apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The Handful of Plates design is a really smart idea (although a little out of our budget right now). The curved plates let your picnic guests cradle their food more easily and securely. We're just waiting for a cheaper mass-market version to come along!

But we wonder if these plates were inspired by an older classic design - an original unitasker, perhaps? Banana bowls are often found in milk glass or pressed glass. They are not very common, however, and we're tickled by the idea of a bowl made just for bananas. We wonder if they date back to the earlier part of last century when bananas were still a luxury fruit. Or perhaps they came into popularity when bananas became a big trend (the Chiquita Banana song, anyone?).

Do you own a banana bowl or these picnic plates?

• Handful of Plates $110 for a set of 3 at Greener Grass Design.

• Vintage Milk Glass Banana Bowl on eBay. Currently priced at $0.99, and the auction ends in a few hours. $5 shipping.