WHAT: Champagne corks
WHERE: New Year’s Eve parties
WHY: Sparkling wine’s all fun and games until somebody loses an eye. Be aware that as soon as you remove the wire muzzle, you’ve got a face-seeking cork missile in your hands with a remarkable propensity for premature popping. Here’s how to avoid the emergency department: keep the wine cold and unshaken don’t aim it at anyone, especially yourself hold your palm over the cork at all times twist the bottle until the cork launches itself harmlessly into your hand. If in doubt, perform the whole process under a prophylactic dish towel. See you next year.