Guest Picks: Let the Ants Come Marching In

While April here on the East Coast has brought another (unwelcome) shower of snow, I did spy a more usual sighting at the start of spring: a couple of ants in my house. Those little black bugs are usually considered pests, especially in a kitchen or picnic dishes. But just like the bumblebees and butterflies, they can add a fun, whimsical, graphic element to accessories. Here are 20 reasons to reconsider ants as the cool bug for decorating. — Jen from The Haystack Needle

‘What Is It?’ Ecofriendly Reusable White Dinner Plates With Ant Design, Set of 4 - $14.09 Wait, don’t toss those plates! These may look like classic disposable white paper plates, but they’re actually reusable and dishwasher safe, making them good for your wallet and good for the earth. And they playfully feature a little trail of ants, just for fun.



Ant Scout Fabric, Red Zigzag - $17.50 Check out this tomato-red chevron fabric with a few ants poking around. I could see it on a chair or cushion out on the porch.


Rifle Paper Co. ‘Arthur the Ant’ Art Print - $24 I know two littles in my house who would love to have Arthur the Ant as a decoration in their room. The ever-talented Anna Bond of Rifle Design created this winning print.


Cast Metal Black Ants by Vintage ABCs, Set of 2 These lifelike cast metal ants will definitely get a few laughs. Place them on the table at your next barbecue or family reunion for a cheeky play on the idea that it’s not a picnic without a few ants.


‘Anthill #74’ by Double Down Design - $100 This original watercolor of an anthill shows another side of ants. These bugs sure love to stick together, and they’re certainly a hardworking bunch.


Cloud Watching in the Meadow Bowls by Niya Lee Ceramics, Set of 3 - $46 Bring the picnic feel indoors with these handmade ceramic bowls that are crawling with ants. I love the milky white glaze and the random design of the ant trail.


Toothpicks, Picnic Ant by Enchanted Events & Design, Set of 24 - $12 Perfect for a picnic-style party, this set of 24 toppers features an ant on a gingham background in your choice of color. I love how the ant design makes these feel whimsical rather than overly cutesy.


Porcelain Tumbler With Ant Transfer by Erin Morris Ceramics - $20.48 These wheel-thrown porcelain tumblers feature a solid blue interior and a few ants crawling on the outside. They are on the wee side, just like those little black bugs, and the design take on the ants is more realistic, which may give some the heebie-jeebies.


Ants Lino Print by Melanie Wickham - $35 This piece shows a mini army of ants on their way. It’s an original lino print, and the style of the illustration is striking but not intimidating. These are happy-looking ants!


Ants Hand-Painted White Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer by Paint My Name - $19.50 This little espresso cup has a sense of humor. The ants are hand painted on both the cup and saucer, and you can even add a name to personalize it. Besides, when I drink a shot of espresso, I sure feel a little antsy.


Mushroom House Original Art by Susan Najarian Art & Design - $42 An ant and a bumblebee hovering around a mushroom house — this beeswax encaustic wall art is sweet and magical, perfect for a nursery.


Ant Rubber Stamp by Norajane - $2.30 Crafters, this rubber ant stamp lets you create your own trail of ants on paper placemats, invitations or menus. I love when rubber stamps come on a long wooden stick like this one does; it makes it easy to get a good impression.


Printed Cotton Tape, Procession of Ants by The Handmadesource - $2.49 This sweet procession of ants is just one of many playful designs of cotton tape that I spied in this Etsy shop. You can use the tape to decorate almost anything.



Handmade Porcelain Bowl With Ants and Bugs by Kina Ceramic Design - $24.99 This handmade ceramic bowl goes all-out with the bug design. Ants and other bugs crawl all over this porcelain piece. What’s creepy for some feels cool for others — I’m thinking of my favorite creepiness-loving character, Meghan, on the hit TV show Felicity.


‘Differ Ant’ Print - $19.99 I love this print because it reminds me of a lesson I’m trying to teach my kids: It’s OK to be different. These illustrated ants sure look happy together.


‘Ants in Love’ Original Encaustic Painting by Susan Najarian Art & Design - $25 Encaustic paintings have such a sweet, dreamy quality to them. Hey, even ants can have a little love story!


‘Ants: Did Someone Say Picnic?’ Fabric - $17.50 Gingham meets plaid in this buggy twist on the iconic pattern. Turn a piece of this fabric into a tablecloth for a playful barbecue table.


Cute and Bright Bugs, Snails and Picnic Ants Cotton Fabric by Carolina Cotton Co - $4.50 This cotton fabric would be fun to use in a nursery. It features ants, snails and caterpillars and makes them feel anything but scary.


Flour Sack Tea Towel, 3 Ants by Middle Printer - $6.50 Because every good design motif needs to be on a tea towel. These playful towels feature a few black ants to elicit some laughs at your next spring dinner party.



Insect Figures by Bold House, Set of 3 - $38 This set of bright bugs includes an ant, a fly and a butterfly. Each is painted in a vibrant, glossy color. I’d add them to the garden or deck for a little whimsical decor.

Next: Porch Life: 8 Ideas for Great Outdoor Dining

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