Yesterday was basically a national holiday in our house. After days of running to the mailbox with joyful enthusiasm, only to be disappointed by the presence only of bills, 75 Chinese and Italian takeout menus, and assorted other junk mail, it finally came.

The IKEA catalog. It's here. Hallelujah.

So what that basically means is that I did ZERO housework or back-to-school organization after 5pm last night. If it hadn't been for sad puppy eyes and a slight trail of drool left on page 47 of the catalog, I may have also forgotten to feed my animals (The beings of the human variety who live here knew they were on their own).

All sense of responsibility goes out the window when the IKEA catalog comes. Can't help it.

Real Simple agrees. "There's nothing like getting the fresh, new IKEA catalog in August, thumbing through the pages, and bookmarking or tearing out your favorites to bring to the store," they said.

It's not like everything in it was a total surprise. I've been peeking online for weeks, reading tidbits about this year's hot items and why the 2017 catalog is, from a design and content standpoint, a departure from previous years. It reads far more editorial this year, with features on "13 real people around the world" that highlight "how Ikea is connected to the way they live and incorporated into their daily lives," said POPSUGAR. It also includes a recipe for pulled salmon sandwiches (umm, no), a companion to its new menu item, the smoked salmon sandwich that gets a starring spot on the very stylized back page (no thanks, I'll be sticking to meatballs).

This idea beyond the 2017 catalog is to go beyond cool, inexpensive, put-it-together-yourself stuff, creating "home furnishing solutions that help people to live a life without negative expectations," said Real Simple. "We want people to care less about other people's opinions—and more about what they want themselves." The Washington Post adds that IKEA welcomes a "more relaxed life" in the 326-page catalog that carries the theme, "Goodbye expectations. Hello you!"

OK, sure. We're on board. But, really, we just want to look at the stuff. And we know that many of you don't even want to bother with the whole catalog, so for anyone who doesn't regard it with nearly as much excitement, or who would prefer a Cliff Notes version, we're happy to help. Here are a few of the things you should head right on over to the big blue and yellow box to buy.

We're suckers for IKEA's utility carts, and this new one is more of the same good stuff. Priced at $29.99, Sunnersta comes in white. But, truth be told, we're picturing two of them side by side in our front hall, spray painted in peacock blue.

SUNNERSTA

The Gladom Tray Table is genius. No, really. This little, powder-coated, metal side table in pale yellow or sage green has a tray that lifts off! And it's just $29.99, which means we can get a good dozen of them without feeling guilty. The Washington Post likes it too. "A table that is also a tray; a tray that's also a table. I can think of many uses for this flexible metal design."

GLADOM

Everybody's got an awkward corner that just needs…something, right? We'll take the Söderhamn Corner Section. How cute is it in baby pink (it also comes in turquoise, white, and dark gray)? It's durable in microfiber and it's affordable at $200.

SÖDERHAMN

We love IKEA's rugs for their size and pricing, but this new LOBBAK rug also brings some snazzy design in a herringbone pattern. Because it's a flat weave, it'll clean up well, and it can also be used outdoors. Best yet: it's just $79.99 for the 6'7" x 8'2" rug.

LOBBÄK

Smart storage is one of the main concepts of the 2017 catalog, and the KVISTBRO storage tables are a great option. "It's a table and display case in one! Fill this wire-patterned stand with books, blankets or even kids' toys for a practical yet pretty storage solution, said Today. "There's a handle on the top that makes it easy to open."

KVISTBRO

Yes, that's a kitty cat print. On the curtains. These MATTRAM panels are $24.99 and we need all of them.

MATTRAM

We usually veer toward stone countertops, but this BARKABODA Wooden Herringbone Countertop is so pretty, we just might have to make an exception. It's $229, comes prefinished and in a 98" length, and can be cut down to fit your needs.

BARKABODA

"This new countertop option is so unique and lovely," said Apartment Therapy. "Adding pattern to your kitchen is totally on trend, but it's an especially cool twist to have it be on your counter surface. Finally, it comes in at a price point that would fit into many reno or refresh budgets (and has DIY or hack applications beyond the kitchen, too!) yet looks super luxe. Love!"

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