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I take my role as the host-with-the-most seriously. A warm and memorable gathering should feel seamless for the guests in attendance, but a lot of hard work goes into orchestrating that! Trial and error over the years has taught me several lessons: serve pre-meal snacks, prep the dishes that can be prepped a day or two in advance, invest in great cookware. This last point can truly make all the difference.
While at TQE, I’ve been lucky enough to try Our Place’s entire suite of products – and while they’re all great, I’ve narrowed down my favorites for foolproof hosting. Here, I’ve divided things into cookware, appliances, bakeware, and tableware – it’s pretty much everything you need to host your next soiree with ease. If you’ve been hesitant to hit the checkout button, I can promise you won’t regret it. Solid investments like these are always worth it!
Cookware Essentials
The star here is Our Place’s new stainless-steel-meets-nonstick Always Pro Pan, which combines the durability and versatility of stainless steel pans with the easy cleanup of nonstick cookware.
It’s virtually indestructible, and it somehow crisps easily and still cleans like a dream afterwards (it’s also both oven and dishwasher safe). Other must-snags include the brand’s Cast Iron Always Pan (the only cast iron pan I’ve figured out how to take care of), the Perfect Pot (a stockpot, dutch oven, roasting rack, steamer, strainer, braiser, and spoon rest all in one), and the Mini Always Pan (a super cute pan that’s great for cooking sides, sauces, and toppings).
Artful Appliances
I’m not the biggest appliance enthusiast (I prefer a clean countertop and as little clutter as possible) but I’ve come to rely on these three: the air fryer of all air fryers (it also roasts, toasts, and reheats – and it’s adorable!), a solid blender for sauces and dressings, and the Dream Cooker that absolutely lives up to its name (did I mention it can save you up to 80% of your cooking time?).
Baking Basics
I’ve certainly experienced the most error in my trial and errors in the baking department. I’m least confident when it comes to homemade breads and desserts, but this little set has stuck with me through several sticky situations. I love that the Oven Pan works in the oven and on the stove, the bakers come in the perfect sizes (and stack nicely for easy storage – I told you I’m clutter-averse!), and these mitts! Not only do they keep my hands safe – they also have a built-in magnet and hanging loops so they can be stored within reach for when you really need them.
Setting The Table
My favorite part of hosting might just be the tablescaping of it all. Grabbing fresh flowers from the farmer’s market, lighting some cozy tea lights – it’s what pulls the event together (and might just be photographed by your guests). Great tableware is an investment I recommend beyond hosting (a meal just tastes better when it’s served on a gorgeous plate, I don’t make the rules). Our Place’s plates, blates, bowls, and glasses are my favorite – and I love their linens, too! Invest in a great set once, and you’ll be ready to host forever!
