Ding dong!
How does the hostess with the mostess make sure partygoers don't stand outside in the cold, waiting for her to hear the doorbell over loud music or boisterous conversation? The new Datawave Wireless Door Chime consists of a transmitter, which is mounted near the door, and a receiver, about the size of a pager, which is worn by or carried with the hostess. Additional receivers can be added so that the family member closest to the door can answer it. The Datawave Wireless Door Chime is $24.95, plus $4.50 shipping and handling; additional receivers are $15.95. It can be purchased from the Astrol International Catalog; call (800) 903-0044.
Warm buns
Sometimes the simplest ideas work the best to make entertaining easier. Here are two: one keeps your wine chilled and the other keeps your breads warm. Lava Baskets contain a microwavable heating element that keeps bread toasty for up to 3 hours. The baskets come in a variety of shapes and with a washable cloth. The Vesture Wine Chiller Basket and Server keeps wine at serving temperature for up to three hours. The key is a "chilling element" that goes from the freezer to the basket, which is shaped to hold the wine bottle for graceful pouring. The wine server and the bread warmer are $34.95 each; postage and handling starts at $5. Order by calling the Vesture Corp. at (800) 462-4201.