Ideally, holiday gifts should be things you want to receive yourself. That’s why most of the items in my 2018 Gift Guide I already own and love. From a hostess gift to a gift for your mother-in-law, best friend or sister, I hope you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Maybe even yourself! For those of you in Houston, we have a limited number of Smart in the Kitchen cooking class gift cards available. The gift cards are printed with a recipe on the back and tied up with a cute wooden spoon. As your family will tell you, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Email melissa@smartinthekitchen.com to reserve yours today!
For the Hostess with the Mostess
- The rectangular baker from Vietri’s holiday Lastra collection is perfect for the easy weeknight lasagna I make on Christmas night. From oven to table, it’s a beautiful serving piece. I wouldn’t mind a collection of all the tree plates in this series. Hint, hint.
- Heath Ceramics has been a favorite for years, and if you’re ever in San Francisco don’t miss their shop, conveniently located next door to the Tartine Manufactory. I can’t visit without coming home with pottery from Heath and an intoxicatingly delicious loaf of bread from Tartine packed up tight for the overhead. This cutting board with leather handles would be perfect for a Friday night cheese board, but my favorite pieces from Heath are their large serving bowls that come in 10 colors.
- A Vinglace wine cooler is the perfect gift for wine lovers, especially those who live in warm climates. It’s the best way to keep a bottle perfectly temperature controlled. Their new wine glasses with lids are not only insulated, but also shatter proof.
- Tina Frey Designs resin barware and serving pieces are gorgeous. The champagne bucket with leather handles, which can double as a flower vase, will be the centerpiece of your New Year’s Eve celebration.
- Cheese of the month from Murray’s cheese is right up my alley. Curated cheeses shipped to your door — just what you need for that Heath cutting board.
For the Baker and the Pie Maker
- The bakers in your life will love Dorie Greenspan’s new book, Weeknight Dorie.
- I love the shape of French rolling pins; the one linked here is made from olive wood and is only $39.95. I have a similar one from Farmhouse Pottery that’s as pretty as it is functional. If you’re local to Houston, find the Farmhouse Pottery version at Birch Modern Mercantile.
- KitchenAid Limited Edition Stand Mixer with Ceramic Hobnail Bowl. The bowl is so pretty I’d actually want to leave this mixer on my countertop.
For the Chef in the Family
- DaTerra Cucina makes my favorite non-stick pans. I like the 9.5-inch pan for scrambling and frying eggs.
- Hand painted with my initials and cooking tools, the leather tote from Corroon is one of my favorite possessions. The bags can be customized in limitless ways. Check out their Instagram for inspiration and examples.
- Instapot fever is still going strong. I have a 6-quart, and it’s a steal at $69.95 right now.
- Old Country Olive Oil is harvested and bottled by a local Houston family, and proceeds from every bottle are donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I love their unfiltered extra virgin olive oil for my salad dressing and roasted vegetables.
- Farmhouse Delivery. A weekly or bi-weekly delivery of seasonal produce is a thoughtful, and useful, gift. Use the code “Smart” for a $20 discount.
- Rattan Market Cart. Too cute for words, just pretend you’re in Paris at the Raspail farmer’s market.
- I was in need of a second pepper mill for cooking classes, one that had a nice course grind. After using the Peugeot Poivre Pepper Mill in a Williams-Sonoma demo recently, I had to bring home one of my own.
For the Dudes
- Laguiole steak knives are as pretty as they are functional.
- A Javelin Meat Thermometer is the best instant read thermometer I’ve found.
- ‘Ove gloves are heat proof. Our barbeque handle gets super hot, so I keep these stashed next to our grill.
- A Winc wine club membership is perfect for the wine lovers in your life.
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