Grab Guard

Here’s a little peace of mind you can carry around with you at all times. Grab Guard allows you to instantly secure your purse, briefcase or laptop bag to your chair wherever you are—restaurant, bar, coffee shop, airport—the office. Attach it to a park bench, supermarket cart, or baby stroller and be rest assured that no one can grab it and take off. Simply program a 2-digit code, pull the retractable cord, and lock. Comes in basic black, 3 hot colors, blue marble, rich mahogany or Italian marble. $19.99, available on the website.

EAT OUT SERIES: part two

Going on a picnic or to the beach? Bring along these stylish and functional pieces.

let’s dish: French Bull
I don’t believe in using disposable dishes. They’re not really nice to eat off of, especially if you are not seated at a table to stabilize the situation. French Bull has a super cool line of plastic melamine dishes that you can take out with you and not worry about breakage. They even have a handsome carrying trolley to tote your set. The ROSE collection will add a cheery blast of color to your gathering. $11 for the 11” plates, $8 for the 8” plates, available on the website.

Govino: unbreakable wine glasses

For those who wouldn’t dream of drinking wine in anything other than crystal, Govino has created an unbreakable glass that was developed for wine salespeople on the go. Though not actually glass, the BPA-free polymer feels like it, and will not take away from the drinking experience. The wine glass measures 4.4 inches in height and holds 16 ounces, the champagne flute is 5.3 inches high, and holds 8 ounces. Practically a steal at $12.95 for a pack of 4; for those who throw large parties outdoors the 36 or 72 packs will come in handy. Available on the website.

outdoor LOUNGING

Comfortable seating makes being outdoors even better.


Gardenhouse: an artist’s touch
Photographer Cheryl Maeder and artist husband Gary love to scour flea markets and antique stores and update their vintage finds in vibrant colors and modern fabrics. This refurbished gold metal settee, seen above, is just one example. It can be used indoors or out, and has Sunbrella canvas cushions and pillows which flip to black patent leather on the reverse. Check the website to see their other finds. While you’re there, see Cheryl’s photography which also keeps with the “vintage gone modern” concept, featuring Dreamscapes of soft-focused beach scenes and sweeping landscapes. Decorate your weekend house with both! All the pieces can be purchased through the website and can be shipped throughout the US.

oh, so comfortable: Royal Botania

If it’s total relaxation you are looking for, and have the space, this set from Royal Botania is for you. I recently spotted FOLD at ICFF, where I road-tested it and can assure you it was absolute heaven-on-earth. The outer piece is moulded out of material which is scratch resistant and requires minimal maintenance. Deluxe, all-weather cushions come in 13 basic colors and 36 premium color and pattern options. Choose the pieces you need to suit your space, from $1,300 per setion (plus cushions). Check out the flagship store located at 394 Broadway between Walker and White streets in Tribeca where you can do your own testing.

eco chic from Seasonal Living

The Nest Day Bed is the bean bag for the future. The exterior fabric is made completely out of recycled plastic water bottles, hand woven on traditional looms, and double bagged with polystyrene beads. This cushy pool-side lounge is resistant to the effects of salt water and chlorine and guaranteed not to fade, split or crack from exposure to the sun. It requires no special maintenance; dirt rinses away with a squirt of the hose. Best of all the lounge is 100% recyclable and free of toxic residue. $2,000. Check out Seasonal Living’s other outdoor items, such as their eco-cement planters. The Column Planter and Soho Planter’s concrete is a mix of natural sands and hemp-like grass, available in weathered grey or chalk white. These planters can also work as table side coolers with removable zinc liners. Party time!

EAT OUT SERIES: part one

Whether its on a terrace, in the park or backyard, it’s time to take entertaining outdoors.

Fyrkat Cone Grill

This adorable Martian-like grill won’t take up much space on your deck, but offers 2 levels for grilling, plus a battery-operated rotisserie. Based on a design from 1962, the cone shape supplies maximum heat—not to mention a maximum cuteness factor! The outside shell is made of enamel-coated steel and comes in red, orange, green and black, with chrome-plated steel legs and heat-resistant silicone handles. Available online at the Bodum store, for $179.95.

Grill incognito

For those totally pressed for space, Black + Blum have designed a clever solution. What looks like a terracotta pot, actually hides a charcoal grill, whose handle/tongs are stored in an opening on the side. Herbs can be grown on the top, ready to incorporate into your favorite rubs or marinades. Removing the top reveals the stainless steel grilling surface, with a spot for charcoal underneath. The inside of the pot is coated in ceramic to retain heat. Pot is 14.6” round, with a cooking area of 11.4”. Available directly from Black + Blum online for $124, or at The Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost St @ Meeker Ave.

Keep it cold: IceOrb

Place the iceorb in your freezer before heading outside with food and beverages. Then use it to keep your bottle of champagne, dip, or say, ceviche, nice and chilled. The cute video on the Fusionbrands website shows you how its done. $16.

For the Birds: Bird Feeder for your Window

Have the joy of watching small birds gather right where you can see them. This globe, made of recycled plastic, sticks right to your window. The double-sided suction cup uses carefully selected materials, so it will stay on the window through the hottest and coldest temperatures. Designed by Urban Butik. $19.95.

LIGHTING by MOLO / presto chango!

For your next outdoor event, add these futuristic indoor/outdoor lights that can instantly change into the 3 shapes shown, and anything in between with a quick manipulation. Molo makes these out of a highly durable polyethylene non-woven textile which cannot tear, is water-resistant and 100% recyclable.