a landscape architect in Costa Mesa.

Handcrafted from redwood, cedar or other recycled lumber, the gates are constructed using mortise and tenon joinery. Brass wood screws are counter-sunk, plugged with hardwood dowels and sanded smooth.

The gates can be adorned with concrete reliefs in different patterns or ceramic tiles that have a garden theme. Four finishes are available--natural weathered, painted, sandblasted or stained. Prices range from $75 to $500.

Vasquez has been practicing his craft for seven years.

For more information, (714) 645-2105.