In some embodiments, a mess kit includes a container assembly having a lid portion and a container, each of the lid portion and container including handle portions having apertures that align when the lid portion is connected to the container. In some embodiments, a tether device is provided to connect the lid portion to the container, as well as to releasably connect one or more utensil devices, or utensil assemblies to the container assembly. Also, the utensil assembly can include a first utensil and second utensil connectable together in a first mode, and second mode, with each mode of connection involving inserting a portion of the first utensil into a sheath member of the second utensil.

In some embodiments, a mess kit includes a container assembly having a lid portion and a container, each of the lid portion and container including handle portions having apertures that align when the lid portion is connected to the container. In some embodiments, a tether device is provided to connect the lid portion to the container, as well as to releasably connect one or more utensil devices, or utensil assemblies to the container assembly. Also, the utensil assembly can include a first utensil and second utensil connectable together in a first mode, and second mode, with each mode of connection involving inserting a portion of the first utensil into a sheath member of the second utensil.

A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge. The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the distal end can have a receptacle and a hook. The distal end can be axially offset with respect to the proximal end. A height between the top edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the proximal end than the distal end. The utensil stabilization device can include an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member and releasably securable about the wrist region.

A utensil holding and serving system for use in buffet-style eating includes interchangeable serving utensils for serving and manipulating food, a handle for selectively engaging the serving utensils, and a stand for receiving and suspending the serving utensils over a food tray or surface. The serving utensils include a connecting shaft, a working portion including a functional member, such as a spoon, fork, or spatula, and a standing portion having support apertures. The handle includes a longitudinal bore for removably receiving the connecting shaft of one of the serving utensils, and a mounting member including arms having a tapered inner surface for receiving an edge of a plate. The stand includes a utensil suspending portion having pegs extending upwardly for selectively engaging the support apertures of one of the serving utensils to support said serving utensil upon the stand and a support portion for stabilizing the stand on a surface.

A napkin is provided with an adhering portion and a releasing portion that can releasably adhere together. The adhering portion is located on an upper side of the napkin and the releasing portion is located on the lower side at a corresponding position such that the napkin can be stacked with similar napkins with the releasing portion of a first napkin aligned and engaged with the adhering portion of a second napkin. The napkin has an engaging location on its lower side such that the napkin can be wrapped around items of cutlery and secured to form a wrap by engaging the adhering portion with the engaging location. A method of wrapping cutlery using the napkin is also provided.

A napkin is provided with an adhering portion and a releasing portion that can releasably adhere together. The adhering portion is located on an upper side of the napkin and the releasing portion is located on the lower side at a corresponding position such that the napkin can be stacked with similar napkins with the releasing portion of a first napkin aligned and engaged with the adhering portion of a second napkin. The napkin has an engaging location on its lower side such that the napkin can be wrapped around items of cutlery and secured to form a wrap by engaging the adhering portion with the engaging location. A method of wrapping cutlery using the napkin is also provided.

An interchangeable knife block that accommodates various numbers and sizes of cutlery utensils. One knife block includes a base, a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is coupled to the base at the first end and extends from the base, and a cap removably coupled to the second end of the body and defining one or more slots therein, each slot being configured to receive a portion of a cutlery utensil therein.

An interchangeable knife block that accommodates various numbers and sizes of cutlery utensils. One knife block includes a base, a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is coupled to the base at the first end and extends from the base, and a cap removably coupled to the second end of the body and defining one or more slots therein, each slot being configured to receive a portion of a cutlery utensil therein.

A container includes a recessed “one touch” mechanism positioned about the top surface of the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605). The lid (101,201,301,401,50 5,605) has a recessed area configured to house a handle (213,313,413,501,601). The handle (213,313,413,501,601) has a top surface configured to fit in the recessed area and is connected to a shank (513,613) engaged with a chamber (511,611) by way of a spring (801), wherein the handle (213,313,413,501,601) is in a first position with the recessed area when force is applied to the top surface of the handle (213,313,413,501,601), and the handle (213,313,413,501,601) is in a second position exterior to a surface of the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605) when the force is removed from the top surface of the handle (213,313,413,501,601) so that it is convenient for the user to lift the lid (101,201,301,40 1,505,605) without using both hands and leaving unwanted fingerprints on the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605).

A container includes a recessed “one touch” mechanism positioned about the top surface of the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605). The lid (101,201,301,401,50 5,605) has a recessed area configured to house a handle (213,313,413,501,601). The handle (213,313,413,501,601) has a top surface configured to fit in the recessed area and is connected to a shank (513,613) engaged with a chamber (511,611) by way of a spring (801), wherein the handle (213,313,413,501,601) is in a first position with the recessed area when force is applied to the top surface of the handle (213,313,413,501,601), and the handle (213,313,413,501,601) is in a second position exterior to a surface of the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605) when the force is removed from the top surface of the handle (213,313,413,501,601) so that it is convenient for the user to lift the lid (101,201,301,40 1,505,605) without using both hands and leaving unwanted fingerprints on the lid (101,201,301,401,505,605).