parties – Page 5 – Beyond The Kitchen Sink

Party on the patio well into the night

Cooking up a feast in the backyard is a great way to spend an afternoon. So great in fact, that more often than not, grilling sessions extend beyond sundown. Luckily, we live in a modern society where a minor inconvenience such as the sun going down doesnâ€™t have to stop the party in its tracks, However, you will need some illumination to overcome Mother Natureâ€™s early bedtime.

The LED Patio Umbrella Light may be a rather unworldly looking light, but it is designed to keep us firmly planted in our backyards. The 4.25-inch diameter saucer slides easily on to standard umbrella poles. Powered by four AAA batteries, the umbrella light may have enough juice to keep the party going, but as far as any sudden fast directional changes are concerned, thatâ€™s entirely up to you.

Ceramic avocado for serving up guacamole

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.

You too can fondue

Fondue couldn’t be easier than with this Trudeau Electric 3-n-1 Fondue Set. No matter if you prefer sweet or savory, broth or oil, the fondue of your choice is as simple as can be. A stoneware insert allows for bourguignonne fondue, while if you prefer cheese or chocolate, a stoneware insert will do the trick. The electric pot also features a variable temperature dial eliminating the need to fuss with an uneven flame. The fondue set includes six serving forks, and recipes are also included. You too can revisit (or visit for the first time) a classic communal party meal designed to bring people together. Also makes for a great gift.

Wide-mouthed frog serves up no flies

I had a frog growing up. Well, a frog-shaped cookie jar, that is. I think he had a yellow bow tie. While that distinguishing feature somehow made raiding the cookie jar OK, this wide-mouthed frog has a bowlful of dip in its belly.

The Frog Dip Bowl & Spreader brightens up the party spread. Good for dips and cheeses, the earthenware frog comes with a spreading knife to match. It’s not easy being green, but this little guy keeps trying — hopefully those aren’t flies in that dip!

***UPDATE 12/4/24: This little guy has jumped away (but you can still find him on ebay). The company was Boston Warehouse, so if you missed out on catching this frog, let them know to hop to it and bring it back!

This beer is yours, no question about it

Itâ€™s the weekend and itâ€™s time to get out there and shake off some steam. If you find yourself at a party with everybody imbibing a good time, chances are your particular adult beverage will at some point get lost in the fray. Perhaps the host had the foresight to stall the oft-repeated refrain â€˜Is this beer mine?â€™ by supplying these Bottle Markers by Make My Day. Made of silicone, the marker slides over the neck of your beverage, and is easily identifiable by color. Now all you have to do is remember which color is yours.

Deviled eggs on the go

I have a friend who knows how to make two things: a bowl of cereal and deviled eggs. How this odd combination of minimal kitchen knowledge came be I never asked, but one thing is certain: those deviled eggs are good. (She also pours a mean bowl of milk.)

With the Snap ‘N Stack Egg-Tainer by Snapware those delicious deviled eggs can be safely and easily transported back to my house. Next time she has a party, I can simply show up with this double-tiered storage container and nestle the eggs into the rounded recesses. I would then be able to easily sneak away and safely carry up to 24 deviled eggs back home. I’m sure the remaining party guests wouldn’t mind mingling with bowls of cereal.