13 Kitchen Essentials to Help You Adult Your Way Through the Holidays
You may think your kitchen is ready for the holidays, but there's a big difference between everyday cooking and pulling off a whole season of sensational meals. Master the art of the no-stress soirée with this list of tools that just might make the difference between being the hostess with the mostest and, well, making your guests drink out of chipped coffee mugs.
Dansk Kobenstyle Casserole Pot With Lid ($80-$140): If you haven't tested out the magic that is Dansk Kobenstyle pots yet, you're in for a treat. From making holiday roasts to mulled wines, these ceramic-coated vessels are the ultimate kitchen workhorses. Best of all, each lid's handle acts as a trivet, so you can go from stovetop to serving in a snap.
KitchenAid Design Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer ($430): If you have a lot of baking on your holiday to-do list, it might be time to invest in a KitchenAid stand mixer. There's just no easier way to make big batches of cookie dough, cake batter, and even fresh whipped cream (cocoa, anyone?). Trust us: This investment will pay off in just one holiday season.
Hawkins New York Marble Rolling Pin ($35-$65): Speaking of baking, this cylindrical marble rolling pin is perfect for achieving the perfect pie crust. Because marble retains cool temperatures better than wood, it's the secret to an ultra flaky end product.
Brod & Taylor Professional Knife Sharpener ($119): When was the last time you sharpened your knives? If you can't remember (or if the answer is "never"), it's a safe bet that they're overdue. Get your carving set in tip-top shape with this professional knife sharpener, then take your everyday knives for a spin too. You'll be amazed what a difference a sharp knife makes in your holiday prep work.
Meater Wireless Meat Thermometer ($69-$199): Meat thermometers weren't our idea of a particularly fun kitchen accessory... at least until someone invented Meater. This wireless meat thermometer (sold individually or as a set of four) does more than give you a temperature reading. It can hang out in the oven with your turkey, roast, or ham and tell you (via smartphone or the dock) when your meat is cooked to perfection. Think of it as an extra master chef in the kitchen.
Bake and Cut David Bowie Cookie Cutter ($9): If your cookie cutter cabinet seems a little uninspired, maybe it's time for an upgrade. This Etsy shop features an almost limitless array of cookie cutters inspired by pop culture icons, cult cartoon characters, and more. You're guaranteed to win the office's holiday baking contest with this in your arsenal.
CB2 4-Piece Gold Measuring Spoon Set ($10): There's an unwritten rule that the one measuring spoon you need most will mysteriously go missing right when the holiday cooking craze begins. Secure an extra set — like this chic gold one — ahead of time and never again make a whole recipe measuring everything out in 1/8 teaspoons.
Anthropologie Gold Polka Dotted Pot Holder ($14): Your worn-to-death potholders may get the job done the rest of the year, but with a house full of guests, something a little more festive is in order. These are pretty enough to display.
Terrain Golden Hour Serving Set ($38): We've all been there: You've mastered the perfect place setting, but when it's time to serve, your options are ice cream scoops or barbecue tongs. Time to trade up.
Silpat Silicone Cookie Sheet Liners ($22-$27): Even the baking averse will fall in love with Silpat, the world's worst-kept (and best-loved) kitchen secret. The promise of never having to chisel a misshapen gingerbread man off of a cookie sheet again is enough to make a believer out of anyone.
KitchenAid Pro Line Cordless Immersion Blender ($300): A handy tool year-round, an immersion blender truly shines during the hectic holiday season. Use this cordless model to bring a silky quality to butternut squash soup or save a not-so-smooth turkey gravy in seconds, stress-free.
Williams-Sonoma Marble & Copper Wine Chiller ($60): If you're entertaining over the holidays, one thing's a given: guests arriving with lukewarm wine. Keep this on-trend marble and copper wine chiller in your freezer ahead of time so you can cool off those bottles in a hurry.
West Elm Pink + Gold-Rimmed Stemless Glassware ($32, set of four): Why is it only as guests are arriving that you remember breaking one (or two, or five) wine glasses at last year's fête? Stock up on some celebratory (and stemless) replacements. Their cheery gold rims will add to the festive atmosphere — and at $32 for four, you won't be upset if they break.
Looking for more holiday kitchen hacks? Follow us on Pinterest to study up!
Looking for more holiday kitchen hacks? Follow us on Pinterest to study up!
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