If ever there was an example of a complete waste of resources, energy and money, then this would have to be it:
A perfectly functionless device. A mere decorative item. Constructed of paper, cardboard and toothpicks. For extra cuteness, it actually opens and closes.
No one knows who we can blame for this. It came into circulation in the 1930s and 40s courtesy of Don the Beachcomber restaurants, but we don’t know where Donn bought them from.
There was a brief flirtation with the possibility of the cocktail umbrella being elevated beyond its humble function as a garnish when some bright spark came up with the idea of the Umbrella Spoon.
It may or may not be a Chinese-American invention.
