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After watching the spectacular pageantry during Opening Ceremonies of the Bejing Olympic Games, there is now an abundance of inspiration for a celebratory barbecue or party. You can quickly add a splash of eastern glamour and flair to an Olympic garden party or even a quiet garden meal with this Balinese Parasol. Available in a sophisticated Fuchsia, Tangerine or Lemon, the bright colours capture your attention and imagination. Full of delicate features and fine details, the Balinese Parasol captures some of the charm and magic of far off shores. The large fabric umbrella is supported by many bamboo struts each finished with a dangling gold tassle or bells and decorations. The two-piece wooden pole is decorated with lovely golden motifs for that extra sparkle. A brilliant centre-piece with exotic flair, the Balinese Parasol brings adventure and beauty to your garden for £99.95 from Scotts of Stow. (Best viewed with Internet Explorer)
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Posted by Kate on August 11, 2008 12:05 AM
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A modern Salad Set that captures the magic of summer, the Eva Solo collection makes a sea-side splash at your dinner table. Bringing back childhood memories of sea-side sandcastles, the Eva Solo set features an oversized spoon and fork. With a striking resemblance to toy spade and fork, these nostalgic severs easily capture lettuce for your plate. The brilliant white bucket is a pristine backdrop for your lettuce and salad making it look bright and luscious. The large looping handle makes it perfect for alfresco dining when you may have lots to carry. Simple and sophisticated, the clean modern lines bring a fresh style to seasonal salads. Available from Amazon.co.uk:
Eva Solo Salad Bowl - £41.50 
Eva Solo Stainless Steel Salad Set - £24.00
Posted by Kate on July 21, 2008 12:02 AM
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OK, I know it's extravagant and decadent, but there is still something romantic about the Emma Bridgewater Picnic Hamper. Distinctly British, this handmade willow basket opens to reveal an assortment of beautiful picnic treats. Perfect for romantic meals along a picturesque river or merely enjoying the warm summer sun, the Bridgewater Picnic Hamper brings luxury and charm to al fresco dining. Featuring lovely Emma Bridgewater plates and bowls, the creamware dishes are hand decorated with a sprinkling of pink & red hearts. Paired with the crystal cut champagne glasses and your table is set for romance. Each piece is held securely in the basket ensuring everything arrives safely at your destination. A brilliant gift for special anniversaries, the Picnic Hamper encourages you to seize the moment and create memories with that special someone. Available from John Lewis for £200, the Emma Bridgewater Hearts Picnic Hamper includes two plates, two cups, two crystal cut champagne glasses, two cutlery sets, an insulated wine cooler, a condiment set, two napkins, a tablecloth and the ever important waiter’s friend.
Posted by Kate on July 11, 2008 12:10 AM
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I love getting together with family and friends for parties and celebrations, but it isn't always easy to serve a large group of people. Traditionally people would turn to paper plates, but modern designers have created some clever solutions that are kinder for the environment. The new CaterPlate provides a light weight solution to all your party problems. No more juggling or dropping knives, each CaterPlate provides your guests with cutlery, a plate, two sauce trays and a safe place to hold your wine glass. While at first glance they look like one use items, each of the utensils can be reattached after use. A brilliant balance between disposable and reusable, you can wash the CaterPlate but you also don't need to worry if they get broken. A great addition to your summer barbeques, parties and picnics, the CaterPlate is available in black, clear or orange from Smarter Products.
Pack of 6 CaterPlates - £4.99
Pack of 10 CaterPlates - £7.59
Pack of 48 CaterPlates - £32.99
Continue reading "CaterPlate Disposable Plate Set" »
Posted by Kate on July 10, 2008 12:05 AM
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Whether you are looking for a portable BBQ or simply for a compact smoker to add flavour to fresh meats, the new Cobb Barbecue Cooking System offers a revolutionary approach. Designed to work like a convection oven, just 8-10 charcoal briquettes are all that is needed to cook for three hours. The innovative design brings variety to your outdoor meals, grilling, baking, smoking, boiling, frying, warming and even cooking up crisp pizzas. The Cobb Grill's ingenious cooking surface allows excess fat to drain away while not dripping on the charcoals, ensuring the end of smokey flare-ups. And while inside temperatures may reach 500 degrees, the base is completely cool to touch making it safe for use on tabletops. A wonderful fuel efficient appliance, the light Cobb Grill weighs an astonishing 8.5 lbs but cooks for an impressive 4 to 6 people. The Cobb Barbecue Cooking System features a Xylan-coated non-stick surface and a stainless steel bowl and dome, making it dishwasher safe. A brilliant way to appreciate the outdoor and great food simultaneously, the Cobb Barbecue Cooking System is £89.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on July 7, 2008 12:14 AM
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Everyone wants to eat healthily and reduce waste, but it can be difficult to manage everyday. The Laptop Lunch Box is a new and creative way to make a daily packed lunch. Inspired by Japanese Bento boxes, the Laptop Lunch brings fun and excitement to packed meals. Made entirely from non-toxic food-grade polypropylene and polyethylene, the Laptop Lunch Box System includes five reusable containers and a knife and fork. Most are open boxes, but one large box comes with a lid, perfect for wet items like yoghurt or baked beans; while the tiny lidded container is great for salad dressing or dips. This unusual way of packing your lunch, encourages you to find new and different healthy items to fill the brightly coloured boxes. And if you want to pack something larger, you can remove some or all of the boxes for a personalised lunch box each day. The reusable boxes remove the the need for plastic sandwich bags reducing how much you need to throw away, while also making it easier to pack fresh fruit, vegetables and home cooked meals. Each Laptop Lunch Box even comes with a 'User Guide' with recipes and suggestions to get you started. Made of durable plastic the Laptop Lunch Box is dishwasher and microwave safe and comes in four brilliant colours. Available online from BeckyAndLolo.co.uk, the Laptop Lunch is part of three different sets:
The Basic Laptop Lunch Box Set - £12.49
Laptop Lunch Kit (with insulated carry bag and water bottle) - £19.99
Bento Sleeve Kit (with waterproof sleeve and ice pack) - £19.99
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Posted by Kate on June 26, 2008 12:14 AM
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With the summer holidays quickly approaching, you may want start planning ways to keep the kids busy! Why not transform a simple trip to the park into a picnic adventure with the Monster Tableware from French Bull. Made from durable Melamine, the Monster cups and plates will survive even rambunctious children. Designed by Jackie Shapiro, each plate features a graphic retro print and a single Monster character for a trendy fun style. The brightly coloured patterned dishes are even dishwasher safe, so you've no fear of them fading. A fabulous product the kids will love, the French Bull Monster Tableware is available from KitchenAria.
Set of Four Monster Tumblers- £19.50
Set of Four Monster Plates - £23.50
Posted by Kate on May 13, 2008 12:04 AM
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These new cool containers will thrill anyone who needs to take food on the go. Featuring a unique dual wall design, the EZ Freeze Cool Gear is filled with an insulating gel. Simply pop the containers in the freezer the night before, and the blue gel will keep your lunch or dinner cool for hours. Two designs particularly stand out as innovative solutions. The 'EZ Freeze Cool Gear Salad 2 Go' features a separate compartment built into the lid specifically for salad dressing. A brilliant way to ensure lovely crisp lettuce without sacrificing your tasty dressing, the 'Salad 2 Go' is perfect for light summer meals. The 'Cool Gear Cereal on the Go' is great for late breakfasts or those running late in the morning. Featuring two stacking containers, the top one holds your cereal, while the insulated bottom compartment keeps your milk cool. The 'Cereal to Go' even includes a folding spoon under the lid, so you have everything you need. Brilliant new travel containers, the EZ Freeze Cool Gear collection from Lakeland will make summer picnics and trips even more delicious.
EZ Freeze Cool Gear Salad 2 Go - £5.99
Cool Gear Cereal on the Go - £4.99
Posted by Kate on May 6, 2008 12:07 AM
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I love the simplicity of this clever idea. While I'll admit it's not often an issue in England, nothing will set kids screaming faster than an insect in their drinks. When the excitement of summer holidays, family barbecues and picnics mean drinks get put down and forgotten, the bug screens ensure your drink is still safe when you finally find it. Made from a re-usable foam, the bug screens simply clip under the ring pull while letting you drink through the perforations. Available as a pack of twelve, six covers are designed to fit pop cans while the other six will fit beer cans. A clever idea for summer events, a pack of Bug Screens is just £1.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on April 22, 2008 12:17 AM
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As we wait with anticipation for warmer days, why not order a 'Life's a Picnic' bag ready for those sunny afternoons. Full of Eco-friendly items, the 'Life's a Picnic' bag is ready to serve a party of four or eight at a moments notice. All stored in a natural jute bag, the napkins, plates, cups, glasses, and even cutlery are compostable and biodegradable. Ethically produced from sustainable plant resources, the set can be reused several times if gently cleaned. Perfect for a spontaneous day out, the 'Life's a Picnic' set ensures a conscientious meal out for the whole family. Available from Nigel's Eco-Superstore:
'Life's a Picnic' 4-Person Set - £16.99
'Life's a Picnic' 8-Person Set - £21.99
Posted by Kate on April 1, 2008 12:06 AM
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A juxtaposition of cultures, the John Lewis Geranium Tiffin Box offers a world class style for alfresco dining. Inspired by traditional Indian tiffin boxes, the Geranium Box features four separate tiers. Sprinkled with Japanese-style geraniums, the melamine picnicware has a bright warm energy. Featuring flip-lock mechanism with a carry handle and a divided top layer with three compartments, the John Lewis Geranium Tiffin Box is ideal for serving several dishes for lunch or on a picnic. Microwave and Dishwasher-safe, the Geranium Tiffin Box is an affordable £20 from John Lewis. (Also available in Black)
Posted by Kate on March 25, 2008 12:08 AM
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A brilliant addition to summer parties, the Pic' Nix Finger Food Bowl by Koziol is a charming and easy way to serve tasty snacks. With three separate compartments, you can serve a selection of appetisers conveniently. At the centre of the divided tray stands a cute little warrior. His spiky hair is formed by the tooth picks set out for serving. With no need to assemble your appetisers before hand, you save time while allowing your guests to create their ideal combinations. Available in orange and blue, the Koziol Pic' Nix Finger Food Bowl is £22.00 from Iggloo Homeware and Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on February 29, 2008 12:20 AM
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An ideal item for camping or college life, the BlenderBottle whisks and blends without the need for another appliance. Useful for making things like salad dressings, batter and milk shakes, the BlenderBottle does it all without electricity. The durable plastic bottle features a wire spring ball that when shaken acts as a mixing blade. A great way to expand your culinary options without taking up lots of space in your kitchen, the BlenderBottle is a clever new solution. Available from Lakeland for just £8.50, the BlenderBottle is even dishwasher safe.
Posted by Kate on January 24, 2008 12:07 AM
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Combining play and dining etiquette, the Children's Puzzle Tray by Royal VKB encourages children to learn while they eat. Perfect for picnics, TV dinners, or when ill in bed, the Children's Puzzle Tray features simple Melamine utensils with raised red buttons. Like the wooden puzzles we all grew up with, each fork, knife and spoon fits in it's own specific place. The clever design lets each piece break into the plate edge for a truely puzzle-like effect. A great product that educates while also keeping things tidy, Royal VKB show that design can transform everyday objects into something unique and special. A winner of the Red Dot design award, the Children's Puzzle Tray is available for £37.95 from Pedlars.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on October 19, 2007 12:09 AM
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A fabulous hobby that blends a love of the outdoors with a passion for cooking, mushroom collecting is gaining an new resurgence. A fabulous tool for those wishing to take up the hobby, Legnoart Porcino Mushroom Knife makes a fantastic gift. Designed by Enrico Albertini the sharp folding blade is carefully shaped so the mycelium is not disturbed as you cut the mushroom. The opposite side of the pocket knife features a flip-out brush ideal for removing dirt without bruising. A beautiful knife that blends gleaming steel and smooth beechwood, the Porcino Mushroom Knife is hand crafted in Italy for a high quality finish. A hobby that requires much study and care, mushroom collecting is not for the fickle or faint of heart; but for those with the dedication and perseverance, the Porcino Mushroom Knife from Legnoart can help bring wild woodland flavours into your kitchen for £18.99.
Posted by Kate on October 16, 2007 12:05 AM
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We all know that children benefit from a well balanced diet full of fruits and veg, but tiny taste buds aren't always so easy to convince. The new 'Food for Thought' by Concentrate endeavours to keep fruit pristine, protected and appetising on your child's daily trip to school. Made of a tough durable plastic, the 'Food for Thought' lunch box features two protective bubbles ideal for apples, oranges and other fruit. This ensures that there are no unsightly bruises or bangs and makes packed lunch fruit much more appealing. The Concentrate Lunch Box also comes with two plastic pots perfect for things like grapes, nuts and raisins. A simple way to promote healthy diets, the Concentrate lunch box makes it easy to switch from manufactured lunch treats to natural fruit snacks. There is even a thermo-spot on the base of the lunchbox which show how cool the food is. When combined with the additional Neoprene Lunchbox Cooler, the 'Food for Thought' ensures that even without refrigeration your food remains cool till lunch time. A fantastic way to promote healthy eating while also improving your child's concentration during lessons, the 'Food for Thought' Lunchbox is just common sense. Available online from John Lewis and SmarterProducts.co.uk, the 'Food for Thought' Lunchbox and the Lunchbox Cooler are just £10 each.
Continue reading "Concentrate 'Food for Thought' Lunchbox and Cooler" »
Posted by Kate on September 12, 2007 12:02 AM
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When living an environmentally friendly life, traditional events can suddenly require careful thought. Take cocktail parties and large family gatherings for example, to serve so many people one is often forced to use disposable plates and cutlery. First Bambu offered their Outdoor Dining Range of bamboo veneer plates and cutlery which provided convenience and strength in an environmentally friendly package. Now Bambu have added bamboo Veneer Sporks to the range. Small dual function utensils, the Bambu Sporks are great for eating one handed while standing at parties. Designed with a scoop at one end and narrow tines at the other, Bambu spork is more practical then your normal fast food sporks. Available in packs of 24, these disposable utensils can be easily composted after use. Clever and convenient, the Bambu Veneer Sporks offer an environmentally friendly solution and a stylish addition to picnics, parties and BBQ's for just £8.50 from Amazon.co.uk and $9.50 from Amazon.com.
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Posted by Kate on September 3, 2007 12:07 AM
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Now that we are finally seeing some warm sunny weather, it's a great time to finally get out and enjoy the season. Where ever your adventures take you, from parks and picnics to your own backyard, this Retro Striped Flask is a great companion. With bright and cheerful vertical stripes, the Retro Flask brings a smile with every cup you pour. With a distinctly vintage design and a quirky contoured handle the Flask has fabulous nostalgic charm. Featuring a 2 litre capacity it's ideal for picnics and days out, while the bright eye-catching colours help ensure it's not left behind. A fantastic addition to your summer meals, the Retro Flask is £12.99 from Danetti.com.
Posted by Kate on August 1, 2007 12:11 AM
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Continuing our kids summer theme, Lego have created a stylish and modern tableware that everyone will love. Perfect for your outdoor parties and barbecues, these resilient melamine plates will survive any accidents or mishaps. Each plate features four trendy bright stripes, and a column of the classic Lego brick pattern. A subtle contemporary pattern, these plates bring sophistication to our childhood passion. And when paired with the matching Lego Tumblers, you have a modern table set with nostalgic charm. A practical table set for the summer holidays, the Lego tableware is even dishwasher-safe. Available online from Lego, the Lego Plates are available as a set of two for £7.99, while a pack of four Lego Tumblers is just £9.99.
Posted by Kate on July 19, 2007 12:03 AM
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When camping and travelling the first rule is always to travel light. Unfortunately when it comes to cooking, this can leave one short of options and equipment. It's these restrictions that make the Cadac Carri Chef Deluxe Combo Barbecue such an innovative solution. While being collapsible and lightweight, the Carri Chef Deluxe also lets you boil, bake, grill, fry, stir-fry and barbecue! The different functions are provided through a selection of interchangeable cooking surfaces that can be placed over the adjustable gas barbecue. With a skottel (wok), non-stick reversible grill and a domed lid, the Carri Chef Deluxe offers the variety and convenience of home. Including extra features like a condiments tray, pot stand and handy protective travel bag the Carri Chef lets you easily cook anywhere. A fabulous design for at home or away, the Carri Chef Barbecue takes camping and outdoor BBQs to new levels. Available from Calor at barbecue-online.co.uk for £119, the Cadac Carri Chef Deluxe Combo Barbecue will make a great addition to your summer kitchen.
Posted by Kate on July 12, 2007 12:03 AM
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After a cool and chilly bank holiday weekend, people are craving and longing for the warmth of summer nights. To make the most of your summer, cooking and dining outdoors is a wonderful way to appreciate the season. For an unusual barbecue style that contrasts the normal sharp modern styles, the Memphis Two Burner Barbecue offers brilliant colour and retro glamour. Making it easy to perfectly grill your burgers and veg, the Memphis Barbecue features a stainless steel cooking grill and warming rack and two side shelves provide ample workspace. Embracing a clean tidy design, the Memphis Barbecue has an integral storage cupboard for the gas cylinder. With fabulous 50s inspired car styling, the Memphis Two Burner Barbecue brings a nostalgic feel to your summer barbecue. Recalling the fond memories of worry free nights and traditional summer cuisine, the Memphis Two Burner Barbecue is available in red, cream, blue and pink for £143.08 from B&Q
Posted by Kate on May 28, 2007 12:13 AM
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As the summer approaches so do the barbecues and parties, but serving lots of people inevitably leads to paper plates and plastic forks. Cheap, flimsy and bad for the environment, Bambu now offers an organic alternative to these disposable dishes. Winner of a Best Product Design Award by Fortune Magazine, the Bambu Dining Range is perfect for both inside and outside. The lovely bamboo plates and flatware are sturdy, affordable and offer a wonderful texture. Made from 100% organically grown bamboo, the Bambu Outdoor Dining Range biodegrade in just four to six months after disposal, but also can be washed and reused. Available from Heal's, the Bambu Outdoor Dining Range is an affordable, eco-friendly product for modern living. Each pack offers 8 place settings for just:
9” Bambu Veneer Plates - £8
11” Bambu Veneer Plates - £12
Bambu Veneer Knife/ Fork/ Spoon Sets - £8.50
Posted by Kate on May 8, 2007 12:18 AM
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Looking for a something quirky and fun for your garden dining? The new Ribbon Parasol lends a hint of summer carnival to your outdoor dining experience. The shapely beige umbrella features a different stripe of colour down each seam. Each panel is tied together by brilliant shiny ribbons in a large dangling bows. Made from 100% cotton and supported by a steel frame, the Ribbon Parasol adds bright rainbow colours and a festive atmosphere to your garden. New from Heal's, the Ribbon Parasol is available for £125
Posted by Kate on May 7, 2007 12:10 AM
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