TUPPERWARE HAS much for which to answer. Not only because it always leaves its contents tasting faintly of plastic, but because it is responsible for generating a long line of dodgy parties, the latest of which is a bit more dangerous than a Universal Peeler.

A growing trend has emerged across the Pond of late, and American women have taken it to heart and handbag. Dana Shafman, of Denver, Colorado, has brought a new dimension to the party plan tradition - a women's Taser party.

Yes, that's those stun-gun things. Just last week, San Francisco cardiologist Zian Tseng told a public inquiry in Vancouver, Canada, that a Taser shock at a vulnerable period in the heartbeat can produce a fatal rhythm ... ie, it can blooming kill you.

Oops.

Meanwhile, Shafman, 35, is on a mission to persuade the fashion victim women of America to secrete 50,000 volts of self-defence in their clutch-bags. But it's OK - it comes in hot pink to match your lippy.

"This device has changed my life," Shafman tells the gals who have taken up the invitation to consider frying a passer-by. It's like a bad episode of Desperate Housewives, but, thankfully, the parties are tee-total, or who knows who might wither among the wisteria. The fact that the partygoers are scared shotless of being raped or assaulted on their neighbourhood streets is an added incentive for sales. Sadly, soon this will play out in our own fear-stalked communities, and women will be swapping their Avon order for something that will pack a bit more punch.

"I no longer live in fear. I challenge you all with one question. How will you defend yourself if you're attacked?" asks Shafman, sharpening her business card.

Only 350 bucks for a designer Taser, ladies. Roll up, roll up. And they come in a range of colours and designs, mesdames, if you care to have a go. Now watch that button, dear. Don't be pointing it at the weans, now. Because, actually, they can be a wee bit fatal.

Much as I support self-defence, I don't think I'll be going to a Taser party any time soon. Apart from the fact that it's probably illegal, I would hazard that vigilanteism does not represent progress in keeping our streets safe.

But the parties could be fun with a bit of imagination. We could have Ann Summers Taser parties: Tasers in hot pink fur that you can handcuff to your assailant, or Avon Tasers that double as corn-massagers.

Shafman says: "Women are buying peace of mind, reassurance, confidence. I hope they never have to use their Tasers."

Sadly, I feel the same way about my Plastic Containers. Like counting the rings of a tree, a burgeoning collection of innocent tubs taunts every passing year and 3-for-2 offer. Six stay-fresh tubs for a tenner? A bargain. Soon there's an entire drawer in the kitchen devoted to unruly lids fighting to roam free. This is an inescapable sign of being on the wrong side of 35. Suddenly a Tupperware party, in the past an alien and perplexing concept, sounds like a rollicking good night out.

Maybe we could compromise. How about Taserware, but with a tight lid on proceedings snapped firmly shut? Just in case of accidents.