Latest news with #summerparties
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Home Bargains selling cute drinks dispenser perfect for summer garden parties
A CUTE drinks dispenser perfect for summer parties is being sold by discount retailer Home Bargains. Spotted in stores nationwide, this "charming" garden accessory is perfect for outdoor gatherings in the sunshine. 1 Home Bargains' Strawberry Glass Drink Dispenser is up for grabs for just £7.99. With a six litre capacity and the warmer weather upon us, the dispenser is an ideal accessory for throwing a garden bash or keeping cool on those hot days. The description reads: "Add a touch of charm to your outdoor gatherings with our Strawberry Glass Picnicware from the Outdoor Living Collection. "Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and al fresco dining, this delightful collection combines practicality with a stylish strawberry-themed design." The bargain buy was spotted by shoppers on Facebook on the Extreme Bargains UK group. The posts quickly filled with excited comments, tags and likes. However, one unhappy customer did warn that the dispenser "does nothing but leak". Drink dispensers are all the rage this summer and if this one doesn't quite take your fancy, there are plenty more bargains to be had. Just this month, Aldi launched a bargain beer dispenser on Specialbuy shelves. Just in time for Father's Day, the Ambiano beer dispenser is a classic bargain buy at just £24.99. With several innovative designs, it makes it perfect for small parties or large events and will be available from June 1. But if you're not quite in the market for beer dispensers, B&M is selling a prosecco dispenser that can hold a whopping three litres of booze. The fizz container even comes fit with LED lights that change to a range of different colours. For anyone not keen on prosecco, the product can also be used for wine, where it can hold the equivalent of four bottles, and beer. It can be yours for £25 but keep an eye out as B&M have previously reduced the dispenser by 50 per cent. Shoppers also went mad for another bargain B&M buy last month, hailed as the ultimate garden party essential. At just £20, the Big chill Cocktail Slushie Maker is a steal, especially when compared to high-end rivals. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, chilling in the sun, or planning a big night in, this gadget promises to deliver instant icy cocktails in seconds. How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
A bottle of wine is a fine host gift. These edible gifts are better.
'Tis the season for backyard cookouts, pool parties and summer soirees. As your calendar begins to fill up, it's worth thinking about host gifts — small, meaningful ways of expressing your gratitude for the time and energy they've invested in entertaining. While there's always the option of a last-minute purchase of a bottle of wine, it's the thought that counts, so why not give it a little extra intention to show your host just how much you appreciate their efforts? We've gathered 16 thoughtful and practical recipes to inspire your next host gift. Different from dishes that you might contribute to a potluck, these presents should be personal and made specifically for the host, ideally to be enjoyed without the pressure of serving them at the event. And for when it's your turn to plan the next big bash, check out our archive of more than 10,000 tested recipes. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Aldi launches £8 decor buy that adds ‘sparkle' to your garden this summer – it looks dazzling on sunny days
EVERY garden looks 10 times better under the summer sunshine, especially with this fun Aldi buy. Shoppers will soon be able to add a trendy touch to their outdoor space with this budget-friendly item. 2 You can transform your garden into a glamorous set-up with this quirky decor buy. It will add some personality to your space as well as brightening up the area. The Disco Ball Planter is coming to the Aldi middle aisle on Thursday, 22 May. Available in the classic silver or pink, this decor buy will set you back just £7.99. "Add some sparkle to your outside living space and get ready to host those summer parties," said the product description. It measures 15 centimetres in height and is described as manufacturers as "suitable for indoor use". The reflective surface of the mirror disco pot showers its surroundings with dazzling rays of sunlight. On sunny days, it instantly brightens up any room or area you place it. It instantly draws the eye to your plants and gives your space a fun retro feel. And this unique item isn't the only Aldi item on offer for elevating your garden. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' A £3 garden decoration from Aldi that turns your outdoor space into a "lush oasis". And the Aldi outdoor patio furniture, including a rattan effect corner sofa. add a touch of glamour to your garden. Another item from the bargain retailer is perfect for attracting birds to your space. Or you can nab a B&Q buy that creates a "tranquil atmosphere" in your garden. Lidl also has a £3 decor buy that adds a "whimsical" touch to your garden this summer. A B&M garden buy will transform your patio into an "ambient" paradise. Home Bargains also has a £5 decor buy that turns your patio into an "outdoor living room". Plus, a 79p Home Bargains item that will instantly level up your outdoor space.
New York Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
9 Gifts That Say ‘I'm Fun at Parties'
In this edition of The Gift, we dish on what we're bringing to all our parties this summer. Plus: the best karaoke machines, the margarita machine you didn't know you needed, and tomato-shaped candles. Have you heard? Americans are partying less. My hope for you is that your summer bucks this trend. That you spend your longer days sipping Champagne and shucking oysters poolside; or spilling out onto fire escapes dripping from hours of sweaty dancing; or shutting down the park alongside the fireflies with your sugar-high children and a gaggle of their friends and their friends' parents. However you like to party, I hope you get an abundance of it over the next few months. It's good for us. And my challenge for you? Bring the party. I don't mean metaphorically with your sparkling personality — I mean it quite literally. Beyond the obligatory bottle of nice booze or other thoughtful hostess gift you tote to your summer soirees, bring a gift for the guests. Something procured for the sole purpose of being a little bit silly, of upping the fun. A few years ago, I would have found this cringe: What I bring to a party should show how sophisticated and well-mannered I am! A lovely bottle of wine. A trendy tin of fish. But I have happily reached the blissful point of my 30s where I no longer feel the need to prove I'm a grown-up, and, like I mentioned, we're in a bit of a partying crisis. As Ellen Cushing argued in The Atlantic at the beginning of this year: It's all of our responsibilities to fix it. If coming together to have a blast, to let our guards and our inhibitions down, is a collective muscle weakened by a years-long pandemic that forced us into isolation, well, we may need a little help building it back up. And as I have learned time and time again in this job, it's surprising how helpful the right product can be in solving a somewhat existential problem. Here are nine things Wirecutter journalists say have fundamentally changed the trajectory of a party they've been at. Stock up, then get out there. Go! Live a little. Not all heroes wear capes, but a few do, in fact, wear temporary tattoos. Something absolutely ridiculous: This pie face game has made our editor-in-chief Ben Frumin's past several family holidays 'extremely memorable and fun.' Think of it as a tableside dunk tank: Wind up a dollop of whipped cream and pie yourself in the face. Hilarity ensues. This pie face game has made our editor-in-chief Ben Frumin's past several family holidays 'extremely memorable and fun.' Think of it as a tableside dunk tank: Wind up a dollop of whipped cream and pie yourself in the face. Hilarity ensues. A portable dance party: A karaoke machine needs little explanation for its party-bringing abilities. One of our favorites is small enough to carry around in one hand, has a disco ball on top, and comes with some delightfully silly vocal effects, too. At just $40, it would make a pretty great gift for that one friend whose basement or kitchen you somehow always find yourself gathered in. A karaoke machine needs little explanation for its party-bringing abilities. One of our favorites is small enough to carry around in one hand, has a disco ball on top, and comes with some delightfully silly vocal effects, too. At just $40, it would make a pretty great gift for that one friend whose basement or kitchen you somehow always find yourself gathered in. Mood lighting: Not everyone will appreciate someone walking into their home and changing the light bulb (so tread lightly, I suppose), but arguably nothing feels more Capital-P-Party than a room washed in various changing hues. Think of a smart bulb as the 2025 equivalent of bringing a bouquet of balloons: an instant signal to all that the mood is festive. We'd go with our favorite, which stood out in our testing for being easy to set up and affordable. Not everyone will appreciate someone walking into their home and changing the light bulb (so tread lightly, I suppose), but arguably nothing feels more Capital-P-Party than a room washed in various changing hues. Think of a smart bulb as the 2025 equivalent of bringing a bouquet of balloons: an instant signal to all that the mood is festive. We'd go with our favorite, which stood out in our testing for being easy to set up and affordable. A DIY water cooler: In terms of raising a party's overall vibes, the work of a novelty cocktail-making gadget is often less about the quality of the actual drink and more about playing the role of a skillful host: introducing strangers over a shared interest and leaving them together in the kitchen to figure it out. Does it need more ice? Are we just eyeballing the tequila here? But in our testing, we found that this gigantic Margaritaville mixer and the Bartesian Duet — a Nespresso-like machine that uses prepackaged capsules to make cocktails at the push of a button — actually manage to both entertain and make pretty excellent drinks. In terms of raising a party's overall vibes, the work of a novelty cocktail-making gadget is often less about the quality of the actual drink and more about playing the role of a skillful host: introducing strangers over a shared interest and leaving them together in the kitchen to figure it out. But in our testing, we found that this gigantic Margaritaville mixer and the Bartesian Duet — a Nespresso-like machine that uses prepackaged capsules to make cocktails at the push of a button — actually manage to both entertain and make pretty excellent drinks. Be the costume department: In my unofficial newsroom-wide poll, every person who has recently come into contact with a temporary tattoo at a party has had a better experience because of it. I'm eyeing this Richard Scarry jumbo party pack from Tattly, a brand Wirecutter's kids experts have touted for being notably long-lasting. And this adorable little flash tin would make a great gift and even comes with a tiny sponge for easy application. In my unofficial newsroom-wide poll, every person who has recently come into contact with a temporary tattoo at a party has had a better experience because of it. I'm eyeing this Richard Scarry jumbo party pack from Tattly, a brand Wirecutter's kids experts have touted for being notably long-lasting. And this adorable little flash tin would make a great gift and even comes with a tiny sponge for easy application. A little glitter goes a long way: For perhaps the same reason temp tats work, so too does glitter, says deputy editorial director Maxine Builder, who swears by this little case of holographic body glitter as a surprising unifier: 'The trick of throwing a party is convincing people that tonight is different. Otherwise, you're just meeting people for drinks,' she says. 'Slathering some glitter on your face is a shortcut to executing that magic. Plus, I've found 'You want in on this glitter?' to be a surprisingly successful ice-breaker.' For perhaps the same reason temp tats work, so too does glitter, says deputy editorial director Maxine Builder, who swears by this little case of holographic body glitter as a surprising unifier: 'The trick of throwing a party is convincing people that tonight is different. Otherwise, you're just meeting people for drinks,' she says. 'Slathering some glitter on your face is a shortcut to executing that magic. Plus, I've found 'You want in on this glitter?' to be a surprisingly successful ice-breaker.' A good old-fashioned game: As our hobbies expert, my colleague James Austin has spent hundreds of hours trying to teach people games. So when he tells me one is 'dead simple to teach and learn' — the single most important factor in a party game — I listen. The bluffing card game Skull, he says, is all of that and also very, very fun to play. Says James: 'I brought it to a bachelor party where I only really knew the groom, and it was such a hit, we played it probably a dozen times over the weekend. And then a bunch of the groomsmen brought it to the wedding to play.' As our hobbies expert, my colleague James Austin has spent hundreds of hours trying to teach people games. So when he tells me one is 'dead simple to teach and learn' — the single most important factor in a party game — I listen. The bluffing card game Skull, he says, is all of that and also very, very fun to play. Says James: 'I brought it to a bachelor party where I only really knew the groom, and it was such a hit, we played it probably a dozen times over the weekend. And then a bunch of the groomsmen brought it to the wedding to play.' Print pictures instantly: An instant camera is an OG party trick for a reason: Walk around, capture the joy on your friends' faces, and then produce a permanent, tangible reminder of it on the spot. This lightweight mini photo printer embodies that vibe, but lets your phone be the camera. You know that moment, peak party, when someone giddily saddles up to you to show you the adorable or hilarious moment they snapped while you were a room over? Now imagine printing that memory for them instantly in saturated, creamy colors, to take home like a little goodie bag. That, folks, is how we keep the party vibes going: hanging them on our fridge as inspiration for the next. An unexpected wedding gift brings Florida beach-bum flair to Brooklyn dinner parties, get-togethers, and even quiet nights in. It's a wonderful way to bring guests together, whether they can sing well or not. This Nespresso-like cocktail machine lets you make margaritas and whiskey sours with the push of a button. A small, lightweight, easy-to-use way to turn fleeting moments into physical reminders of fun times. My boyfriend's mom is the sweetest person on the planet, but I'm running out of ideas for her. She's into astrology, crystals, gardening, going to the beach, going for walks, delicious scents, baking, trying new food (whether at home or out), and taking photos. She's such a thoughtful gift giver herself, so I want to be one for her, too! — G.D. From gifting expert Samantha Schoech: It sounds like you hit the boyfriend's mom jackpot! She has so many interests to go on. For scents (because I'm also obsessed), my first thoughts are these tomato-shaped candles that smell as tart and fresh as the real thing, only better, or this gorgeous leaf-shaped incense from Japan that comes in a few different natural tree scents. In the astrology and crystal lane, I love this I Ching Oracle Deck for asking life's questions both big and small, and this zodiac cup and saucer, which would be perfect gifted with some excellent tea. For walking and hiking inspo, I love this book (it also comes in a global version, which I might love even more). And, of course, there are these Wirecutter tried-and-true hiking socks, which basically anyone on staff who's ever walked more than a mile swears by. Our present-hunters are here to answer your questions. By completing this form, you agree that we may add your address to our list for the newsletter The Gift. What I Cover Sofia Sokolove is the deputy director for newsletters and programming at Wirecutter. She spent 10 years working as a writer, editor, and audience journalist in Austin, Texas, so she comes by her overuse of 'y'all' honestly. She now lives in Brooklyn.
