YOUR PLACE.

CELEBRATE WITH A BANG: If Old Glory isn't already waving at your house, take time to unfurl the flag for Independence Day. And while you're at it, consider some of the newest designs for Fourth of July celebrations.

Americaland, a collection of towels, floaties and beach balls by Stephen Sprouse, is available now through July 4 at Target stores, priced at 99 cents to $9.99.

For outdoor dining, Mervyn's has a melamine (think plastic) collection of flag-themed trays, dishes and place mats by Warren Kimbel, priced from $2.99 to $14.99 each. For Americana dreams, Mervyn's also carries stars-and-stripes-themed bedding.

If you live in an area where fireworks aren't allowed, you can still light up the patio with a patriotic display of mini-torches that have the bonus of bug-repelling citronella. They look cool stuck in a bucket of ice; priced at $7.50 for four or $14.95 for a set of eight at Sur La Table stores. The specialty store also carries God Bless America porcelain plates that are dishwasher and microwave-safe, priced at $39.95 for a set of four, as well as a copper Statue of Liberty cookie cutter to make an 8-inch-tall cookie, $24.95.

And, finally, for signing your John Hancock with a flourish, Montblanc has designed a limited-edition fountain pen with a diamond-studded flag on the barrel and American eagle motif on the cap, priced at $18,000.

- Barbara De Witt

WHAT'S COOKING IN THE KITCHEN: Even if you don't need a new oven, you'll want to check out the oven of the future that also keeps food cold. Or the first-ever round refrigerator. For those with an eye to the future (and fans of ``The Jetsons''), tune into HGTV's special ``Kitchens and Baths 2002'' at 9 p.m. June 30. The program, hosted by Joan Kohn, goes booth to booth at the world's largest trade show, held this spring in Chicago to show audiences the best of new design trends, products and fixtures.

- B.D.

CHEAP CHIC: Architect Michael Graves continues his relationship with Target stores with yet another stylish collection loaded with form and function. The latest Michael Graves Design Collection goes beyond kitchen utensils, with an assortment of floor lamps, clocks, wooden furniture, window coverings and bedding. As usual, it's sleek with a touch of whimsy.

- B.D.

GOOD PICKING: It's still not too late (or hot) to start that summer garden, and the Theodore Payne Foundation has plenty to choose from. The nonprofit organization created to perpetuate the native flora of California will hold a plant sale from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The foundation is at 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley. For more information, call [phone].

- B.D.

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