Frou-frou centerpiece dares you to knock it over

Crystal épergne

The weirdest thing about this ostentatious centerpiece is that it’s not one of a kind. This Crystal épergne is an actual thing. There is not the only one. It has a definition* Personally, I don’t see the allure of a shiny, pokey, baskety thingy that would break in five minutes if put to actual use. Me, I’d rather just stick with a bowl of plastic fruit.

(Via Trendir)

* Épergne: A large table centerpiece consisting of a frame with extended arms or branches supporting holders, as for flowers, fruit, or sweetmeats.

Snake plates!

Snake Platters by Vivre Selection

You got the snakeskin jacket with matching boots and belt. You have a snakeskin wallet. You even carry a snakeskin briefcase (and nobody asks you what’s inside). You are the epitome of snakeskin style. Clearly, you need these Snake Platters by Vivre Selection.

These copper plates are finished in enamel, creating a snake themed platter as durable as it is handsome. These snakeskin plates don’t come cheap, but if you’re willing to shed some skins, the 6-inch, 9.5-inch or 12-inch plates could be yours starting at $70.

(Via Trendir)

The loneliest gadget: The Ice Cream Cone Holder

Chef’s Choice Ice Cream Cone Holder

Here’s a kitchen gadget that just won’t get much use. Oh sure, you’ll try to use it, but chances are it will simply sit unused on the counter top. However, if you think you can make ice cream cones faster than they can grab ‘em, then by all means check out the Chef’s Choice Ice Cream Cone Holder.

Popcorn Cartons for best supporting actor

Popcorn Cartons

You got the widescreen HDTV. You got the surround sound. You got the movie butter flavor popcorn. You got everything you need to simulate the movie experience right in your own home. And then you serve popcorn… in a bowl???

Well, nobody can really blame you, I suppose. It’s not like everybody knows where to pick up a proper serving device for movie night popcorn. Until now. These Popcorn Cartons are the final accessory needed to complete your own personal movie theater. Each colorful container holds two cups of popped popcorn, so everybody can get comfy on the couch with their own carton.

Short of having an insider at your local Cineplex, this might be the best way to stock up on cartons for that authentic popcorn experience. Now all you need to do is install a big giant red curtain to drape over your TV.

UPDATE 7/9/12: Sold out at the link above, but no worries! Like a never-ending stream of sequels, there is no shortage of popcorn boxes and cartons out there!

Fire-roasted stuffed peppers on the grill

Chile Pepper Grill Rack

Just look at that picture. Doesn’t that look crazy delicious? Those loaded peppers would certainly look great on my grill. Just imagine a few juicy burgers cooking alongside this Chile Pepper Grill Rack. Now that it’s grillin’ season, it’s time to consider the deliciousness that is to come in the months ahead. From the looks of this grill gadget, I believe roasted peppers deserve to be included in every single grill session to come.

The stainless-steel Pepper Rack holds 18 peppers and is dishwasher-safe. The rack measures 10-inches by 4.75-inches, and holds the peppers at a height of 2-inches. It will cost you twenty bucks to get your hands on this accessory, which is a small price to pay considering how hard it is to stand a dozen and a half peppers on end.

***Update 10/16/24: Link above no longer worked, but you can still get your grill on with the similar Tablecraft Stainless Steel Chili Pepper Roaster Grill Rack. And it should come as now surprise, but these grill racks now even come in a jumbo size!

Light-activated Recording Can Fridge Guard confirms the refrigerator light really does turn off

Recording Can Fridge Guard

The Recording Can Fridge Guard is an inconspicuous looking device capable of answering an age-old question: Does the refrigerator light really turn off when the door is closed? Simply record a message and stick it in the fridge. It is cleverly camouflaged as a cola can, so any fridge gnomes (I suspect) will not be distracted as they go about their light-turning-off duties. When the door is opened, and light hits the can, your message will play. Pretty simple stuff; if you don’t hear the can talking to itself when the door is closed, well then, the light is indeed off.

Of course, you could use the can to leave recorded shopping reminders or encouraging words for a dieter, but where’s the fun in that? I can’t think of any better way to make sure the light goes off other than opening and closing the door really, really fast.