These are the kitchen products I rely on every day when I am cooking. I have a small kitchen, so I only use products that work well and I can rely on them to perform the task I need them to do. Look for them in my recipe images.
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Small Kitchen Appliances
I use this Circulon roasting pan for roasting turkey, chicken, and beef roasts. It will hold up to a 20-pound bird.
Hand-wash only to preserve the finish. I don't mind because clean-up is a breeze.
Recipe: Roasted Turkey
This simple island provides the style and extra space you need. Store your stand mixer on top and large pans on the bottom shelf.
This All-Clad Slow Cooker is my work-horse.
Programmable to make cooking easier.
Tip: If you are hosting a small gathering, you can cook a turkey breast right in the slow cooker, 6 quarts, or larger. It will come out moist and perfect!
Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
I love BUNN Coffee Makers because the coffee is brewed quickly and the flavor is smooth.
Tip: This Bunn brews 10 cups of coffee in 3 minutes and the stainless steel carafe keeps it hot for 2 hours. Perfect for a crowd.
Digital Kitchen Scale
A digital scale makes it easy to weigh those hard-to-measure foods.
This battery-operated. Easily convert between grams and ounces with the touch of a button. Measure up to 11 pounds.
Recipe: Bone-In Baked Turkey Breast
Immersion Blender
This handheld immersion blender is a great kitchen tool for chopping cooked vegetables in a soup or smoothing your Thanksgiving gravy.
Includes whisk and milk frother attachments.
Recipe: Acorn Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Stand Mixer
If you cook or bake, a stand mixer is a great convenience.
This 5-quart mixer runs with a 500-watt motor and tackles your mixing needs. Multiple colors to match your decor.
Hand Mixer
This 5-speed hand mixer has you covered from slowly mixing in chunky items to higher speed to whip egg whites.
Recipe: Pistachio Dessert Bars
Food Chopper
While this processor only has a 3 1/2 cup bowl, it is great for chopping vegetables, nuts, and even making salad dressings.
It doesn't take much space and it is a great tool to have on hand.
Recipe: Mayfair Dressing
Vitamix
This Vitamix tabletop blender is a quality appliance. We have had one that my husband bought when we were first married over 20 years ago and it is still going strong.
Recipe: Greek Yogurt Smoothies
Ninja Mixer
If the Vitamix is not in your budget, then the Ninja Drink Mixer is a great tool to whip up healthy smoothies in the morning.
Kitchen Gadgets
Temperature Probe
I don't know how I ever cooked or baked bread without one.
Tip: Using this will ensure your turkey or crown roast is cooked to perfection.
Long Handle Strainer
This strainer is super convenient. It handles small jobs and big ones. I keep it in my carafe of kitchen tools on my counter so it is available when I need it.
Recipe: Mayfair Dressing
Silicone Mat
This mat is key to easily rolling out dough. I use it when I make pie crusts and bread.
Recipe: Homemade Pie Crust
If you are going to make homemade pie crusts this OXO Pasty Blender is crucial to cutting the fat into the flour for light and flaky crusts.
There are no more cut fingers with this OXO manual can opener.
It opens cans but creates a non-sharp edge. Love it.
Tablescape
I love setting a pretty table when entertaining. The key is thinking through all the pieces you need to set the tablescape.
With the holidays just around the corner and shopping more difficult in the pandemic, shopping online early is a good plan.
If you are hosting an upcoming holiday dinner, planning your table should start now. Below I outline the key parts of setting a table. You probably have some of these items, but it may be time to add a few to freshen up your look.
At the end of this page is a list of some of my favorite tableware finds that I believe would make an interesting tablescape.
Holiday Table Setting Planner
Table Cloth
For me, planning my holiday table starts with a tablecloth. There are so many options and comes down to your style.
If you are more traditional or transitional you may prefer a tablecloth with a Fall color paisley design #ad or maybe a solid cloth with embroidered vines.
Others may prefer a colorful bohemian design, while you may prefer a grey or coffee-colored tasseled cloth.
Napkins
Cloth napkins set the stage. They can add color when your tablecloth is plain. I love these Harvest Plaid.
Fall florals would also be a pretty accent for Thanksgiving. A classic French Stripe works for all occasions.
Charger
A charger is a large plate used to dress your china setting. Another alternative that works with modern or traditional settings is woven rattan chargers.
The juxtaposition of woven texture and china or stoneware dresses up the place setting.
China
One of my favorite dish patterns is blue Italian Spode dishes.
Another traditional dinnerware is Johnson Brothers. Available in Friendly School House green, or Churchill Blue Willow, your table will make a traditional statement.
If you prefer a more monochromatic statement, this transitional French Lace set by Pfaltzgraff might be perfect.
For a more modern, minimalist set consider Pfaltzgraff Chateau Cream dinnerware and pair it with a colorful tablecloth.
Flatware
Silverware comes in a variety of options. Most have subtle styling. I always look for heavyweight and smooth edges. I want the fork to feel substantial in my hand. These qualities ensure a comfortable experience for the user.
High-quality flatware will often include a number. This signifies the amount of chrome and nickel in the utensils. A higher number such as 18/10 or 18/8 is generally better quality flatware.
Purchasing better quality pays off in the long run with less corrosion.
For a traditional or transitional look consider Mikasa Harmony flatware.
Goblets
Stemware is traditionally clear, but I love the idea of adding color. Check out these blue goblets. Available in a variety of colors. With the right table setting, they will add a punch of color.
Clear glass goblets work for water or iced tea. If you are serving a wine you will also want to include stemware.
Centerpiece
For your centerpiece, you can include seasonal decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, and Fall leaves. For Christmas pull out those treasured pieces and display them in the center of the table.
Below take a look at other options such as lanterns and candlesticks. It's all in how you like to present your table.
