Tools and gadgets to make outdoor living a breeze
No glass by the pool, or on the stone patio.
Is it possible to have something stylish and long lived in non-breakable glasses, or are we stuck using disposable red solo cups for safety?
Hillaby’s says there is an alternative. The Enjoy Centre shop stocks attractive, high-quality acrylic glassware from an Italian company called Guzzini. Established in 1912, the le Marche (eastern Italy) based Fratelli Guzzini pioneered acrylics for kitchenware and tabletop in 1938. This is not your usual one-use plastic. The pieces are sturdy, feel good in the hand, and look great, even after the dishwasher.
Le Creuset Outside
We love Le Creuset in the kitchen, but it’s equally at home on the deck or patio, especially in the new sunny yellow colour called Soleil. The sturdy cake stand is as useful for cut watermelon as it is to display a cake like the coconut rum extravaganza.
The square griddle is barbecue-friendly, ideal for cooking pieces of fish or for mixed vegetables and goes right to the table.
The stonewear pitcher, serving dishes and dinnerware are designed with Le Creuset’s characteristic three-ring pattern and comes in all the good colours.
Zocalo Bistro Set
A ceramics artist and an iron-monger from Michoacán, Mexico handmade bistro table and chair sets exclusively for Zocalo. Sturdily constructed to withstand the wind and rain of an Alberta summer, yet they fold up for winter storage. Three styles: a sunburst Sante Fe design, a blue and white floral pattern, and the contemporary Mondrian look (pictured).
Lekue Citrus Sprayers
Darcy from Call the Kettle Black told us about this ingenious and practical tool for getting the most out of a lemon, and we haven’t stopped using it since. Take a citrus fruit, stick the sprayer in one end and you have your very own personal spritzer. No more ¼ lemons languishing in the fridge. You can measure out a spoonful at a time, or just squeeze away. Excellent for salad dressings and especially handy for cocktails. Taste what a spritz of fresh ruby red grapefruit does for your next gin and tonic. Lekue Citrus Sprayers citrus are packaged two to a card, one for larger citrus such as oranges and grapefruits, and a smaller one for lemons and limes.
Sources: Bella Casa, Pan Tree Kitchen, Italian Centre Shop, Call the Kettle Black, Zocalo, Hillaby’s. Not all items in all stores.