The calendar says it's that time of the year again. A time where parties are no longer perilous, resolutions no longer redundant and changes no longer clich©d. December always seem to pack a joyous punch and before ringing in the New Year we are toasting to innovation by introspecting the inexhaustible mine of creations, artistic trajectories, design information and memorable anecdotes.

As a writer, last year was especially momentous for me as I became part of the 3rings motley crew and since then there has been no looking back. You read about the products I am most thankful for a month back when everyone was sitting at the Thanksgiving table gobbling turkey. Now it’s time for a nostalgic blast from the past (come on, I had to use the phrase at least once). I am going to compile my favourite products that underline the interplay of verbal and the visual, and demonstrate the expressive use of imagination, imagery and innovation. So without further adieu, here are a few of my favourite things (in my best Julie Andrews voice).

Let’s first look back at the Dutch Tub . It made the list not only because I fantasize about snow-capped mountains more often than any other sane person should. But also because the Dutch Tub was the very first product I covered on 3rings. Highlighting every facet of design, the Dutch Tub is a winner thanks to its unique style and purpose. More importantly  it contributes to the "worldwide outdoor-bathing culture" which makes it quite noble, well almost.

DutchTub, wood fired hot tub. Designed by Floris Schoonderbeek.

Our next stop, the Chocolate Vanilla Table:  "Hello. My name is Tanya Palta and I am a Chocoholic". Now that my little problem is public its time to appreciate the sinfully named Chocolate Vanilla Table. Designed by Indian industrial designer Abhijeet Kumar, the table is an inimitable exploration of old crafts and new aesthetics. A creative confluence of culture, art and craftsmanship, the table avoids the "ethnocentric" trap quite beautifully.

The Chocolate Vanilla Table. Designed by Abhijeet Kumar, in collaboration with Satyajeet Kumar.

Next on my list, the White Bronze Bench was recently exhibited at Design Miami and makes this History major all warm and fuzzy. Drenched in history without being historical, the bench not looks like a relic from an age past but also strikes an unswerving dramatic pose.

White Bronze Bench. Designed by Terence Main. Exhibited via the Magen Gallery.

Now it’s time for food with the Sheer Kitchen. Never in a millions years would a kitchen have made this list but writing for 3rings has made me a more evolved individual. One look at the Sheer kitchen and the ersatz feminist inside me has been subdued  and I want to be another Martha Stewart . Flaunting an unabashed glamour and a progressive sensibility, the Spherical Kitchen is a singular interpretation of what the modern kitchen should look like.

Spherical Kitchen. Designed and manufactured by Sheer.

It’s time to console the Omar Console Table. This table encapsulates cultural hybridization since the Britain born designer lists the Middle Eastern culture and the Candelabra school of design as primary inspirations. Measuring 800mm H x 1200mm W x 320mm D, the table is a lush commemoration of multi-cultural aesthetics and highlights how inspiration can be found in the crevices and corners of any culture.

Omar Console Table. Designed by John Reeves.

Let’s also pay our respects to one of my favorite architects with the Riddled Table. This exquisite table masterly demonstrates the brilliance of renowned architect and designer, Steven Holl. I simply love the interplay of light and shadow as the juxtaposition of materiality and translucency makes for an entrancing imagery.

The Riddled Table. Designed by Steven Holl Architects and Nick Gelpi. Manufactured by HORM.

No list of mine could ever be complete without the Search Table (hey at least I am loyal). Prof. Ezri Tarazi's creation exemplifies the interplay between the growing proliferation of individual Web sites and their actual assimilation and highlights the limitless imagination of the design continuum. The surrealistic paradoxical m©lange of digital images draws attention, whatever the occasion.

Search Table. Designed by Prof. Ezri Tarazi.

Now let’s pop the bottle of champagne and really start having fun with 11 Foosball Table. This is the closest I will ever come to playing football or any other sport come to think of it. Designed by GRO Design and Tim Modelmakers, the table creates a sense of unification between design, form, colour, material and light. At present the "11" table is a showcase prototype in spite of it being fully playable and functional.

11 – the beautiful game. Designed by GRO Design and Tim Modelmakers.

And here’s some zen for later in the night: the Stink Tree Coffee Table. Something called stink would usually make me run the other way. But as the great Bard said "what's in the name"? The Stink Tree Table seeks inspiration from the silhouette of the Tree-of-heaven, also known as Chinese sumac or the "Stink Tree." Made of solid mdf layers coated in automotive lacquer and clear coat, the table accentuates Gold's novel approach to the structure of the design.

Stink Tree Coffe Table. Designed by Dylan Gold. Manufactured by Link Studios.

And our final stop for the evening, let’s toast to a better and more sustainable world with the Transplastic Series. Designing for a sustainable future is not a passing trend as going green is no longer privy to a select few. The Transplastic series by the Campana brothers epitomizes the synergy amid land and its produce and the  designer's imaginative musings from discards and natural fibers encourage conscientious design.

Diamantina. Designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana. Installed at Design Miami, 2008.

So hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and do tell us which were your favourite products in 2008. Don't forget to ring in 2009 with style and loved ones and do remember to make a resolution or two even if they don't stick. So signing off now and see you next year.