No one knows more about the need for a third hand than working mothers. But when that need interfered with their cocktail hour, Lenita and Poppi knew that something had to be done. Torn between their desires for food and cocktails, they wanted to develop a plate that allowed them to have their martini and eat their appies too. When necessity called, these mothers of invention decided to design and manufacture their own solution, and the Trays Elegant cocktail plate was born.
Cocktails at 5 is a home-based North Vancouver wholesale business. The plates are manufactured in Burnaby, B.C. Lenita Levine is a former customer service representative with Telus, and Poppi Reiner is a former defense lawyer turned actor.
At a meeting in a coffee shop on Hallowe’en day in 2003, the idea was tossed around. By the summer of 2004 a prototype had been made and a patent was applied for. In September 2004 manufacturing began and the plate made its debut at the Vancouver Gift Show.
Since then, the plate has made many guest appearances at special events across Canada to rave reviews. The plate has facilitated many meetings, receptions, and wine and cheese parties, and has enjoyed high acclaim at networking events and wine-tastings.
The reason for its swift success lies in the simplicity of its design while solving a universal problem.
Cocktails at 5. Because juggling is for clowns!