Whether it’s a housewarming celebration for your new digs at 1133 Hope, a small birthday fete, or you just want everyday to feel like a party, there are shops all over DTLA to help spruce up your space for entertaining. Here’s where to find unique items, from tea sets to plates to a vase full of flowers (and the vase, for that matter).
Flask & Field
When you walk into this dynamite shop, you’ll feel like it’s been curated just for you. Wines with handwritten notes on the tag, the best and most unique spirits, gorgeous glassware and bar accoutrements that would make any cart glow — it’s an entertainers dream. Located in the Row complex, order ahead for delivery or pickup, or check out in person. 767 S. Alameda St.
The Good Liver
Consider this a modern-day version of a general store, only this one is filled with a range of objects that crosses the globe. Handcrafted items are a specialty, from wooden cutting boards to cutlery to woven towels. Any of it will make any home look good. The physical shop is closed due to Covid, but you can still browse and order online for pickup. 705 Mateo St.; (213) 947-3141
Los Angeles Flower District
When you want a lot of flowers, like really a lot, head to the LA Flower Mart (or Market or District, depending on who you talk to). So much more than an ordinary florist, you’ll walk through wholesale markets filled with fresh-cut flowers and plants, really just about any variety you can think of, many California grown. Wall Street between 7th and 8th streets
Bunkado
Open since 1946, this is one of the oldest family-owned shops in Little Tokyo (here’s a great story about the history). The name means “house of culture,” which referred to the goods original owners Suye and Tokio Ueyama sold right after WWII, everything from art supplies to Japanese ephemera. It’s just as eclectic today, now overseen by the Ueyamas niece, and a great place to pick up Japanese teapots, kitchenware, paper lanterns, figurines and other novelties. 340 E. 1st St.; 213-625-1122
Poketo
With locations at the Row complex and in Little Tokyo, this ultra-chic design-conscious store has everyday items for your home, wellness, apparel and gifts. You’ll find things to help create the perfect tablescape with bamboo plates, colorful glass candlestick holders, cute trivets and so much more. ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., (213) 372-5686; Little Tokyo, 374 E. 2nd St., (213) 537-0751
Daiso
If you think you need it, you can probably find a relatively inexpensive version of it at this popular Japanese discount store. For the kitchen, knives, shelf organizers, cute potholders and more. For dining, bowls of every size — a party necessity — cutlery and glassware. Stuff for the bath, bedroom, snacks, holiday trinkets, crafting, and even pet booties because Fi-Fi should also look festive. Located in the Little Tokyo Galleria. 333 S. Alameda St.
Main photo by Louis Hansel/Unsplash