Words: Philip Cummins
This summer is set to throw up its fair share of house parties and BBQs and why shouldn't it? Of course, it being an Irish summer, it lasts for about a day, though during that day, Irish males all look the same: sunglasses mounted on the head, yacht shoes, short-sleeved checked shirt, open (t-shirt / vest underneath). And, of course, where would you be without a nice pair of cargo shorts? Add a bottle of water and a Solero, and you get the picture. There are still some who haven't come out of the dark days of socks and sandals; that combination which reminds us of many a Geography or Religion teacher back in school.
All of this isn't really a problem, but how do you set yourself apart from the pack; from looking just like everyone else? Well, we advise you to do that with some cool, quirky accessories that will effortlessly put you in a league of your own at amount of house parties and BBQs.
1. Bottle Opener Fridge Magnet
This one is for the host who likes to toast the most. This is simply one of the handiest accessories around. Think about it; where do most Irish people hang out at house parties, even when the whether is blisteringly hot outside? That's right; the kitchen. This magical magnet will prevent you and your guests searching high and low or frisking anyone else for the bottle opener. It's a long, long away from those magnets of numbers and letters that our parents had for us on the fridge when we were kids.
2. Key Bottle Opener
That said, you may not have your beer in the fridge - you may be opening up a couple of bottles from the cooler in the garden; what then? This handy bottle opener is, quite simply, a life-saver. Far from being the bulky, awkwardly-shaped bottle opener that many already have as key rings on their key chain, this little guy is shaped exactly like a key, though it's cut to open bottles rather than doors. You'll be guy who says "I, in fact, my dear friend, have a bottle opener"; the guy everyone secretly refers to as "Legend".
3. Zippo Bullet Hole Lighter
There are even people who don't smoke who carry lighters; one look at this Zippo Bullet Hole Lighter and it's easy to see why. As much John Wayne as it is Quentin Tarantino, this lighter has three things: character, character, character. It's one of those objects that immediately arouses interest - the first question you'll be asked is "where did you get that?", upon which, in the style of Wayne and Tarantino, you can make up your own, mythical story as to how the bullet hole appeared in the lighter, who it was that owed you money, and when exactly it was that you skipped town.
4. Red and White Water Bottle Thirst Extinguisher
If you're a teetotaler or, perhaps, just wanting to keep hydrated out in that BBQ weather, put that well-worn, often refilled and battered Ballygowan sports bottle away. This quirky, beautifully designed flask is not only bound to catch the eye, but with each bottle sold, a donation will be given to WaterAid, the non-profit organization dedicated to helping people escape the poverty and disease caused by living without safe water and sanitation. One way of leaving the party with a clear conscience.
5. American-style Brown Paper Lunch Bag
There's always one, isn't there? Someone who doesn't want party food or BBQ because they're on a diet, are lactose intolerant, or, understandably, don't eat meat. They often arrive with a lunch box or a bag of specialist food that we can't spell, never mind pronounce, and hand it to the host to put on a plate or in a bowl. Well, arrive with your fussy food tastes in style. This retro, American-style brown paper bag from Luckies is just the ticket. Just like those brown paper lunch we've all seen in the movies that have been known to contain anything from a sandwich to a gun, it's made from Tyvek, which is a tear-proof, leak-resistant, waterproof material, tough enough to withstand any amount of damage. Inside, reflective insulating material will keep your food hot or cold for hours, while a magnet buttons the bag shut, crumpling the bag in that old-school style. Also great for nabbing food from the party and throwing it in the bag.