It’s almost too easy to take for granted the vessel we’re drinking from. After all, we’re definitely more interested in the taste of our drink, unaware that the material our glass or cup is made of can actually have an adverse effect on the very taste we’re so fixated on.
And that glass you’re drinking from? It might not even be pure glass but mixed with some metals to reinforce the material, metals that also affect the taste or, worse, affect our bodies.
If you’re searching for the perfect glassware, you don’t have to look far because we have just the perfect design for this very purpose. Stunningly beautiful and faithful to your flavors, this small piece of glassware is able to recreate the magnificent Aurora lights right in your hand, turning every sip into a memorable experience.
Drinking glasses are a common sight in many households, whether they’re for “regular” beverages or alcoholic drinks. Clear as they might appear, some of these are mixed with some metals to produce certain colors or effects.
And while these metals aren’t so dangerous to our health, they do have negative effects on the taste of the drink.
It is almost as if you can’t combine beauty and taste in a glass, but that theory has been proven false with PROGRESS’ Rex Rock glassware.
Skilled craftsmen from Shizuoka, Japan harness the same technologies and processes used in making space-grade equipment like satellites to process titanium of the highest purity to reinforce the glass and coat its inner surface.
This rare form of pure titanium doesn’t release metal ions that mess with the flavor of the drink inside. In fact, it actually works to enhance the taste by breaking down unpleasant flavors.
Pure titanium is also regarded to be the most human-friendly and safest kind of metal because it rarely changes over time. That means no staining, no odors, and completely hygienic.
Pure titanium alone, as impressive as it already might be, isn’t enough to create an unforgettable drinking experience. This drinking glass takes the design even further by reproducing the mesmerizing colors of the rainbow and of the majestic Aurora lights.
This feat is made possible by making extremely precise cuts and changes to the glass’ thickness down to nano levels. Pouring drink into the glass results in a shimmering effect that’s comparable to the soothing glow of the aurora, a bonfire, or a murmuring stream, imagery that calms the heart and soothes the soul.
Stop worrying about the safety and taste of your drink and start enjoying the flavors and the dazzling visuals offered by this pure titanium-reinforced glassware. Whether it’s liquor, soda, or even just ice-cold water, this stunning drinking glass will turn the activity into a joyful and reinvigorating experience, rich in flavor and color.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and reflection. As we prepare our homes to welcome family and friends, our chosen decor can significantly impact the atmosphere. This year, consider embracing the minimalist elegance of Japanese style to create a serene and sophisticated setting. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and beauty, focusing on quality over quantity.
By incorporating a few carefully chosen products, you can transform your Thanksgiving decor into a calming retreat that honors tradition and modernity. And we have curated a collection of five unique products that perfectly embody this style. Integrate them into your Thanksgiving celebration for a lovely Japanese-inspired atmosphere!
1. Use Mood Lighting To Create A Cohesive Ambience
Japanese style and philosophy have the innate gift of making one feel calm, at peace, and almost zen-like. And, that’s exactly the kind of environment you want to create at your Thanksgiving dinner. Create a cohesive and harmonious ambiance by integrating soothing lighting options. Pick a gentle light source to guide guests, and form a welcoming atmosphere. You can use these lighting designs as centerpieces or along pathways.
Consider subtle candle designs like the Japanese Lantern Candle, and group multiple candles on a tray with other natural elements like stones or leaves to elevate the minimalist and Japanese-esque aesthetic. Your guests will feel welcomed, warm, and at ease, allowing them to shed their worries and truly make the most of Thanksgiving.
Japanese Lantern Candle
A great option would be the Japanese Lantern Candle. This lovely candle is inspired by the classic “chouchin” lanterns that were used to illuminate Japanese festivals and traditional bars. This candle will add a touch of historical charm and modern elegance to any space. It offers a warm and relaxing glow, which makes onlookers feel at ease. It is handcrafted, and blessed with a minimal aesthetic, making it an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving table setting.
The outer wax of the candle does not melt, thereby allowing the lantern to maintain its shape and beauty with time. It is a durable product that functions as a long-lasting source of ambient light while forming a peaceful atmosphere that is great for all those present at your dinner.
Showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of traditional Japanese artisanship.
Functions as a decorative piece and a functional light source.
What we dislike
Ideal for indoor use, but not may be able to withstand outdoor conditions.
2. Serve Traditional Japanese Beverages Or Whiskey To Add A Cultural Touch
If you want to fuse some Japanese culture into your Thanksgiving Day, you could consider serving some traditional Japanese beverages or whiskey in some Japanese-influenced glassware. This will help add a cultural touch to your meal, while also creating a unique visual appeal. The sleek and crisp aesthetic of Japanese glassware will elevate and enhance a sophisticated table setting.
You could pair up the glasses with minimalist tableware to create a setting that is classy, elegant, and refined. It will serve as a unique and refreshing change from the conventional Thanksgiving table settings we’ve all grown accustomed to over the years. You could consider the Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass for this job – it will add some cultural charm to your table!
Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass
Elevate your mundane Thanksgiving toast with the luxurious Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass! It is crafted by skilled Japanese artisans and has a sleek and classy appeal. It merges tradition with cutting-edge technology, to create a glass with unmatched durability. It is made from pure titanium which enhances the flavor of beverages, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving celebration.
It is inspired by the Aurora, and cutting-edge tech was used to form a fascinating light and color play, creating a truly mesmerizing visual experience. It adopts advanced space development technology, which creates a product that is practical, functional, and beautiful. The glass is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene.
Made with pure titanium which offers long-lasting use.
Titanium preserves the purity of taste and provides an enhanced flavor.
What we dislike
Limited use, since it is mainly designed for whiskey.
3. Use A Single Color Theme For Synchronicity & Seamlessness
A simple yet clever approach to creating a seamless table setting and incorporating some Japanese-inspired cleanness is to adopt a single-color theme. Try picking out tableware designs of the same color to create a streamlined and organized aesthetic that screams Japanese design philosophy. Stick to crisp and classy colors like black, for a theme that feels subtle yet sophisticated.
We would recommend avoiding loud colors, and instead sticking to the simpler neutral ones. You can never go wrong with black, and a stellar recommendation would be the Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs. It will create a unique table setting for your guests, and serve as an interesting conversation starter for your dinner, and the next few ones as well! You could win the title of a Thanksgiving trendsetter!
Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs
The Obsidian Black PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs are an excellent option to kickstart your single-color-themed table setting. They are a unique blend of tradition and modernity, and they’re great for both cooking and dining. They feature a sleek black color, which will support you in creating a cohesive all-black table setting. You could add other products to the mix like the Obsidian Black Salad and Serve Tongs too!
What makes these tongs even more unique is their chopstick style! They are inspired by traditional Japanese utensils, offering better precision handling and versatility. They add that extra touch of Japanese inspiration to your meal. Whether used in the kitchen or at the dining table, these tongs can add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving meal.
Made from durable SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are built to last.
Features an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable grip.
What we dislike
May be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with chopstick-style utensils.
Use may be limited to certain types of food.
4. Integrate Essential Oils To Complement The Minimalistic Aesthetic
Essential oils are a gateway to peace and calm. Add essential oils to your Thanksgiving dinner atmosphere, to create a vibe that feels calming and relaxing. You can choose essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, or sandalwood to complement the minimalistic aesthetic. These scents will create a lovely atmosphere, helping guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.
You can use diffusers to spread the scent of the essential oils throughout your living space. Place the diffuser in a central location to ensure the gentle aroma spreads and permeates your space. A diffuser to consider for this task could be the Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser. It will help your guests feel at ease in your home, encouraging them to unwind and have a wonderful dinner.
Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
You can incorporate sensory elements into your decor to create a lovely overall experience for your guests. The Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser is an eco-friendly option that uses the power of a single candle to disperse calming aroma. This little diffuser will add a sensory dimension to your Thanksgiving decor, while also aligning with Japanese emphasis on environmental consciousness.
What makes the diffuser unique is that it doesn’t need any batteries or external power sources to operate. It uses the heat of a single candle to spread the calming aromatic scents. The diffuser is built using sustainable materials, adopting an eco-friendly and minimalist ethos.
Made from recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly option.
Suitable with all kinds of essential oils.
What we dislike
It doesn’t feature electric controls, making it tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma.
5. Use Seasonal Flowers To Capture The Essence Of Fall
Flowers are an evergreen addition to any decor or setting, they add a hint of fresh air and natural beauty. You can add seasonal flowers and foliage, using them as stunning centerpieces to capture the true essence of fall. They will beautifully embody the minimalist Japanese appreciation for nature and simplicity, adding some natural charm to your home.
Use unique and innovative flower vases or modular tubes to create an interesting setup. Pick geometrically fascinating ones to build some visual interest, urging your guests to ask you ‘Where did you get this piece from?’ One such worthy option can be the Modular Flower Tubes. The tubes feature different heights creating a visually intriguing experience.
Modular Flower Tubes
Called the Modular Flower Tubes, these beautiful little tubes are an interesting and fun alternative to the boring old vases we all tend to use. The container is built from metal and wood, and it provides flexible creativity to users, allowing them to create their own tailored flower arrangements according to their tastes. You can select seasonal flowers to create a wonderful floral arrangement to add to your Thanksgiving decor.
The tubes have different heights which adds some visual interest, while the use of copper ensures the water is clean and odorless. You can arrange the tubes in different configurations to complement your Thanksgiving decor theme. You can develop different patinas with time, enhancing the aesthetic sense, and adding more value to the vase. The wooden base offers stability and durability to the product.
Creating a perfect table setting is an art that combines functionality with aesthetics. The right kitchen accessories not only enhance the dining experience but also add a touch of elegance and style to your table. In this article, we’ll explore five exceptional kitchen accessories that will elevate your table setting to new heights. Each product is thoughtfully designed, offering a blend of innovation, sustainability, and beauty.
These five kitchen accessories offer a perfect blend of functionality, style, and sustainability, making them essential additions to any table setting. From the innovative design of the Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs to the playful charm of the Playful Palm Grater, each product enhances the dining experience while reflecting a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these accessories will help you create a table setting that is both beautiful and memorable.
1. Iron Frying Plate
Dubbed the Iron Frying Plate, this unique kitchen accessory will revolutionize the way you cook and serve food. It eliminates the middleman between cooking and dining and allows you to enjoy your meal directly from the frying plate. This retains and enhances the flavors and textures of your meal. It features a detachable wooden handle that can be attached and detached, allowing it to convert from a frying pan to a serving platter.
The plate’s unique wooden handle offers convenience, and ease of use, making it a versatile and unique addition to your kitchen and dining table. It is made from 1.6mm-thick mill scale steel, and the plate is rust-resistant, as well as stick-resistant, providing a seamless cooking experience.
The Iron Frying Plate features a unique design that blurs the boundary between cooking and dining. It lets you eat directly from the frying plate, offering a culinary experience that is truly like no other. It uses mill-scale steel, which provides durability and resistance to rust. The detachable wooden handle, on the other hand, delivers convenience and versatility. This plate represents an effort to create an interactive and engaging dining experience.
What we like
Features an innovative design that supports eating directly from the frying plate.
Made from rust-resistant mill-scale steel, providing a durable construction.
What we dislike
The plate could retain heat and requires careful handling.
2. Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs
Say hello to the Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs – they are a masterpiece of design and functionality and a lovely addition to your dining table. They convert the mundane task of cooking into something delightful and exciting, delivering convenience and style. It features a generous length of 9.45 inches, and they are great for different culinary tasks from flipping burgers on the grill to serving yummy pastries.
They come along with a built-in stand, which lets you place them on the counter without worrying that the tips will touch the surface. They are built from SUS821L1 Stainless Steel, and they feature a lightweight yet durable form. They have a thin and sleek form, which makes them a stylish addition to your table.
The Obsidian Black All-Around Tongs are packed with an innovative design and sustainable production. Since they are made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, they are blessed with twice the strength of conventional tongs, which provides them with longevity and reliability. They feature a stunning all-black aesthetic as a result of the black oxidation process, which also eliminates the risk of harmful chemicals contaminating your food. They are made using recycled steel, signifying a commitment to sustainability.
What we like
Made from high-strength stainless steel for long-lasting use.
Features a built-in stand that keeps tips off surfaces.
What we dislike
May be too long for some tasks in smaller kitchens.
3. Eterna Glass Mug
The Eterna Glass Mug is beautiful drinkware that merges elegance with sustainability. It is made from recycled glass and is 100% recyclable, representing a deep respect for the environment. Each Eterna Glass Mug is made by hand and features little bubbles and traces that add a unique personality to the glass while retaining the luxurious appearance.
The mug is inspired by the cycle of life and features twelve elegant angles that represent the hours on a clock. This showcases the continuous flow of time. It is handcrafted by artisans in Taiwan, and the glass is picked from the Spring Pool Glass, the largest recycling center in Taiwan. This glass-dyeing technique offers each mug with a unique color.
What makes this mug unique is that it combines artistry and environmental responsibility. Since the design is inspired by the cycle of life, it has a philosophical dimension to it. It is made using recycled glass, which reduces waste and supports a circular economy. This makes each mug unique and elegant, serving as a functional and beautiful product. It features a heat-proof handle, and tapered bottom for easy and efficient stacking.
What we like
Made from 100% recycled glass.
Handcrafted with a one-of-a-kind appearance.
What we dislike
Since it is made from glass, it must be handled with care.
4. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky
Dubbed the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this luxurious drinkware provides users with a unique and mesmerizing drinking experience. It is reinforced and coated with pure titanium, which delivers unmatched durability and longevity, preserving the purity of the taste. The metal prevents the release of metal ions, maintaining the true essence of your beverages.
Inspired by the Aurora, the glass uses cutting-edge technology to create mesmerizing light and color play, offering a rejuvenating visual experience. Crafted by skilled Japanese artisans in Shizuoka, this glass combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced space development technology, resulting in a product that is both functional and beautiful.
This glass uses titanium, a material renowned for its strength and biocompatibility, making it an innovative drinkware. The glass is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene. The design draws inspiration from natural phenomena, integrating a visual element into the drinking experience. The glass merges traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology, creating a functional piece of drinkware that looks like art.
What we like
Reinforced with pure titanium for long-lasting use.
Titanium preserves the purity of taste and provides an enhanced flavor.
What we dislike
Primarily designed for whiskey and similar beverages, so it has limited use.
5. Playful Palm Grater
Named the Playful Palm Grater, this lovely kitchen tool makes grating veggies and cheese fun and easy. It looks like a piece of paper curled at the corner, and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, providing better control, and ensuring your hand is clean It features a sleek and compact form which makes it a great addition to your dining table, and isn’t meant to be hidden away in your kitchen.
Made from a single aluminum alloy plate, it is both simple and safe to use. Available in a variety of lively colors, the Playful Palm Grater adds a touch of fun and vibrancy to your kitchen, making it an attractive accessory for both cooking and serving. You can use the grater to garnish fresh herbs onto your meals.
The grater is blessed with an ergonomic design and playful aesthetic. It features a unique shape that fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, offering better precision when grating. It utilizes a single aluminum alloy to provide durability and ease of use. It comes in different color options, making it a playful and fun addition to your kitchen. This encourages guests to participate in the cooking process. This grater not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an element of joy and creativity to meal preparation.
What we like
Available in a range of fun and vibrant colors.
It is a fun and engaging design and encourages guest participation.
What we dislike
It has a small size, which may require more frequent emptying.
While I have a lot of mugs at home, most of them are just your normal liquid vessel. They just differ in color and the design printed on the cup itself, but otherwise they’re just your typical mugs. But I’m always open to adding more to my collection if I see a design that is pretty eye-catching. Whether I actually use it or not sometimes depends on my mood though.
If this concept for a mug for a conceptual chocolate brand gets made, it’s something worth adding to my collection. The Horeca mug is a concept for Xocoyo, a brand that doesn’t actually exist but can possibly in the future. It draws heavily from Aztec architecture since the fictional brand also draws inspiration from that ancient civilization. You would think that steep staircases and ancient design would not have anything to do with a coffee or hot chocolate mug, but they were able to incorporate it.
The matte dark ceramic brings back the feel of the earthenware vessels from the Aztecs. The mug itself has geometric shapes from their architecture including the stairs-like bottom part and an angular-shaped handle. The wooden base complements the “steps” and adds a more organic look to the entire product. The name of the brand is etched into the mug.
This kind of design blends storytelling and functionality into what is usually a utilitarian object. But if you can sip your hot liquid of choice from such a mug or even if you just have it on display, wouldn’t you want to add something uniquely designed to your collection?
Drinking coffee or tea is often imagined as a relaxing and chill activity. That’s why cups and mugs for these drinks are designed with comfort in mind. Handles are, of course, the main part that makes it possible to hold even a piping-hot mug of cocoa with confidence.
But what if you took that conventional handle away? Would that mean being cursed with cold or, worse, lukewarm beverages only? This mug has a rather interesting answer to the question no one really asked, designing a mug that you can still safely grip regardless of the contents, presuming you have the finger strength to do it. Or, at the very least, develop that strength from gripping this mug made for rock climbers.
Grabbing a mug of hot liquid with your bare hands is nothing short of dangerous, which is why handles were made for this kind of drinkware. As long as you keep most of your hand away from the mug’s body, however, you’re mostly safe from burns and pain. Even if you just need to grip some parts with your fingertips, all will be fine. Hopefully.
The Pinch Hold Mug was designed precisely in that fashion. While most of the mug is smooth, one side has a rough and uneven surface that would remind you of a rocky crag on the side of a cliff. There are specific indentations where you could place your fingers on and grip them with just your fingertips. It’s definitely a precarious grip, unlike the confidence of a handle, so why would anyone design such a mug?
The answer is that while this mug still lets you enjoy your coffee, tea, or cocoa, it also makes you work for it by exercising your grip every time you want to lift it up. In other words, it’s designed precisely to exercise how you would hold on to rocks while climbing mountain faces and cliffs. If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s a mug designed for rock climbers, but anyone with a strong grip can also get some exercise as well.
The Pinch Hold Mug also strikes an interesting visual, with the juxtaposition of smooth and rough surfaces on opposite sides. It’s made from bone china with a white finish, which is a bit ironic for its rocky inspiration. There’s also a tinier Espresso Cup version designed to hold double shots with some milk for those who like their coffee strong and their grips small.
Halloween is right around the corner, it is a time we can indulge in spookiness, fun, and creativity. If you’re hosting an elegant dinner party this year or a more extravagant rager, then you will need the right drinkware and tableware to make your event a truly memorable one. By incorporating a range of unique and Halloween-themed products you can create the perfect setting, spreading the Halloween fever among your guests. We’ve curated some of the best Halloween-themed drinkware and tableware for your upcoming party. Each design is the perfect culmination of functionality and thematic design, creating a vibe that is both festive and stylish. If you’re looking for some eerier elegance or even some amusing spookiness, then these products are exactly what you need.
1. Elizabat
Designed by OTOTO, this amusing little bat scissor is not simply a scissor. It will aid you in the kitchen to cut, chop, and slice away at veggies and herbs, and then double up as a nifty little bottle opener to open up a few beers at your upcoming Halloween party. It has a pretty easy grip on the inside and the outside, with the clever blade design allowing it to serve as an effective bottle opener. Named the Elizabat, the scissor includes a gap between the handles, which allows it to be used as a nut-cracker. Elizabat has a spooky yet adorable batty design, which makes it a wonderful addition to your Halloween party this year!
What we like
Equipped with an ergonomic and easy-to-use profile
Multifunctional product – serves as a scissor, bottle opener, and nut-cracker
What we dislike
The scissor has a cute bat-inspired form, which may be mistaken as a toy by children, so it must be kept away from them
2. Skeleton Wine Glasses
As cliche as it may seem, having skeleton wine glasses at your Halloween party is a must. These spooky yet classy Skeleton Wine Glasses integrate a touch of eeriness and elegance, ensuring you serve wine in true Halloween fashion at your party. They feature an intricately designed skeleton hand that forms the stem, forming a look that is both chilling and yet sophisticated. The skeleton stems are handmade using zinc alloy topped with a soda-lime glass. The glasses cannot be separated from the skeletons if you’re wondering about that.
What we like
Adds a touch of elegance to your conventional Halloween decor
Excellent conversation starter for your guests
What we dislike
They feature an intricate design, so they may be more delicate and must be handled with care
3. Coffin Cheese Board
This Coffin Cheese Board is exactly what you need to serve some appetizers in a spooky yet classy style. The board is shaped like a coffin, giving it a true Halloween flair. It is handcrafted from sustainably sourced mango wood, and the wood is procured from responsibly managed forests, making it an eco-friendly choice as well. It features antiquated aluminum handles, that perfectly complement the black aesthetic. The wooden board is ideal for serving artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and other classic accompaniments at your Halloween party this year.
What we like
Built from premium-quality materials, and designed for long-lasting use
The coffin shape enhances the Halloween theme
What we dislike
The board doesn’t seem large enough for bigger gatherings and parties
It features a unique shape, which could make it difficult to store away
4. Skull Whisky Decanter
The Skull Whiskey Decanter by Godinger will enhance your bat setup this Halloween! It has a rather distinctive aesthetic! It features a rounded whiskey decanter with a floating skull and a wooden base. If you have whiskey lovers at your party, then this decanter is excellent for storing and serving some whiskey to them. It will add a bold and edgy element to your drinkware collection, while also serving as an eye-catching centerpiece at your Halloween celebration.
What we like
Bold design, providing a strong visual impact
You can use it for storing other spirits as well
What we dislike
Cleaning it might be tough owing to its unique shape
May not be able to hold as much liquid as traditional decanters
5. Skull Cap Double Old Fashioned Glass Set
If you liked the Skull Whiskey Decanter mentioned above, then you may want to pair it up with the Skull Cap Double Old Fashioned Glass Set. They’re by Godinger as well, and they are the perfect way to serve some whisky to your guests. They feature a skull motif, adding the ideal amount of Halloween flair to your drinkware collection. They are semi-handmade, which is evident in the detailing of the glasses. Besides using them to serve whiskey, you could also use them for cocktails as well, if you’re feeling a bit experimental.
What we like
Pairs perfectly with the Skull Whiskey Decanter set, creating a Halloween-themed drinkware collection
Can be used to serve other drinks and cocktails as well
What we dislike
They aren’t suitable for larger drink servings
If you’re aiming for a subtle or classy Halloween theme, these may not be the best option
6. LEGO Popcorn Machine
Created by Dimexart, this Popcorn Machine is made of LEGO. It was created after the iconic popcorn machine you would find in a movie theater. It is equipped with a lovely retro style and is made using 955 pieces. The popcorn in the machine is made using LEGO bricks as well, and the kernel pops out of the machine’s built-in kettle, sliding down the ramp and falling into the bucket. The LEGO Popcorn Machine doesn’t produce popcorn and isn’t tableware in the conventional sense, but it would make an interesting addition to the dinner table at your Halloween party.
What we like
Adds an adorable retro-esque element to your Halloween party
Watching the kettle churn popcorn is an interesting and mesmerizing process
What we dislike
Doesn’t prepare any popcorn for you
7. Count Corkula
Say hello to Count Corkula! This vampire-themed corkscrew is created by OTOTO Design, and it will add a humorous and whimsical element to your wine service. The corkscrew is designed to look like a vampire, topped off with a cape and fangs. It is playful yet in line with a Halloween theme while keeping the unfinished wine in your bottle fresh. The corkscrew is 100% food-safe, BPA-free and dishwasher-friendly. Count Corkula is ready to sink his fangs into your unfinished wine bottles!
What we like
A functional corkscrew that is easy to use, with an amusing aesthetic
Makes wine service playful and refreshing
What we dislike
Unsure of how durable it is in comparison to standard corkscrews
8. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
Dubbed the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this classy glass is inspired by metallic hues, forming a rather incredible light and color interplay. This unique glass delivers an exciting visual experience, as it is equipped with a 1/f fluctuating pattern that will bring to mind the image of a murmuring stream. It is made from pure titanium, giving it a powerful yet elegant look. If you’re looking for something that has a dark and classic aesthetic, helping you maintain the Halloween vibe while providing a break from the obvious sinister-themed designs, then this is the right choice for you.
Makes use of advanced space development technology
It is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene
What we dislike
You’re unable to see how much liquid you’re pouring into the glass
9. Pumpkin Cocotte
Designed by the iconic brand Le Creuset, this Pumpkin Cocotte is for those who want a more subtle and elegant-themed Halloween dinner party this year. The beautifully crafted cocotte is shaped like a pumpkin and is made from cast iron. It is available in two color options – a pristine white, and a soothing Chambray. It is topped with a lovely gold-finished handle which resembles a realistic stem, making it an interesting seasonal addition to your table. It has a smooth and seamless interior that supports caramelization, resists stains, and prevents sticking.
What we like
A versatile design that can serve a variety of dishes
Adds a sophisticated yet themed touch to your table setting
What we dislike
It is quite heavy, especially when filled with food
Since it is Le Creuset, it has a high price point
10. Witch’s Broom Stirring Sticks
If you want to add a fun yet spooky touch to the Halloween cocktails you serve, you may want to get your hands on the Witch’s Broom Stirring Sticks. These playful sticks mimic miniature broomsticks, making them perfect for stirring up some delicious cocktails. Each stick features a hand-finished finial and is designed to add a festive flair to your evening. They’re made from cast aluminum and come in a set of four. The sticks have been hand plated, and finished in black nickel, adding the perfect Halloween vibe to them.
What we like
Adds a whimsical and Halloween-themed flair to a niche drinkware
What we dislike
They’re intended for stirring, so not suitable for all kinds of drinks
They need to be stored carefully to ensure the broom design isn’t damaged
Have you ever sipped a cocktail or eaten a dish and just wondered what that one magical flavor was that you loved but couldn’t put your finger on? Your mind’s thinking of ingredients, but it can’t grasp exactly what made the food or the drink taste so ‘different’. Chances are, that ingredient wasn’t really a solid or liquid, it was air… smoke, specifically. So much of what we eat is an olfactory experience too – we smell the food before and as we eat it, and smoky flavor profiles play a massive role in uplifting our food experience. Think about it, ever since man invented fire, we’ve cooked food, and we’ve given food a charcoal-ish aroma and flavor too, so when you introduce a smoky aftertaste to a dish or a drink, your mind engages with it on a primal level. Smoking dishes and cocktails (or even mocktails) can add that extra oomph to make it distinctly different and better. The problem, however, is that adding a smoky dimension to food and drinks is a bit of a hassle… something this tiny puck-shaped device called the Smokpub hopes to radically change.
The way it’s most commonly done is by taking wood chips and using a smoke gun. The wood chips get loaded into the smoke gun, which burns them and directs the smoke down a tube. The end of the tube goes into a cloche or domed lid with the food or drink inside. It’s a finicky piece of apparatus that A. uses actual fire, B. takes fairly long, and C. isn’t for everyone. Which is why the folks at Smokpub decided it was time to update things. In comes the Smokpub device, a $49 tiny puck-shaped contraption that sits on the rim of any glass. Load wood chips in, close the Smokpub, and it a button on the top and within 2 seconds, smoke wafts right into your glass. No fire, no moving parts, and no patiently having to wait for the wood to burn. Smokpub uplifts the wood-smoking process, and makes it safe enough for anyone to use. In seconds, your drinks (and even food) get this inexplicably complex smoky aroma and flavor that you and your guests will instantly fall in love with.
Compact and portable, Smokpub is designed for both home and professional use. It’s shaped like a thick disc that rests on top of any glass or tumbler, adding smoke into it with the press of a single button. There’s literally no learning curve – all you do is open the Smokpub, load the wood chips, close it, and hit the button on the top. Its 2-second ignition system allows users to infuse smoke into their drinks quickly, making it convenient for use in various settings, including social gatherings or personal home bars. With six different wood chip flavors including oak, apple, and hickory, the device provides options for customizing the aroma and flavor of cocktails, whiskey, or other beverages.
Unlike traditional smokers which use open fires to burn the wood chips/pellets, the Smokpub relies on a controlled, closed electric-powered flame that’s much safer to use. The heat is directed at just the wood chips, causing them to ignite in seconds, and a clever air-flow system has the smoke descending downwards using a series of channels right into the glass below. The entire process is a massive upgrade from how things used to be done, both from a time and safety perspective. Moreover, the Smokpub accelerates smoke diffusion, creating more smoke than other smoking devices (this is caused by heating the wood chips at exactly the right temperature to generate smoke, not a raging fire). More smoke with less burning means a single scoop of wood chips lasts longer and can be used to smoke multiple drinks/dishes.
One of Smokpub’s core strengths lies in its ease of use. Users simply need to add wood chips, place the smoker over a glass, and press a button to activate the smoke infusion process. You can either infuse smoke into your drinks, or add smoke into the glass before pouring your drink in for more flair. The technique works flawlessly with whiskies and rums (anything that’s aged in wood barrels), but can be used with more complex cocktails, spritzes, or hey, even your cup of coffee (if you haven’t tried smoky coffee, you absolutely need to!) The smoker’s 0.001 m³/s smoke output ensures quick and even distribution of smoke, enriching any drink with a distinct flavor in just a few seconds. Its size and design allow it to fit various glass shapes… and hey, if you want to go beyond drinks, add some food into the glass to give it a smoky taste… a prawn cocktail comes first to mind, but smoked meats, nuts, or potatoes are a great pick too.
Use the Smokpub with food to give it a distinct smoky flavor profile
The puck-shaped device comes with a simple two-part design that snaps together when in use, and pulls apart very easily when you need to load wood chips in. The lower tray comes with a metal cup that holds the chips, while the upper half of the Smokpub has the electronics and heating element. The Smokpub is constructed from flame-retardant materials like ABS+V0 polymer and SUS304 stainless steel, known for their heat resistance and durability. The smoker only works when both halves are joined together. Pull the Smokpub apart and it instantly switches off, preventing you from ever getting burnt. The device can be pulled apart for cleaning – to clean your Smokpub, simply rinse the lower half under tap water and you’re good to go. A USB-C port in the upper half lets you charge your Smokpub, which then smokes over 130 drinks on a full charge thanks to the built-in 850mAh battery that runs the low-power electric flamer.
The Smokpub comes packaged in a well-designed gift box and is guaranteed to ship before Christmas, making it perfect for holiday gifting to a father, brother, partner, colleague, or anyone in your family or friends circle who’s a mixology or culinary enthusiast. The $49 box set includes the Smokpub itself, along with a charging cable, 2 boxes of wood chips (cherry wood and oakwood), a metal spoon for scooping the chips, and a pretty remarkable 2-year warranty on the Smokpub device with free global shipping. An extra $15 gets you the 6-box set of assorted wood chips.
I’m not a fan of the word ‘health freak’ because it has a negative connotation for people who genuinely and wholeheartedly want to focus on their holistic health and dedicate time and energy to bettering it. Of course, there are always a few people who take dedication to a whole other unhealthy level, but I do believe most of us have good intentions and balanced mindsets when it comes to taking care of our diet and health. I prefer the term ‘health nerd’ for this crowd, and if you’re a health nerd who has decided to not only consume but cook your healthy everyday meals, then you’ve reached the right spot. In an attempt to support your cooking plan and help you eat better, we’ve curated a collection of kitchen tools, appliances, and tableware that make healthy cooking easy and simple.
1. Cheat Sheets
Named the Cheat Sheets, these non-stick silicone dividers make healthy eating super easy. The sheets elevate ordinary oven cooking, converting a single baking tray into an innovative multi-compartment cooking surface. You can prepare multiple healthy dishes in one go, without wasting too many pans.
Why is it noteworthy?
The nifty Cheat Sheets convert a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas. The sheets can fit six small or three large portions. They are a wonderful design for preparing healthy meals for the family, or to help you plan your weekly meals.
What we like
You can prepare multiple dishes in one tray
Allows you to cook different portions according to your requirement
What we dislike
The sheets are made from silicone, hence they can easily get dirty
2. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Sustainability is the current style and trending theme, and this guilt-free cutlery set will help you stay sustainable wherever you go. Named the Sustainable Cutlery Set, the utensils are made from Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GRP. The cutlery is light, durable, and sturdy, and they’re packed in recyclable packaging.
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is equipped with loads of mechanical strength, so even the toughest of steaks won’t break the knife and fork apart. The different elements of the set can be split in half, making them portable and easy to carry around. The parts can be screwed and unscrewed as well.
What we like
The set is sustainable and designed to last long
Portable form that makes it great for travel
What we dislike
The handles are pretty thin and may be inconvenient for larger hands
3. The Obsidian Black Salad & Serve Tongs
If you’re a healthy eater who loves his/her salads, then the Obsidian Black Salad & Serve Tongs are the one for you. The sleek dark black tongs will toss and serve your salads for you. One head resembles a spoon, while the other is shaped after a fork. The dark shade of the tongs perfectly contrasts with the stunning greens and veggies.
The salad tongs are a must-have for the healthy eaters. You can prepare and serve salads with ease. Besides salad, the tongs are also great for serving fruits and other veggie dishes. The tongs are also great for serving tabbouleh, coleslaw, and other light dishes.
What we like
The tongs are twice the strength of conventional tongs
Light, thin, and sturdy in form
What we dislike
Black color might not blend well with other tableware
4. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
Meet the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors – these all-black sleek scissors have been amped with a curved serrated blade, letting you cut and prepare your healthy meals with no mess. The scissors help you cut and divide your food, ensuring you have better portion control. Not to mention, the scissors will slice up your food pretty quickly too.
Besides being great for portion control, and a no-mess kitchen, the scissors radiate an aura of sleekness and style. They would be a good-looking addition to your kitchen countertop while letting you skillfully chop your veggies, meats, and more.
What we like
Equipped with a special curved serrated blade
Makes cutting an easy and efficient step in your cooking process
What we dislike
There are limited color options – only available in black
5. SmartPlate
Say hello to the SmartPlate portion control dish – this innovative design helps you reach your health goals. If you tend to overeat or undereat, this innovative device lets you easily calculate your carbs and calories in a meal with the help of a picture. You just need to place your food on the SmartPlate, take a pic of it, and upload it to the app.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once you upload the picture, you receive accurate results within five seconds, up to one gram of your food’s nutritional. The SmartPlate ensures you don’t need to measure all the ingredients separately at mealtime. The plate also maintains an organized diary of your meals, so you can easily prepare dishes again or share them with friends.
What we like
Lets you share your eating habits with a personal trainer and friends
Makes portion control easier and more manageable
What we dislike
You need to portion control with care, as excessive portion control can lead to unhealthy eating habits
It’s almost too easy to take salt for granted these days given how common it is, but there was a time long ago when it was as valuable as gold. The role that salt and salty flavors play in our lives becomes all too apparent the moment we taste bland food, resulting in requesting for seasoning or, well, salt. Too much salt, however, put people’s health at risk, especially in cultures that lean towards very salty dishes. Replacing salt with healthier alternatives might just be a stopgap solution, so this innovative electric spoon simply tries to trick our tongues into tasting saltiness where there is barely any salt, allowing people to consume less salt without actual giving up their favorite flavor.
Simple as it may look, our tongues are really complex systems of taste buds that may react different depending on their location and sensitivity to certain flavors. We’ve all been through science experiments related to the different areas of the tongue as well as how weak electrical currents, like those from a lemon, can affect our sense of taste. The latter is the principle behind this simple-looking electric salt spoon that aims to promote a healthier diet by reducing the amount of salt you need to use or consume just to get that salty flavor you love.
In a nutshell, the plastic and metal spoon passes a very weak electrical current on your tongue that tries to draw sodium ions that are normally dispersed and wasted, enhancing the salty flavor that would have otherwise been lost normally. This does mean that the salty flavor doesn’t just magically appear and there needs to still be some amount of salt in the dish for the magic to work. That said, the technology promises 1.5 times more saltiness, which mean you can use 1.5 times less salt to taste the same flavor. For a food culture like Japan that consumes 10g of salt daily, much higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, that’s still a significant reduction.
The design of the spoon itself is pretty basic, and its large handle almost makes it look and feel like a child’s spoon. Operating the electric spoon is a simple matter of pressing a single button to turn it on and cycling through different electrical intensities. Amusingly, they recommend a proper way of holding the spoon and positioning your arm in order to maximize the effect of the weak current provided by a rechargeable lithium battery.
It might be a weird idea to be giving your tongue a tiny electrical shock to make food taste saltier, and the company behind the innovation promises it’s all within safe ranges. While it’s not going to make food magically taste better, the electric salt spoon offers a simpler, and somewhat more affordable way to enjoy low-salt diets without resorting to expensive salt alternatives.
Hollywood has romanticized the idea of living in space or on other planets, but our current technologies have yet to catch up to the future painted by science fiction. Never mind the risks of blasting off into space, living on a space station can be extremely challenging, especially in the absence of gravity. Zero-G, as it is often called, can be fun once in a while and in short bursts, but having to constantly live in that environment turns activities we consider normal and mundane into an exercise in patience. The simple act of drinking, for example, requires sipping from a straw all the time, not exactly the most comfortable method for enjoying precious Earth liquids in space. That’s the problem that this space cup solves, but it accomplishes this impressive feat by taking on a shape that is almost literally out of this world.
Designer: Donald Pettit, Mark Weislogel
It’s only logical that liquids wouldn’t stay still inside a cup without the power of gravity, which is why drinks in space are taken from pouches with straws attached to them. It’s a simple and practical solution that makes drinking feel more like a mechanical act of survival than something that is enjoyed and treasured like those on Earth. NASA researcher Mark Weislogel and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit worked together, the former on Earth, the other on the International Space Station, to come up with a design that brings back the comforting experience of drinking normally from a cup.
The secret behind this “zero gravity coffee cup” is twofold. One is the special design where the cup has sharp crevices where two edges meet. The other is the way liquid behaves when placed in such a receptacle in zero gravity. The liquid is naturally drawn to those narrow spaces following the principle of capillary channel flow and, as if by magic, actually sticks to those edges without spilling out.
Owning the title of being the first cup that was actually designed in space, this zero-gravity drinkware’s first form was actually just a sheet of Mylar taped together at the edges to form a teardrop-shaped container. Of course, such a design hardly counts as a comfortable cup to drink from, so a more refined 3D printed food-grade plastic cup was made on Earth. Another model, this time made from ceramic, was later developed and became the first patented product invented outside of our planet.
The space cup’s unusual shape has raised a few eyebrows, and while it’s now available for sale on Earth from some sources, it doesn’t have the same magical capabilities demonstrated in zero-gravity space. Its alien design, however, does show how outside-the-box thinking will be necessary to have more “normal” experiences in space, and we have to expect that the first generation of what we consider to be ordinary products will take on sometimes unusual forms just so they can function in the same way.
