I’m OK at partying, even if it does require me to be outdoors. My idea of nature is a covered patio with a mimosa no more than arm’s length away.

Alas, my notion of living year-round in an allergy-free, moderately temperate bubble is quickly dashed when I consider the palpable loneliness I’d feel without my friends and family close by. As clichéd as it sounds: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

So that’s what I do. I take my sneezing, cranky-from-the-heat self and party, because even I can admit that spring and summer are great seasons for that sort of thing. That being said, it’s important — especially when you’re not feeling 100 percent — to look the part.

right Crystal wine bottle stoppers from Ton Papier

Partying is no different. First, you’ll need a flask. Naturally.

Collected Thread (1705 N.W. 16th; 557-1141) is ahead of the game with a canteen sporting a message: “Fear the beard.” The blue and orange, bearded Thermos is the ultimate gift for any fan of the Thunder’s James Harden — or an excellent gift for yourself.

Take along for pregame partying with friends while celebrating organized sports and facial hair, but don’t smuggle it into the Chesapeake Energy Arena, because it’s against the rules.

Now you need something to pour your alcohol of choice into. One time I was stuck in a room with an unopened bottle of wine and no corkscrew. That horrific day, I vowed to myself never to be ill-prepared, and I’m happy to report that I’m five years strong
on that promise. You could swig from your flask, but for less of a
Neanderthal approach, grab the Govino wine glasses from La Baguette
(7408 N. May; 840-3047). These stemless glasses are shatterproof, so
don’t worry about party fouling, and they come with an indention that
curiously matches right up with your thumb.

To be clear, I advocate partying — not sloppiness — so save some of that nectar of the gods for another day. Keep it classy with crystal wine bottle stoppers from Ton Papier (500 W. Main; 272-0838). If you had to wrestle the cork out or seemed to have misplaced it, you needn’t fear. These tannin toppers will keep your wine airtight-safe.

No matter your drink of choice, you’ll be the life of the party in any season with these drinking accessories to transport, hold and keep your spirits. Let’s shop, OKC!

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