Chilling with the hors d’oeuvres

Prodyne Appetizers on Ice with Lids

It is no accident that revelers at a party tend to congregate in either the kitchen or at the table spread. The kitchen is where the refrigerator is (holding all the beer) and the spread, wherever it may be set up, houses all the food. Clearly, these are the two best locations at any party. As the festivities reach into the night, inevitably, the beer is removed from the fridge, and the hors d’oeuvres are happily consumed. Usually.

If you find that your guests tend to flock into the kitchen, yet stay away from the food, you may need to reconsider your approach. Perhaps it’s not what your serving, but rather how you’re serving it. The Prodyne Appetizers on Ice with Lids serving tray keeps food fresh and chilled even as your guests warm up. The appetizers rest above a bed of crushed or cubed ice, and feature three double compartment upper food trays so as to maximize variety. There’s even a dip tray included at the center of the serving platter. To assure your guests do gather ’round and keep the kitchen at least somewhat clear, the tray revolves, making it the perfect spinning accompaniment you want to have at your party.

The sound of one hand grinding salt and pepper

Salt & Pepper Grinder

Salt and pepper make everything taste better. The two common spices find their way into practically every meal. While the popularity of salt and pepper cannot be debated, delivery method of said spices certainly can be. Salt and pepper grinders, shakers and mills come in all sizes, shapes and configurations. When it comes down to it, as fun as all these variations may be, all we want to do is season our food.

This Salt & Pepper Grinder set connects at the middle forming a cool hourglass shape, or, the grinders can be used individually. Best of all, operation is performed by using just one hand—perfect for prep work when having two clean hands is always a luxury. While this kitchen gadget may not enlighten you to the sound of one hand clapping, when it comes to Zen at the dinner table, these grinders have you covered.

Crab Dip Bowl not just for crab dip

Crab Dip Bowl Set

I find something slightly unnerving about serving platters made to look like animals. Considering the fact that most crabs would likely not approve of crab dip, it’s no wonder that this particular giant crab is holding a lighthouse hostage. If you can get past the steely glare offered by this hand painted Crab Dip Bowl Set, the lighthouse serves as a convenient 5-inch spreader. The crab itself holds 8-ounces, and in view of the size of those claws on the thing, you just may want to serve a simple cheese spread instead.

Oil and vinegar one drop at a time

Pipette Oil & Vinegar by Design House Stockholm

Sure, you could use an oil mister to dress up your greens, or even the old fashioned way of pouring (gasp!) a mixture over your salad, but I think that’s all a little too last millennium. In this scientific age we all need to embrace the era that we live in. If that includes salad dressing, then so be it. I am prepared to meet the future head on; now you can too.

The Pipette Oil & Vinegar set by Design House Stockholm intends to bring up to date the way that we store and serve our salad essentials. Doling out exact measurements drop by drop, you have full control over your salad. The pipette set, designed by Camilla Kropp, is the perfect serving solution for the precision cook (or budding molecular gastronomist) in all of us.

Ceramic avocado for serving up guacamole

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Forget the cookie jar; point me to the Guacamole Bowl. The perfectly ripe ceramic avocado holds guacamole or other avocado-inspired dips. (For salsas, check out the Salsa Bowl.) The three piece hand-painted set made from Progressive International not only mimics the texture of the avocado, but the 7-inch long serving ladle is made to look like an avocado stem. The only question that remains: with a 1.5-cup capacity, what are you going to eat? This one is mine.

No pizza is safe from Mario Batali pizza cutters

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Okay, it’s official: Mario Batali truly is a superhero. Just take a look at that Mario Batali Pizza Knife. Only the purest of heart and clearest of mind can wield such a weapon tool. It even has his personal superhero logo plastered on it, so there can be no doubt as to whom it belongs. The pizza knife measures fifteen and a half inches across, allowing for the slaying slicing of most pizzas in one fell swoop. For the not-so-pure-of-heart, or for those still in training, there is always the Mario Batali Pizza Wheel. As a convenience for the home cook, the master chef has made sure there is a place for these in the home; Both the wheel and the knife feature nylon styling to protect your delicate non-stick pans.

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