Greetings dear readers, it is again my favorite time of the week. No, it isn't the end of the workday nor is it even happy hour. It's time for the weekly installment of "Did you know?", and oh my goodness do I have a site for you today.

I will be the first to admit it: as soon as someone says the word "barware", my ears perk up. So it should be no surprise to anyone that today's site focuses in part on all your needs as a discerning imbiber of spirits. However, as I discovered more and more about all that there was to be had from this fine site, the more I realized just how much they deserved their spot in the "Did you know?" pantheon. 

Their products include all things imaginable for the proper host or hostess, from simple things like serving platters and cocktail shakers to cheese labels and wine decanters.  Being a relatively clueless gift giver, I also appreciate the fact that they offer customized gift guides for any number of varied interests that your recipient might have.  But enough teasing, let me get down into the meat and potatoes (pun partially intended) of what it is that I like so much about this site. 

Since I set up my "meat and potatoes" pun, I'd better follow up with that first. I have never seen a product like this before, but I think it's perhaps the most genius idea ever for the devoted BBQ chef. I have seen custom aprons, monogrammed sets with tongs and spatulas, even monogrammed oven mitts (which a real BBQ chef would never be caught dead using). However, for that little extra step in personalization you need the BBQ Branding Iron. That's right, if farmers can mark their cattle, why can't you mark your steak? Use this branding iron to let your guests know exactly who it was who cooked their steak to perfection, or just call dibs on the best-looking steak in the lot.

If you're not so big on red meat, or even outdoor cooking, impress your friends by offering them raclette. Never heard of raclette?  Me neither. Apparently, it's a large amount of cheese that is melted and served along with potatoes, pickles, and any other number of side dishes. It's origin is Swiss, and it's similar to fondue, but with a much thicker consistency. So if you want to prove your continental status and impress your friends and family with your vast knowledge of all things gourmet, pick up a raclette set that allows service up to six people. I don't know for sure where you can find the raclette itself (if there is a specific cheese you have to use) but either way, it sounds like  a fun culinary experiment.

Finally, on to the drinkware. I don't know why, but this belted silver cup strikes me funny. Chances are I just find it funny that my drinkware might have an actual minature crocodile leather belt around it. I have to admit, it looks very old money, and would make me feel like a king if sipping a fine scotch out of it, but I'd imagine washing might involve some de-belting, and that might cause your cup's pants to fall off.

If silver drinkware doesn't strike your fancy, perhaps the Bottle Buddy ring might be more your speed; I can gaurantee you it's more to my liking. I think this particular piece of finery might change drinking as we know it. No longer will people have to use all sorts of tricks from bike lock keys to Bic lighters to get the caps off their bottles when no one has a proper opener. Wear this ring to a party, and you will immediately be the most popular person there. Imagine the ease of opening at picnics and barbecues where people bring their own beer but not their own opener.  Sorry ladies, these rings start at size nine, but go all the way up to size 14, so even if you've got big ol' monkey paws like myself, you can still find one to fit comfortably. 

So there you have it. Click around Klinq a little, see what you can find, check out the gift recommendations, and someday you and your special someone could be cozying up along side your own fondue set like this happy couple:

Plus, with your Ebates account, you get 7% back on any purchases you make from these wonderful folks.