MUST-HAVES

KEEP YOUR COOL WITH THESE HANDY HELPERS FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING.

Things we love for entertaining and around the house.

FRESH FRUIT

Ripe for the picking, water-resistant Ban.do Super Chill Cooler Bags (21½ x 10 inches, $43.95, 416•607•6766, orangefish.ca) are a fun way to tote food and drinks around all summer long. Choose grapefruit, lemon or watermelon to make a delicious statement.

GRATE FIND

Whether for yourself or your favourite griller, the Grate Scrape ($19.99, Home Depot) is ideal for keeping barbecue grates clean, without the worry of wire bristles getting in your food. Use after grilling when the grates are still warm. With time, the wood takes the shape of the spacing between grill bars.

SNACK STATION

The best pieces for entertaining offer versatility. We love the smartly designed OMMO Hoop Bowl ($54, 195 × 80 mm, drakegeneralstore.ca), featuring two food trays, along with a container for crudité or bread sticks and a cup for dipping sauce that can be configured several ways. For parties, set each piece out on a table. For more intimate tête-à-têtes, nest the smaller pieces inside the trays.

DINNER’S READY!

From your back deck or the boathouse dock, ringing an outdoor bell is both a novel and civil way to round up the family at mealtime. This hanging “Come-And-Get-It” Bell ($42.50) is from Lee Valley Tools (800•267•8767, leevalley.com).

PEST CONTROL

Like a moth to a flame, we’re drawn to the gorgeous Citronella Collection by Skeem Design ($24.95 to $59.95). The lidded candles are available in two sizes and three scents, blending mosquito-repelling citronella oil with sea salt, grapefruit and eucalyptus. Smouldering incense sticks are ideal for burning without an open flame. Pair either with the refillable match tin for an exceptional hostess gift. Available at Bradshaws (Stratford, 844•271•6281, bradshawscanada.com).

ICE PICK

For a summer of frosty cold drinks, the NewAir Portable Ice Maker ($219.99, bedbathandbeyond.ca) produces 28 lbs of ice a day. Just fill the reservoir with water and plug it in on your kitchen counter or out on the deck. Choose from five colours to match your décor and three ice sizes to suit your drinks.

SWEET IDEA

In charge of bringing dessert? Keep things simple by showing up with this Ice Cream Sundae Kit ($24.50, sullivanbleeker.com, 416•961•3553) and a few pints of ice cream. Kit includes six cups, mini spoons, chocolate fudge sauce and five sweet toppings.