With an alfresco dinner party in the works, I needed to track down the perfect set of unbreakable—but cute—dishes. At Restoration Hardware, I noticed a tin box that held a set of four circus-themed plates, each with a different animal on a red background. The borders looked like old Barnum & Bailey posters. And though the plates were festive, I didn't want to have flashbacks of leering clowns while eating. 935 Broadway, nr. 22nd St.; 212-260-9479.