Wheat-Free Gastronomy
From chef Matthew Boland at the Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba (011-297-586-4466; westinaruba.com) comes a sultry spin on surf and turf: sweet chili-marinated grilled prawns and beef tournedos with roasted creole potato and sugar peas. Hope Cohen, chef and author of the upcoming cookbook Fast, Fresh + Simple (fastfreshandsimple.com), recommends crowd-pleasing grilled salmon spiced up with a gluten-free ginger soy glaze for wheat-sensitive diners.
Lasting Impression
Instead of ordering another traditional centerpiece that will wilt before lunch is over, consider a reusable option. Maggie Joos of Mark the Occasion Designs uses vintage fabrics, jewelry, beads, paper and feathers to create her custom pieces. Cost: from $40 to $70 per centerpiece. (414) 759-6752; www.marktheoccasiondesigns.com
Black Out
The ZAGG Privacy screen for iPhone 4/4S keeps nosy neighbors from looking over your shoulder at your confidential e-mails. The film doesn't leave residue and protects the screen from scratches and dings as well. Cost: $24.99. (800) 700-9244; zagg.com
Laugh Track
Jacqueline Kabat, a New York City-based professional comedian, sees humor as an important business skill. As such she leads comedy improv sessions for corporate clients including Bank of America, Procter & Gamble and Southwest Airlines. Workshops can be customized to include specific topics or themes. Cost: from $3,500. (646)-337-3956; jacquelinekabat.com
Smooth Operator
Enter the name of any company at gethuman.com and instantly get directions on how to bypass the endless maze of menu options when calling customer service. The site even offers a "Have them call you instead" option for instant access to a real, live person. Download the app or access the mobile site at gethuman.com.
Put a Lid on It
Keep bugs and other unwanted critters away from salads and fruit by storing them in these nostalgic glass cookie jars. The 64 oz.-version costs $7.50 from Jarstore.com. Thanks to Michelle Hinckley of 4men1lady.com for the idea.
Presentation Pal
Turn your iPhone or iPod Touch into a laser pointer with Tangram's Smart Dot. The tiny antenna plugs straight into the iPhone or iPod audio jack and can beam out a laser for up to 10 hours. Download the product's free app, and the accessory can also be used to control a computer mouse during presentations. Cost: $79.90 plus shipping. tangramdesignstore.com
Balancing Act
Author Carol Margolis' new book, Business Travel Success: How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel With Confidence (Morgan James Publishing), offers tips and strategies on balancing home life with working on the road. Cost, $14. amzn.to/NrRIsh
Branch Out
Chicago-based EventCreative (eventcreative.com) took a simple setup -- white tablecloths, candles and clear chairs -- and transformed it into a forest by adding a stunning canopy of branches overhead.
Fully Charged
Add up to 40 minutes of precious talk time to iPhones with these tiny solar-powered battery packs. Bonus: They also can be recharged via USB/PC port. Cost: $5.99 each. bit.ly/P4LqSK
Mouth Fresheners
Vitacare's toothbrushes ($3.99), biodegradable and made from recyclable materials, and all-natural gum ($1.99) in fun flavors like key lime, pomegranate and acai, are useful and affordable giveaways for eco-conscious events. Customization of brushes is available on quantities of 5,000 or more. (646) 701-7025; vitacareworld.com
Car Tunes
Looking for a deejay to make a splash? Mix on Wheels rolls up in a decked-out H3 Xtreme Hummer or E2 Xtreme Honda Element (both approved for indoor/outdoor use). The mobile sound machines are fully equipped with lighting, speakers, LCD screens, PA systems and everything else a deejay needs to "bring down" the ballroom. Cost: Three-hour packages start at $1,550; contact 407.490.5757 or info@mixonwheels.com for quote. mixonwheels.com