Last summer, it felt like everyone was trying to get their hands on the limited-edition Owala FreeSip from Joanna Gaines' Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection at Target. The muted, earthy colorways quickly sold out, becoming one of the season's most sought-after lifestyle buys thanks to their combination of elevated design and everyday practicality.

With another summer of extreme heat already gripping much of the US, staying hydrated is once again top of mind – and Joanna Gaines' coveted collaboration has returned at exactly the right moment, complete with a handful of fresh seasonal colorways. They are the perfect dorm-room essentials.

While the exclusive Hearth & Hand bottles remain available only through Target, shoppers looking for the same cult-favorite Owala FreeSip design can also find the brand's classic bottles on Amazon, where many are currently discounted, in a range of vibrant new summer shades. I used mine alongside my Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher to ensure I am never without water. Yes, I do try to drink 2 litres a day.

Why Everyone Loves Owala Bottles

The Owala FreeSip has developed something of a cult following, and it's easy to see why. Its patented dual-function lid lets you either sip through the built-in straw or tilt the bottle back to drink from the wide-mouth opening, all while keeping the spout protected beneath a leakproof lid. Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for hours, while the comfortable carry loop makes it ideal for everything from commuting to beach days and long walks.

Of course, it's the design that continues to win me over. While Joanna Gaines is known for her signature earthy, neutral palette, the new summer collection embraces brighter, more vibrant hues that feel fresh, playful, and perfect for the season. It's a subtle departure from her usual aesthetic, but one that still feels thoughtfully curated.

The bottles look just as at home on a desk or bedside table as they do tucked into a beach bag or gym tote. They're proof that an everyday essential can be both practical and beautiful – after all, if you're carrying a water bottle everywhere, it might as well double as an accessory.

There Are Even Bigger Owala Savings for Prime Day

If you're less concerned about the Hearth & Hand collaboration and simply want an Owala bottle for less, it's also worth checking Amazon's Prime Day deals. Several classic Owala FreeSip bottles – including some of the brand's newest summer colorways – have been discounted more heavily than the collaboration styles, making it one of the best times of year to invest in the viral water bottle.

Given how quickly Joanna Gaines' collection sold through last year, I wouldn't be surprised if history repeated itself. If you've been waiting for another chance to buy one – or regretted missing out the first time around – I'd shop sooner rather than later.

Shop the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Collection

Shop Owala Water Bottles on Amazon

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Put it on the shelf, they say. Some take this as life advice; the rest of us do it with shoes, books, ceramics, and holiday souvenirs that don’t make sense anywhere else. Table lamps aren’t usually invited. (Imagining the wire situation alone makes us shiver.) Strictly side-table and desktop fare – until now.

Pooky has just launched a wire-free ‘library light' that behaves more like a bespoke architectural detail than a lamp, and it's a rather fabulous renter-friendly stand-in for a sconce.

This novel lighting idea solves two annoyingly common decorating dilemmas: calling an electrician every time you want a wall light, and sacrificing valuable surface space to a table lamp when there’s perfectly good shelving elsewhere.

That flexibility is obviously central to Pooky’s portable lamp universe. Powered by the brand’s signature rechargeable Genesis cell, the Bronte swaps a traditional lamp base for a first-of-its-kind G-clamp, allowing it to attach directly to shelves and mantels without a single drill hole.

And again, since this is a Pooky product, you best believe they encourage you to pack on the personality: the new library light base is available in five finishes and can be paired with more than 200 interchangeable shades, including fan-favorite collaborations with Ellen Merchant, inspired by the English countryside, and Matthew Williamson’s leap of leopard prints.

Given its petite proportions and literary branding, the Bronte is very happy to sit among your favorite summer reads. But it’s equally opportune anywhere you find yourself woefully sconceless – think bedrooms, closets, living rooms, entryways, and fireplaces. The counter-decluttering use cases, much like the color and pattern combinations on offer, are endless.

As it turns out, ‘put it on a shelf’ may be terrible advice for your feelings, but for a lamp? Couldn't be better.

The Bronte’s lack of wires and surprisingly sturdy clamp make it as shelf-smart as it is bookish. But if you’re ready to put your summer reading down and head outside, we found a pair of wire-free solar lanterns for an al fresco equivalent.

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There's something so nostalgic about a picnic – packing a basket full of food, grabbing an old blanket, and heading outdoors to find a sunny spot to sprawl out. Picnics don't have to be polished, overly luxurious events; instead, they're carefree, laid-back, and simple affairs – an aesthetic that Joanna Gaines perfectly captures with her brand-new picnic collection at Magnolia.

A heritage-inspired picnic basket sets the scene for this collection, which is filled with all sorts of picnic essentials that'll make you feel like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, about to embark on a picnic in the Austrian countryside. More nostalgic touches appear as well, including gingham-printed napkins, a grounding floral pillow, and a scallop-rimmed pitcher that's perfect for serving sweet tea on a hot summer day.

A sense of familiarity radiates through the collection, thanks to Joanna Gaines' signature, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Sure to become nostalgic pieces, you'll want to reuse these pieces summer after summer.

No matter where you decide to picnic this season – the beach, the mountains, or even your own backyard – Magnolia's picnic collection can help you create a scene that's as nostalgic as summer itself. Carefree summer picnicking awaits you below.

Shop Magnolia's Picnic Collection

Joanna Gaines' picnic collection can help you create a picnic scene that feels straight out of a storybook – not overly fussy, but calm, considered, and comforting. And if you want to add more chic pieces to your outdoor hosting setup, we know just where you should buy outdoor-friendly tableware and outdoor glassware too.

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Interior designer Shea McGee is fluent in the language of rooms – the flow, light, and casually elevated styling that she’s known for as the co-founder of Studio McGee. Her new cookbook, then, is less of a departure than it first appears. In Around The Table: Tables and Traditions For Gathering, available on Amazon, McGee approaches food the way she approaches a living space: with an eye toward how it feels to be there, how people gather, linger, and, ideally, help themselves to seconds.

She begins her cookbook with a line that disarms: 'I am an interior designer, not a professionally trained chef.' It’s a teaser for her ultimate thesis: That the recipes are only one part of the offering, and the real subject is the moment they create.

'I’m not just thinking about flavors – I’m thinking about color, texture, height, composition, and how the whole scene comes together,' she says. The table, in her hands, becomes an extension of the room – another surface to layer, edit, and bring into balance. A platter of salmon scattered with citrus and herbs is treated with the same care as a console styled with books and objects. 'The table is just another room to me. And food is just another form of design.'

The book is organized by season, a structure that feels intuitive once you hear her describe it. 'My whole approach to gathering is shaped by how I’m experiencing the season,' she says. 'What produce is in season, what the light looks like outside, whether we're eating around the fire pit or out on the patio with the doors open.' To McGee, spring is light and bright, summer relaxed and a little improvisational, fall layered and candlelit, winter pared back to soup, bread, and closeness. It is a way of cooking that pays attention to mood as much as ingredients.

Late spring, which happens to be when her book was released this year, is her favorite time to host. 'After a long winter, we’re all coming out of our shells – there is a sense of possibility as everything comes to life,' she says. The menus, she insists, 'almost build themselves,' guided by fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and whatever looks good at the market that morning. There is a pleasing lack of overthinking in that approach, a confidence that the season will carry you.

Though her focus is always on beauty, her idea of the perfect spring party food is sneakily pragmatic. 'To me, the best party food is essentially a portable salad – it should look beautiful, taste interesting, and require almost no effort to eat,' she says. Skewers of blackberry and Gouda, smashed tzatziki cucumbers, whipped ricotta piped onto croissant crostini – each one designed to feel generous without demanding much from the host or the guest.

That ethos extends to the way she sets a table: Bring the outside in, use what you have, and let things be a little imperfect. A few bud vases with flowers clipped from the yard, rumpled linens, a woven element to break up the ceramics – small gestures that add up to something memorable.

There is, throughout the book, a sense that hospitality is less about performance and more about attention. McGee describes a last-minute visit from a friend with a kind of ease that feels aspirational in the best way: a board assembled from whatever is in the fridge, a quick crostini, conversation unfolding in the kitchen. 'Thoughtfulness, not perfection, is always the goal,' she says.

A designer writing a cookbook makes perfect sense when you consider the end goal of any gathering: Never the dish itself, but the room it creates around it.

Blackberry Gouda Skewers

'Color and texture are top of mind when creating a menu. These skewers have a contrast of dark and light hues with a pleasant, toasty crunch from coarse salt and walnuts. It’s essentially a portable salad, easy to eat and transport, whether I’m at the beach, hosting a barbecue, or sneaking a few into lunchboxes.'

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled, seeded, and diced honeydew melon
• 5 ounces Gouda cheese
• 32 (4 3/4-inch) bamboo skewers
• 5 ounces spring mix
• 1 pint blackberries
• ½ cup walnuts
• Balsamic glaze, for serving
• Coarse grey French salt, for serving

Directions

1. Dice the honeydew into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the Gouda into ½-inch cubes.

2. Assemble by layering a piece of honeydew, pinch of spring mix, cube of Gouda, blackberry, another pinch of spring mix, and another piece of honeydew on a skewer. Place in an airtight container or cover in plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Finely chop.

4. Stack the skewers in an airtight container for easy storage and transport. To serve, set the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with the toasted walnuts and French salt. Alternatively, let guests dress the skewers on their own.

Tzatziki Cucumbers

'Thanks to a punchy dill vinaigrette and creamy yogurt base, these tzatziki-inspired cucumbers are cool, crunchy, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple prep, this dish delivers the refreshing bite of tzatziki in an engaging, deconstructed form.'

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup fresh dill, packed
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon
• 2 English cucumbers
• ¾ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, make the vinaigrette by whisking together the oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Chop the dill, grate or finely mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Add the dill, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the oil and whisk to combine.

2. Cut the cucumbers into thirds crosswise, then smash each piece with the side of the knife or a mallet. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers and add them to the vinaigrette. Stir to combine.

3. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt to the yogurt and stir to combine. Spread the yogurt over the bottom of a serving platter or shallow bowl. Spoon the cucumbers on top of the yogurt. Pour any remaining vinaigrette over the top and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

'These crostini are a simple, elegant appetizer that feeds a crowd. Using croissants in place of a typical baguette yields a supremely buttery toast that delicately shatters beneath each bite of cloud-like ricotta. For a little extra color, finish with flaky salt and a sprinkle of dried edible flowers.'

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups (30 ounces) ricotta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 to 4 large croissants
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt, for serving
• Dried edible flowers, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the ricotta, heavy cream, and salt. Whip on medium-high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will be light and fluffy.

2. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a piping bag or gallon storage bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and slice the croissants into ¼-inch slices, just like you would a loaf of bread, to yield about 10 slices per croissant. Nestle the slices onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer, using two sheets if needed.

4. Brush the croissants on both sides with the oil, then transfer to the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the croissants, then bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are deeply toasted and crisp. Set aside to cool completely.

5. When ready to assemble, cut the tip of the bag to create a ¼-inch opening. Pipe the whipped ricotta onto each crostini in a squiggle motion, then sprinkle with flaky salt and dried flowers (if using). Serve immediately.

Menu of the Moment is a monthly Homes & Gardens feature which taps into a seasonal cookery mindset or food trend, with a selection of recipes inspired by the calendar or zeitgeist, and an interview with the cook, chef or recipe book author about the story behind them, and what brings them joy about cooking seasonally and for the moment.

She’s not just a mom – she’s an aesthete, chef, therapist, consummate hostess, and, in another life, probably an interior designer. But she's also the one who drove you to volleyball. Listened to you cry about a crush. She’s the most impressive woman you know, and a built-in best friend who, no matter how old you get, is still somehow taking care of you. Consider this your moment to return the favor.

Start with something she’ll actually use: say, a custom Pooky lamp she can carry from couch to kitchen, perfectly cropped Pima cotton pajamas that won’t dip into the sink, the Smythson notebook she’s been eyeing (in a new ultra-violet shade she didn’t know existed), or even a pair of rubber hosting gloves – opera-length, ring-finger-pearled for drama – so she can wash dishes post–dinner party without sacrificing a manicure.

You should be making her feel special all year long. But maybe these 28 gifts will make up for a few missed moments.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Did you know that winter water pressure changes may have caused micro-cracks in your washer hose and water heater valves? This can escalate into hidden egress or sudden leaks if left unfixed. With winter weather truly over and ground pressure increasing in April, this month is the perfect time for a quick DIY test to check for weak points.

This spring maintenance risk can be easily diagnosed using a paper towel. Simply wrap a sheet around your connection points, and if any become damp over the next 24 hours, you have sprung a silent leak over recent months.

Failing to fix it could lead to avoidable but expensive repairs, especially as seasonal April showers already increase the pressure on your drainage systems. In fact, a washer leak is one of the top five causes of insurance claims in US homes, and if it happens while you're at work or away, you could be faced with a complete floor replacement, costing upwards of $10,000. Get ahead of hidden problems now with our quick DIY diagnostic.

The 'Paper Towel' Test to Check for Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks can lead to expensive repairs, as slow ones cause damage out of sight, and it's not till you spot your floors warping, or find mold, that you realize the issue has been going on for a while. Micro-cracks can also suddenly give, leading to extensive flooding that is costly to repair. Having to replace a floor, for example, might set you back up to $10,000.

Josh Mitchell, seasoned HVAC professional and plumbing technician at Plumbing Lab, shares how the paper towel diagnostic works, so you can spot problems before they escalate.

1. Take a dry paper towel and wrap it tightly around the connection points on washing machine hoses, under-sink shutoff valves, dishwasher lines, and around the base of the water heater valve.
2. Make sure the towel is in direct contact with the metal or fitting.
3. Leave it in place for 12-24 hours. If any part of that towel feels damp or shows discoloration, you’ve got a leak.

This is a quick, yet highly effective solution that could avoid costly repairs, without requiring any particular DIY skills.

'I use this method often because it turns an invisible problem into something obvious,' explains Josh. 'A lot of winter damage doesn’t show up as a visible drip but as moisture that forms and dries repeatedly on supply lines and valves. Paper towels absorb that moisture right away, so even a tiny leak becomes visible within hours.'

These leaks start during winter, when water pressure fluctuates more than usual. The pipes contract in cold weather and expand again as temperatures rise.

'That movement weakens rubber seals and fittings,' adds Josh. 'By April, when groundwater pressure increases and systems start cycling more often, those small weaknesses turn into steady drips or full failures. That’s when small winter damage starts turning into real leaks.'

Josh emphasizes the urgency of preventive measures, locating leaks before they can cause significant water damage.

The Fix for Micro-Cracks in Your Washer Connection Points

'Fixing the issue early is cheap. Replacing a standard rubber hose with a stainless steel braided one costs about $15 to $20,' Josh advises.

This $17.98 Everbilt stainless steel supply line at Home Depot is resistant to corrosion and easy to install.

Josh adds, 'Adding a leak alarm costs around $10 to $15 and alerts you within seconds if water starts pooling.' This simple $14.54 leak alarm at Home Depot will trigger if water is detected around hoses, valves, and supply lines.

'Compare that to what happens if it fails while you’re out. A burst hose can release 500 to 700 gallons in a few hours. That’s enough to ruin flooring, baseboards, drywall, and sometimes cabinetry. Repairs often run from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how long the water runs,' Josh adds.

What to Shop

To locate, identify, and fix leaks in your supply lines, here are a few inexpensive tools that will leave you protected against pressure changes come April showers.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn the two-minute DIY rule to keep home maintenance under control, and how to find and fix common household leaks.

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If you want a great Mother’s Day gift, ask a mom. It’s an eye-rollingly obvious piece of wisdom, and one woefully underutilized by everyone but, apparently, Weezie. Its latest limited-edition collaboration taps Leah O’Connell, a pattern-obsessed San Francisco–based interior and textile designer (and a mother herself), with exactly what she – and, presumably, other mothers – actually want to receive.

Topping the wishlist: towels. It’s a Weezie collection, so of course, there are plenty. This terry-heavy, fully customizable lineup trades the brand’s usual clean-and-classic staples for five of the designer’s elegantly effervescent, botanically inspired patterns – Vivian, Georgie, Holiday, Cora, and Harriet – across bath, hand, and full towel sets, along with coordinating robes and toiletry bags.

This debut might be happening in spring, but in Leah’s perennially in-bloom design universe, the mood is always floral, bringing a refreshing, seasonless softness to even less-expected extras your mom might not think to buy for herself, like a drawstring bikini bag.

‘I’d describe it as playful, polished, and rooted in a kind of relaxed California prep,’ Leah says of the collaboration, floating in buttery yellows, powder blues, and botanical greens. ‘There’s a lightness to it: florals that feel fresh rather than formal, colors that are cheerful but still classic. They’re meant to feel happy and easy in a home – something you can live with every day.’

Unlike another addition to an already robust collection of trinket dishes or coffee table books destined to go untouched, it’s hard to argue with the usefulness of a towel. Give your mother, say, the green-bordered Scalloped Hand Towels in Leah’s whimsical Vivian Magnolia, and she’ll smile at the fabric applique monogram every time she dries her hands. A small, daily reminder of you – her thoughtful, loving child – rendered in a very good pattern.

Ahead, six gifts your mom will actually use.

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Taking a packed lunch to work, on days out, or for longer car journeys no longer needs to result in soggy sandwiches or salads. I’m swapping baggies and plastic food containers for a sleek, durable, non-toxic, compartmentalised one.

The $35.99 HOMEKOL Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box from Amazon has internal silicone lids, which are non-toxic, to keep contents from mixing in the separate areas.

It’s also dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and leak-resistant, making it a versatile companion for your non-toxic cookware.

Why Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes Are the Superior Choice

I've been on a mission to create a non-toxic home for the last two years, and slowly replacing everything that poses a risk. I have also been working to be more sustainable at home, which means investing in items that are durable and will last longer than a lightweight or cheap alternative.

While this stainless steel item has less bulk than you might expect, it doesn’t mean less functionality or an inferior sturdy design. It's built to last with snug construction and stainless steel screws holding the lid to the box instead of the usual plastic hinges you might find.

The silicone separators that cover each compartment, alongside the BPA-free plastic viewing windows in the lid, are food safe and come apart for full cleaning and drying.

That is vital for avoiding any hidden mould from forming underneath the silicone areas when cleaning up after each use.

Whilst the item is not insulated, you can pop some cool packs (I like the small Cool Cooler reusable ice packs from Amazon for their compact size) under, beside, or on top of food to keep your lunch cool for around 2-4 hours.

I have been using a larger thermo-insulated cooler bag for my lunches on days in the office or for days out, in fact, but it’s large, cumbersome, and needs multiple food containers inside.

This stainless steel option is exactly what I need to pack the various elements of my lunch and slip it into my handbag, rather than having to carry an additional bag around. It also looks chic and modern, which makes it feel grown-up. If you're thinking of it for your children's lunches, there are four fun silicone colorways to pick from.

What Shoppers Say

Suitable for grown-ups and school lunches, shoppers rate how durable this product is, love that it has no microplastics, and are pleased that the internal silicone seal really keeps the contents of the compartment separate.

One shopper who awarded it five out of five stars says, ‘This is the perfect lunchbox. Stainless so no microplastics. The top has the seal, so I can pack juicy food and not worry. And thankfully, it is removable, so you can truly get it clean (as opposed to the plastic counterparts of this type of product). It has held up incredibly well in the dishwasher. My little one can open and close it himself!’

Another rated its durability and quality, giving it five stars, too. They explain, ‘Great and sturdy. You pay a little more for this one, but you get what you pay for, as the handles don’t crack and fall off, and the hinges are reinforced with steel screws.’

What to Shop

While you may have one of the best non-toxic air fryers, or have made sure your coffee is clear of BPA plastic and forever chemicals with one of the top non-toxic coffee makers, it can be easy to lean into affordable convenience for your everyday food storage or packed lunch needs.

However, these items can often have hidden chemicals that leach into your food and pose a health risk in the long run. Here, I’ve curated safe, useful food containers to have in your kitchen, pantry, and when on the move.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can also switch to beeswax instead of plastic wrap, but it's not just your kitchen and lunches that need nasty chemicals cleared out. Learn the key non-toxic gardening swaps to make this year.

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What is the first thing you notice when you sit down at a table – the color of your plate, perhaps, the pattern of the tablecloth, or maybe the weight of stainless steel cutlery? If so, your brain is picking up on the psychology of dinnerware, a surprisingly powerful concept that both nutritionists and interior designers are paying more and more attention to.

After learning just how much dinnerware and table decorations can impact our perception of food, how it tastes, and even how much of it we end up eating, how I host my next dinner party (and the way I serve up my weekday meals) will definitely change. 'This is an area where nutrition science overlaps with psychology and design, which helps explain why presentation matters so much, explains Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, a nutrition and wellness expert and co-author of Sugar Shock.

This goes well beyond just how individual place settings look, though. 'Sitting down for a meal is a sensory experience in more ways than one,' says interior designer Melissa Lacy Welker. 'Touch, taste, smell, and even sound all influence how we perceive a moment at the table.' Keen to discover why it’s always worth using the good china? Nutrition experts and interior design masterminds share their serving suggestions.

1. Play With Pattern

'There’s something profoundly human about gathering around a table, and the quality of that experience isn’t just about what’s served, it’s how it’s presented,' believes Alex Alonso, founder of Miami-based interior design studio Mr Alex Tate. 'With tablescaping, you can introduce patterns that create a sense of calm, softness, and warmth.'

With spring tablescaping ideas setting a precedent, botanical motifs, floral prints, and wildlife designs are particularly effective, as they bring the outdoors in. 'These can create a whimsical mood,' explains Alex. 'Natural patterns often mimic movement, life, and growth, which stimulates the senses without distracting from the meal.'

'Organic designs often feel comforting and familiar,' agrees Lindsay Malone, MS, RD, LD, a clinical dietitian from Case Western Reserve University. 'That can translate into a more relaxed eating experience, which supports digestion.'

'There’s a reason they say we eat with our eyes,' explains nutritionist Samantha Cassetty. 'Patterns influence the emotional tone of a meal, shaping mood and signaling a more special eating experience. A beautifully patterned plate or serving dish can make an everyday meal more memorable, which supports a mindful eating experience.'

2. Introduce Touch Points

The feel of a plate, the clink of a glass, and the finish of flatware are all impacted by texture and material. While our eyes can appreciate the look of a dish and take in the beauty of a champagne flute, the feel of these elements in our hands and on our skin impacts how we perceive quality and intentionality.

'The materials you use on the table often signal the ambiance you wish to create,' confirms homeware designer Rebecca Udall. 'Natural textures always create a relaxed, welcoming feel, from the drape of linen to wooden-handled cutlery, while cooler materials like silver and stainless steel lend themselves better to more formal dining.'

'Texture directly enhances our perception of food,' agrees Samantha Cassetty. 'Eating on fine china, for example, elevates the dining experience and makes a meal feel more sophisticated. These little touches can really make a difference.'

3. Choose a Considered Palette

From the shade of a serving bowl to the tint of a tumbler, color impacts not only how a table looks but how much food the people sitting around it end up consuming. Warmer shades, including yellow, orange and some reds, are often associated with increased feelings of hunger, while cooler ones may, due to their calming qualities, reduce appetite.

'Color shapes our expectation of food before we even take a bite,' explains nutrition expert Samantha Cassetty. 'It can meaningfully shape how food tastes to us, how much we enjoy it, and how satisfied we feel afterward. High contrast between your food and plate, such as colorful vegetables on a white dish, can make food look more vibrant and appealing. This may also help people better perceive individual portion sizes, which can make it easier to avoid overeating.'

The pink plates in this dining room, for example, are a conscious choice. 'The table’s palette feels connected to the room’s surroundings rather than competing with it, allowing mealtimes to become more immersive,' explains San Francisco-based designer Marea Clark. 'This restraint allows us to be more playful with the floral displays and accents to set a confident tone.'

This leans into the impact wider surroundings can have on your dining experience. 'From a digestion and health standpoint, the environment we eat in truly matters,' explains dietitian Lindsay Malone. 'Creating a pleasant, intentional atmosphere around meals, whether that’s setting a table, using favorite dishes, or sitting down in a designated eating space, can help signal the body that it’s time to slow down and eat mindfully.'

4. Experiment With Size and Scale

'After considering your color palette, scale becomes everything,' believes Firmdale’s creative director Kit Kemp, who created this dining space at New York’s Whitby Hotel above. 'Each place setting should feel intimate without ever being cramped.'

'Plates that are too large can make servings look smaller,' explains food and wellness expert Samantha Cassetty. 'Appropriately-sized plates help to make portions feel more satisfying and intentional.'

That said, don’t be afraid to downsize. 'Smaller, beautiful plates can also make a balanced meal look abundant and satisfying, naturally supporting portion control without feeling restrictive,' instructs nutrition expert Lindsay Malone. 'When food looks more appealing like this, we tend to enjoy it more, chew more slowly, and feel more satisfied, often with less.'

It’s not just the size of your plate that matters. Other elements on the table also influence how a meal is experienced. Keep any floral arrangements cut low to encourage conversation around the table, and position taller candlesticks in between place settings (rather than directly in front of them) for a sense of visual rhythm.

5. Consider Weight and Heft

Closely connected to texture and material, the weight of your dinnerware can affect your food and drink experience. 'The weight and feel of your tablescape absolutely impacts mood,' explains Atlanta-based interior designer Melissa Lacy Welker.

'Heavier pieces tend to feel comforting and generous in the hand, while lighter ones often feel ceremonial and more refined,' she says. 'Compare the feel of lightweight crystal, which always feels elevated, to chunkier recycled glass, which feels relaxed, modern, and unfussy.'

'Heavier cutlery and glassware tend to feel more substantial,' agrees dietitian Lindsay Malone. 'This can help to slow the pace of eating, increasing dietary awareness. On the other hand, lighter, delicate pieces can feel special and refined. Both can change how you perceive a meal, even if the food and drink is the same.'

Want your guests to feel replete at the end of a meal? 'Research suggests that when you serve food in heavier containers, it’s also perceived as more satisfying than the same items served in lighter ones,' reveals nutritionist Samantha Cassetty. 'This added sense of heft can enhance enjoyment and help you feel fuller.'

The psychology of dinnerware proves that the look of the plates we dish food onto, the glasses we fill, and the cutlery we hold in our hands is just one element of our overall dining experience. Color and pattern are important factors, yes, but so too is the texture, weight, and size of your dinnerware.

It’s clear, then, that choosing dinnerware and setting a table isn’t just about creating a pretty moment for hosting, it can change how we perceive dishes, taste their flavors, and even how much we enjoy them. Feeling inspired? Explore the table decor trends for 2026 and discover our pick of seasonal recipes to serve up.

It might be time to break up with your current towels, because Brooklinen has just reengineered its cult-favorite Super-Plush line to dry faster, absorb better, and – if you can believe it – feel even softer.

The new Super-Plush 2.0 is spun from zero-twist 100% Aegean Turkish cotton, delivering hotel-spa fluff with powerful performance to back it up. You’ll be able to feel the way it drinks up water post-shower – and see it too, be it stacked on a shelf or hanging from the newly added locker loops. True to its name, these bath towels are truly super-ior by every metric.

The updated line arrives in the brand’s signature whisper-soft neutrals and blues, but the stripes are the real headline. Returning favorites like the navy-on-cream Striped Abyss sit alongside new three-tone versions that tap directly into fashion’s retro sportswear revival.

Striped Persimmon, in particular – which cools the punchy orange with periwinkle – feels like one of the most editorial developments in bathroom this year. The robes are also in on the refresh, which is good news, because, at this point, they’re inching dangerously close to grocery-store appropriate.

For now, though, the bathroom-to-bath-hook pipeline will suffice. Even if you already own the original Super-Plush, the 2.0 gives every reason to trade up.

It’s rare for a sequel to surpass the original, but with quicker drying, better absorption, softer hand-feel, and stripes chic enough to count as decor, Brooklinen's Super-Plush 2.0 might just be the exception.

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As a new month is ushered in – and spring is finally on the horizon – you might be feeling an urge to rejuvenate your space and set some new intentions. And according to herbalists and spiritual experts, now is the perfect time to perform a time-honored ritual: sprinkling basil across your doorways.

This might not be the first strategy that comes to mind when you think of welcoming good fortune into your home, but basil isn't just the hero of a hearty soup or a summer salad. The humble herb has long been associated with both protection and prosperity, and sprinkling it across thresholds is believed to help refresh the energy inside your home.

Below, I ask experts to reveal the meaning behind this sacred ritual – and explain exactly how you can try it out for yourself as a new month begins.

What Does Sprinkling Basil Across Your Doorway Do?

This tradition is one of many spring home cleansing rituals, which are used in countless ancient traditions to bring balance and harmony to a space. (Sprinkling rosemary at your doorway is a similar practice that's often relied upon by herbalists and healers for purification.)

Basil itself 'carries the vibration of protection, prosperity, and harmony in the home,' according to Intuitive Healer Antoinnette Chirinos, who argues that 'it's a truly powerful herb. The aroma alone invites you to slow down and go deeper.'

What's the Story Behind the Ritual?

Since basil is most strongly associated with prosperity, sprinkling it at your doorway is believed to help mark out your home as a site of peace and abundance.

'Thresholds carry great symbolism, marking the meeting point between public and private life, outside and inside, and strangers and family,' explains Joanne Jones, Founder and CEO of Trusted Psychics. 'The door becomes a point where one pauses before stepping in, perhaps after a long day, and consciously leaving any tension outside of the home. '

Just as doorways create a spiritual perimeter, preserving harmony and acting as a barrier against negative energy, a new month is its own kind of boundary: an opportunity to set new goals and prioritize peace.

'Many people often describe feeling calmer because rituals such as this tend to give a clearer sense of boundaries,' says Joanne. 'Practitioners perform an act like this with the first day of the calendar month or the New Moon. Repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds reassurance.'

Tips on Practising the Ritual

To cleanse your home, you can use fresh basil (for a stronger fragrance that lingers), or dried basil, which can be easier to distribute across doorways. Experts also suggest steeping in the herb in hot water, leaving it to cool down, and gently applying it to thresholds, windowpanes, or corners, where stagnant energy can accumulate.

'Herbs are living allies – and basil isn’t just a plant, it's a spiritual support,' says Antoinnette. 'It helps clear the old and welcome in the new.'

The ritual isn't limited to periods like this one, however. Many herbalists use it regularly to enhance their spiritual practice.

'You can also air dry basil and burn it as sacred smoke for protection and prosperity,' suggests Antoinnette. 'I love combining basil with rosemary. Together they create a strong, protective energy that feels both grounding and expansive.'

With a new month symbolizing both transition and new beginnings, it's the perfect time to cleanse and reset your home – and basil is a brilliant herb to use.

'When you put basil in your doorway, you’re inviting harmony, peace, and abundance inside,' says Antoinnette. 'It’s a simple and beautiful ritual to begin the month with intention.'

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Spring showers might feel a little frustrating as we wait for the balmy weather to arrive, but rainwater has a host of benefits – and it isn't just helpful for your garden.

According to spiritual experts, rainwater forms part of a long tradition: storm-water rituals. These ancient practices help to reset the energy in your home and invite both protection and abundance for the season ahead.

Like many spring home cleansing rituals, storm water cleansing involves emptying your home of negative energy, making space for renewal and growth. Below, we asked experts to reveal the origins of this practice and explain how you can try it out.

What is a Storm Water Ritual?

A storm water ritual involves collecting rainwater and using it to cleanse and purify your home. The rainwater is most often used to wash thresholds like doorways, though it can also help to refresh corners in the home, where energy is believed to get 'stuck'.

In many ancient traditions, rainwater is seen as a form of powerful elemental energy. It carries many spiritual associations, but it's largely believed to be a sacred offering from the natural world – which is why it's a time-honored tool in cleansing rituals like this one.

'In many traditions, especially in earth-based and Indigenous practices, water is not just water, it is a spirit,' explains Intuitive Healer Antoinnette Chirinos. 'Water carries emotion. It brings cleansing and renewal.'

Storm water rituals are rooted in this connection with nature, allowing us to harmonize more deeply with the world around us. In periods of transition, these rituals are especially helpful as a method of purification and rejuvenation, since rain water is a symbol of raw, organic power.

'When rain falls from the sky, it comes directly from the heavens and the natural world,' says Antoinette. 'It hasn’t been altered. It feels sacred and alive.'

Cleansing doorways and thresholds with rainwater is the most powerful way to reset your home before a new season arrives. Think of it as a form of energy release, allowing your space to be refreshed and spiritually balanced.

'The doorway of the home is very important,' says Antoinette. 'It is the energetic entrance, where blessings can enter and where heavy energy can be released.'

Like many spiritual rituals, however, this practice doesn't simply banish negative energy; it also serves as a method of empowerment.

'When we wash the floors or cleanse the entrance with rainwater, we are not just cleaning physically; we are praying through action,' Antoinette explains. 'We are asking for protection, harmony, and abundance.'

To perform your own storm water ritual, it's best to collect rainwater using a vessel like a glass or a stone bowl. These materials will strengthen your connection to the natural world, and preserve the energy of the water you harvest.

Some experts recommend 'charging' the rainwater by leaving it outside under a crescent moon. Thankfully, however, this ritual isn't limited to a specific period or lunar cycle; while it can be particularly effective during times of transition, it can also be used more regularly to cleanse the energy in any part of your home.

To complete the ritual, you can add essential oils to the rainwater to invite further spiritual benefits. (You can, for instance, combine it with the practice of sprinkling rosemary across your doorway, which is believed to encourage protection and peace.)

Then, use a cloth or even a mop to cleanse doorways and floors, or use a spray bottle to refresh corners and window frames, where energy can become stagnant.

'You can also dip your thumb and forefinger in a bowl of storm water, and in a flicking motion, sprinkle droplets all around,' explains celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman. 'This will ward off bad energies and invite a more positive flow into your home.'

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With the Lunar New Year officially underway and spring on the horizon, we've entered a period of exciting transition – so it's only natural that you might want to bring a little extra luck into your home right now.

According to herbalists and spiritual experts, there are plenty of ways to welcome in peace and good fortune, and they're simpler than you might expect. In fact, one herb is all you need – and that's rosemary.

Rosemary might be a pantry staple, but it's also associated with purification and protection. And with this in mind, many people sprinkle rosemary across their doorways to create a spiritual boundary that maintains a calm energy within their home. Below, experts delve into the meaning behind this time-honored home cleansing ritual.

What Does Sprinkling Rosemary Across Your Doorway Do?

Cleansing rituals have been used for generations – often to ward off negative energy and preserve balance inside the home. Rosemary, however, is specifically associated with protection.

'Rosemary carries a long history of purification and protection across many cultures, and energetically it bridges both the upper and lower chakras – supporting mental clarity while also grounding and strengthening the root,' explains Intuitive Healer Antoinnette Chirinos. 'Sprinkling rosemary at your doorway makes sense because the doorway is the entrance to the home. It’s the place where energy comes in.'

Where Did the Ritual Come From?

The symbolic power of rosemary dates back to ancient folk customs, and it was initially used not only to purify spaces but also to enhance memory. Gradually, it became a way to ward off negative energy and even sickness.

'Households used to place sprigs of rosemary above doorways or scatter the herb across their floors to ward off unwanted spirits, illnesses, and even thieves,' says Joanne Jones, Founder and CEO at Trusted Psychics. 'Placing the plant across a junction like this creates a physical and spiritual line, filtering what passes through the door.'

Tips For Practising This Ritual

Nowadays, many people choose to sprinkle rosemary along their doorways during periods of transition, such as at the beginning of each month (blowing cinnamon on your front door on the first of each month is also meant to bring good fortune).

'When people do this at the beginning of the month, it can be a way to reset the energy and start fresh with protection and clear intentions,' says Antoinette.

To try it out for yourself, you can use fresh rosemary – which carries a stronger scent – or dried sprigs, which can be easier to scatter.

Experts recommend sprinkling the rosemary carefully along thresholds, whether outside your door for protection, or inside to maintain balance and calm. They also emphasize a sense of intention throughout the ritual, which can include affirmations.

'Focus on a clear sentence in your mind as you prepare the herb,' suggests Joanne. 'One example is, "may this home remain peaceful and protected".'

If you don't fancy leaving rosemary in your doorways, however, you can also steep the sprigs in hot water, leave the mixture to cool, and use it to rinse your doorstep. Hanging dried herb bundles above doorframes is another simple alternative.

Plus, if you're looking to add some spiritual protection into your daily routine, experts say that rosemary can be used even more regularly, too.

'I use rosemary when I clean my home,' says Antoinette. 'After cleaning, I sprinkle rosemary in the corners for protection. Corners can hold heavy or stagnant energy, so this helps keep the space clear and strong.'

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As we prepare to welcome in the Lunar New Year – 2026 marks the year of the fire horse – experts recommend following certain traditions to bring health, happiness, and good fortune for the months ahead. One such tradition involves opening your windows and doors at midnight as the New Year arrives, to release stagnant energy and welcome in good luck.

Opening your windows and doors at midnight is one of the many ways to use Feng Shui in the home in the Year of the Horse, which also include rolling oranges through your entryway, and placing and filling a prosperity bowl. We're even taking inspiration from the year of the fire horse into our homes with equestrian-inspired decor.

Here's how to try this ritual of opening your windows and doors at midnight, and more about what it means in Chinese tradition, as well as practical considerations to bear in mind, according to the experts. Plus, I've rounded up some buys believed to bring good luck and positive energy into your home for the Lunar New Year.

Why Open Windows and Doors at Lunar New Year?

According to Chinese tradition, opening your doors and windows is a way of releasing any bad or negative energy and allowing positive, new energy – or 'qi', as it's called in Feng Shui – into your home.

Lenny Kharitonov, CEO of interiors store, Emma Mason, who incorporates Feng Shui principles into furniture layouts for clients, adds: 'This tradition rests on the Feng Shui view that doors and windows are the 'mouths' of qi, and midnight marks a clean handover from the old year to the new. By opening them at the year’s first moment, you symbolically let stale, unlucky energy leave and invite fresh, auspicious qi and prosperity in, often linked to welcoming the God of Wealth. Many people pair the opening with switching on all the lights and speaking an auspicious phrase to make the welcome clear.'

Are There Any Preparations to Make or Practical Concerns to Think About?

Windows and doorways are some of the key areas to keep clean ahead of the Feng Shui New Year, and the same applies to the Lunar New Year. Plus, you might also want to bear in mind security and practicality considerations before throwing open your windows and doors at night.

Blanca Sanchez, founder and designer at Halo Design Interiors, suggests: 'Keep the front entry tidy, well lit, and unobstructed. At midnight, switch on the lights, open the front door, and at least one window (ideally opposite) to create a gentle cross‑breeze. If you live in a flat or have security or pet concerns, crack the door on the latch and open a window safely with a restrictor to achieve the same intent. Extinguish candles and check that curtains or blinds are clear of the opening so nothing snags or becomes a hazard.'

Lenny adds: 'Prepare the flow first, then open briefly at midnight. Earlier in the evening, pull bulky furniture slightly back from doors and windows, clear pathways, secure lightweight décor, and finish any sweeping so you’re not tidying away new good luck after midnight.'

How Long Should You Keep Windows and Doors Open?

When it's cold outside, as it usually is in February, keeping the doors and windows open for too long may feel a little impractical. But don't worry. You only need to try this for a short time to reap the benefits, and there's no set amount of time.

Blanca recommends: 'Open just long enough to feel a distinct change in the air. In winter, one to three minutes is usually ample, while in milder weather, you can extend to five to ten minutes if it’s comfortable. Close once you notice a fresh draft and a lift in the room’s feel rather than chasing a strong gust.'

What Effect Does Opening Windows and Doors at Lunar New Year Have?

Blanca says: 'People value the sense of an energetic reset and the intention of welcoming prosperity, opportunity, and smooth relationships into the home. Within the Feng Shui framework, it’s believed to invite auspicious qi and the favour of wealth energies at the most potent moment of the year.'

But, as well as the traditional Chinese beliefs, there's also a psychological answer as to why this ritual can help us make a fresh start. Dr Deborah Gilman, Owner and Psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, explains: 'Humans love a fresh start. We always have. Opening windows and doors for Lunar New Year isn’t just tradition or symbolism – it taps into something deeply psychological: we want to feel like we can reset, breathe again, and move forward.'

It comes down to taking control, Dr Gilman says: 'From a brain perspective, rituals like this actually calm us. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, small intentional actions – cleaning, opening space, letting in fresh air – give us a sense of control. That lowers stress hormones and helps us feel more grounded, and as though we're airing out last year's emotional baggage.'

She adds: 'My Favorite part comes down to connection. Cultural rituals remind us we belong somewhere and that shared meaning is incredibly regulating emotionally.'

Buys to Bring Good Luck for the Chinese New Year

Looking for other ways to wish prosperity and good fortune to your friends and family this Lunar New Year? Send or gift them a bouquet of lucky cut flowers in the year of the fire horse.

Here’s a family secret I didn’t learn until I was grown: my mother didn’t like red sauce. This is a woman who married into an Italian family in the 1950s (the first non-Italian to do so on my father’s side) and still cooked like her mother-in-law expected her to: She simmered tomato sauce at least once a week, fed a table full of hungry people, kept the traditions moving forward… and never once announced that she wasn’t crazy about the very thing we all considered sacred. When she finally admitted it, I laughed so hard I nearly fell over! Not because it was outrageous, but because it was so her: Cooking as a form of love.

The good news is, not every pasta dish in the Italian-American tradition involves the long-simmered Sunday Sauce. In fact, plenty of pasta nights in my family have been hurried affairs: I walk in the door, drop my bag, and put a pot of water on to boil before I’ve even decided what I’m making. When my two sons were teenagers, this was how I kept the household stitched together on weeknights. That’s the quiet genius of what I call 'sauced and tossed' pasta – the kind of dish where the noodles cook in a big pot while the sauce comes together in a shallow pan. Then everything meets at the last moment, glossy and delicious, like it was always meant to be that way.

The Sanctity of Italian Traditions

When I travel in Italy, I hear a lot of rules about how things must be done: guanciale, not bacon; this cheese, not that one; this shape of pasta, not that one. I respect tradition deeply – I’ve spent much of my life learning it and writing about it – but the Italian-American way comes with a particular kind of liberation. We made do. We had to. And out of that necessity came an instinct that I treasure: the assurance that there is almost always a meal within grasp in twenty minutes.

Take, for example, the classic 'midnight pasta' – spaghetti with garlic and olive oil – as proof. Aglio e olio is pantry cooking at its most elegant: garlic, olive oil, salt, heat, and noodles. That’s it. It’s also endlessly versatile with whatever you have on hand: chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers, a shower of parsley, a squeeze of lemon. Old-timers from big Italian families remember it as a meatless Friday-night staple, sometimes made with anchovies – a briny, savory boost that turns simplicity into depth. It’s universal and it’s deeply personal, because it becomes your version the minute you make it.

And here’s the thing people forget: the quickest pasta dishes often require the most technique. Not chef-y technique, but the kind of technique that is born through years of tasting and repetition.

Three Rules for Perfect Pasta

My cardinal rule is to salt the water right before I drop the pasta. I do that for a simple reason: Because I never want to forget this step, and because I salt aggressively – 'salty like the sea,' as a cook I once worked with used to say. That salt is how flavor gets into a benign noodle – a good handful, not a timid pinch.

The second rule: Cook the pasta a little under, about two minutes before the package tells you it’s done. In 'sauced and tossed,' the pasta finishes in the sauce – and that final minute is where the alchemy happens. The noodles absorb flavor. The sauce thickens and clings. Everything fuses.

And yes, reserve pasta water. You don’t need it, but that starchy water creates a silkiness that coats noodles in a way plain water can’t. Italian-American cooking is filled with these so-called 'scraps' that are actually superpowers: bean liquid, mushroom-soaking liquid, the last spoonful of brine from a jar of peppers. No frugal housewife would waste them – and neither should you.

Making Food Taste Good With What you Have

This brings me to shopping, which I consider part of the pleasure. A well-stocked pantry is not about being precious. It’s about being prepared. I always keep a long noodle and a 'macaroni' shape on hand, plus canned tomatoes, tuna, anchovies, chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and something in the allium family – onion or shallot. If you have those, you can improvise your way to dinner. Add a cup of peas from the freezer. Grate a carrot into a sauce. Roast peppers you forgot you had. And always think of acids as interchangeable: lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, the liquid from jarred peppers.

I also think it’s worth buying good dried pasta when you can. It’s marginally more expensive, but the difference is real. I like pasta made in Italy; De Cecco is a favorite. That said, affordability is a core part of the Italian-American legacy – making food taste good with what you have. I never want anyone to think they can’t cook because the premium brand isn’t in the cart.

The Art of Crafting Memorable Meals

Which brings me to my mother. After her red sauce confession, I built her a pasta that spoke her love language: lemons. I infuse cream with strips of lemon peel, use the juice to brighten the sauce, and then – in the most frugal, satisfying flourish – I drop those squeezed peels into the pasta water to perfume the noodles. Every part used. Nothing wasted.

When it comes time to serve, I try to make even the simplest pasta feel intentional. While the noodles cook, I set the pasta bowls near the stove to warm. I plate from the kitchen – not a big communal bowl – and then I bring garnishes to the table: black pepper, red pepper, salt, grated cheese, or (my favorite) golden breadcrumbs made from stale bread, toasted in olive oil and garlic. Sometimes I add lemon zest. Sometimes an anchovy. Sometimes a little cheese when there isn’t enough for a full shower. Crunch turns a fast dinner into something you remember.

A 'sauced and tossed' pasta is not just dinner. It’s a way of saying: I can feed you, right now, with what we have. And some nights, that’s the most loving thing you can offer.

Sauced and Tossed Pasta Recipes

These are three of my favorite recipes to cook for loved ones, from the 'sauced and tossed' chapter of my book Mother Sauce (Artisan Books, available at Amazon).

Creamy Lemon Spaghetti

You won’t find this recipe anywhere in the canon of classic Italian American pasta dishes. Instead, it honors my mother, Rose, the Canadian wife of my Italian father. Visiting the lemon groves of Ravello in the Campagna region of southern Italy was one of her cherished travel memories. I spent much of my adult cooking life trying to delight her, lemon-wise, with the same passion she used to bring our Italian legacy to our childhood dinner table.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 2 lemons, preferably Meyer lemons
• 1 pound (455 g) spaghetti or other long noodles
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 sprig fresh basil, plus basil leaves for garnish
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

• Use a vegetable peeler to peel the zest from the lemons in strips into a bowl and set aside. Squeeze 1/4 cup (60 ml) of juice from the lemons and reserve both the rinds and the juice.
• Fill a large pot with water, add the lemon rinds, and bring to a boil. Salt the water generously, add the spaghetti, and cook for 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the noodles should be slightly soft with a firm chew to them. Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
• Meanwhile, combine the cream, lemon zest, and basil in a saucepan large enough to hold the pasta and sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, pushing down on the zest with a spoon to release the oils, then remove and discard the zest and basil sprig.
• Slowly whisk the butter into the cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully emulsified (this is important to the final consistency of the sauce). Add the salt to the sauce, then whisk in ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved pasta cooking water.
• Add the pasta, along with the cheese and lemon juice, and toss and turn the noodles to fully coat with the sauce and melt the cheese. If necessary, season to taste with more salt and/or stir in additional pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
• Serve the pasta immediately in warm serving bowls with more grated cheese and black pepper on top.

Utica Riggies

The Chesterfield restaurant in downtown Utica claims to have invented Riggies; no doubt a cook there used ingredients on hand to create such a memorable concoction that a nickname (from the macaroni shape, rigatoni) was coined for it.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut onto bite-sized cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sweet red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch-wide (4 cm) strips
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup/100 g)
• 4 small garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 pickled cherry peppers, chopped plus ¼ cup (60 ml) of the pepper brine
• 1 cup (240 ml) white wine
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• One 28-ounce (800 g) can whole tomatoes, pulsed to a puree
• 1 pound (455 g) rigatoni
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Romano cheese

Method

• Toss the chicken with a generous amount of salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. When it glistens, add the chicken, spreading the cubes out to avoid crowding the pan, and sear until golden on all sides, about 6 minutes.
• Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the pepper strips, onions, and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly golden, about 4 minutes.
• Return the chicken (with any juices) to the pan and add the cherry peppers, then pour in the brine and wine to deglaze the pan and cook, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom, until the liquid is slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in the cream and tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt the water, add the pasta, and cook for 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the pasta should be slightly soft with a firm chew to it.
• Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the reserved cooking water to the sauce, along with the drained pasta, and stir in the grated cheese.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring, for a minute or two, to coat the noodles and finish cooking them in the sauce. Serve hot.
• VAR IATION: Thinly sliced sausages, browned in a skillet until cooked through, can be swapped for the chicken. Some versions of Utica Riggies also include sliced mushrooms, added to the skillet at the same time as the red peppers.

Pasta Alla Norma

The combination of fried and sautéed eggplant brings maximum oomph to this sauce. Its flavors pop when the two distinctly different cooking methods coalesce. The eggplant’s essential taste is sealed within the fried disks with their crispy, caramelized coating, while the spongy, porous texture of the cubed eggplant allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients it is cooked with. The result makes the most of the eggplant’s potential.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 1 medium Italian eggplant
• ¾ cup (180 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (425 g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh basil, plus basil leaves for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1 pound (455 g) macaroni, such as rigatoni, penne, or radiatore
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (170 g) grated ricotta salata or 1 cup (100 g) Romano cheese

Method

• Cut 15 to 20 thin slices from the narrow end of the eggplant. Cut the rest into ½-inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Pour half the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it’s glistening. Add the eggplant slices and fry, turning once, until a deep golden color on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Remove the slices to paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of the salt on both sides. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and heat until glistening. Add the cubed eggplant and sauté until lightly golden and soft, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute, without browning it. Add the tomatoes, basil sprigs, pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and simmer for 10 minutes; add the vinegar in the last couple minutes of cooking.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water, add the pasta, and boil until 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the pasta should be slightly soft with a firm chew to it.
• Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking water and drain the pasta. Stir the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan into the sauce. Add the pasta to the pan, stir well, and cook for a few minutes to coat the pasta in the sauce.
• Top each serving with some of the fried eggplant, ricotta salata and basil leaves.

A Cook's Legacy is our six-part series with award-winning cookbook author, Lucinda Scala Quinn, exploring the family, food, and cultural memory that inspired her latest cookbook, Mother Sauce, through her beloved culinary voice.

One-Pan Wisdom

When I was a little girl, my grandmother’s lasagna felt like an event before it even hit the table. You smelled it first – hours of slow heat building in the house, curling up the stairs, threading its way into every room. And then you saw it: a pan so heavy it seemed to require ceremony. But the real thrill – the part I still remember as vividly as anything – was the treasure hunt hidden inside each slice.

My grandmother tucked mini meatballs into the layers like little jewels. I would take my fork and quietly excavate, eyes flicking to my brothers’ plates to see if they’d been luckier than me. Did he get two? Did I only get one? It was pure childhood math, performed with total seriousness.

That memory is one reason I dedicated an entire chapter in my book Mother Sauce: Italian American Family Recipes and the Story of the Women Who Created Them (Artisan Books) to what I call 'Layered and Baked. To me, these dishes embody the unmistakable allure of home cooking.

Sure, sautéed onions smell wonderful, but they’re a quick flash of perfume. The oven is different. The oven is a slow build: the kind of scent that you can smell in an apartment building the moment you step off the elevator. It’s pervasive in the best way, like the house is quietly telling you, come in, stay a while.

That aroma became a sort of homing device for me when my boys turned into teenagers – the age when they start orbiting away from you, pulled by the promise of independence and pizza with friends. I noticed that even when they were halfway out the door, a long-cooking dish had a way of stopping them in their tracks. 'See you later,' they’d say – then pause. 'Wait… when is that going to be ready?'

The Delicious Precursor to Casseroles

It’s funny to me that we talk about casseroles as this very American mid-century idea –the bubbling dish, the apron, the oven door shut with a hip. But Italian American kitchens had their own version long before the 1960s put a name to it. Baked ziti and lasagna are, in many ways, the precursors to the American casserole: make-ahead meals that feed a crowd, travel well, reheat beautifully, and stretch ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts.

And this way of cooking goes back even further. In Italy, when cucina povera was at the forefront because resources were limited and ingenuity was essential, not every home had an oven. Families would assemble dishes and take them to a communal oven, often at a bakery. I always say it was like a car wash: people coming in and out with their pans, queued up to get their baking done. That communal practice cemented something lasting: layered dishes as a practical, communal, deeply human way to cook.

Kitchen Shortcuts That Have Stood the Test of Time

After years of working on my brand Mad Hungry in Martha Stewart’s test kitchen, I became ruthless about steps and ingredients that don’t pull their weight. Home cooking isn’t restaurant cooking. In a restaurant, every cutlet has to be perfect, one at a time, on demand. At home, a meal needs to be delicious and fit into your life.

That’s why I’m always delighted to realize my Italian American ancestors were doing this kind of smart editing long before I gave it a name. Take the recipe for Chicken Parmesan, which I adapted from my grandmother’s. So many recipes insist on the full 'standard breading procedure' (dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs) – an assembly line that can make sense for a standalone cutlet, but becomes excessive when the cutlet is going to be baked under Sunday Sauce and cheese.

In my family, the women simply mixed the breadcrumbs with cheese and seasoning and pressed it directly into the cutlet. Straight to the point. Less mess and same satisfying result.

Modernising Traditional Methods

The Italian Oven Fries in this selection are also deceptively simple, and they come straight from the brilliance of another woman in my family: my mother.

My mother was not Italian; she was Scotch-English on one side of her life, and then married into a very Italian household where, in those days, you were expected to cook like your Italian mother-in-law did. She was also an artist, and she had the creativity to take traditional Italian flavors and translate them into a modern, practical form.

She took the seasoning spirit of baked artichokes – Romano, garlic, herbs – and applied it to potatoes. She used the oven instead of frying because she was feeding a crowd and trying to live her life. Those fries became iconic in our family, the kind of thing you forget until you make them again, and everyone loses their mind.

My mom and I went head-to-head for years about the 'dried Italian seasoning.' I’m not a fan of most pre-mixed herb blend – I’d rather list herbs individually in my recipes. But she loved that old-school grocery store mix – a very 1960s staple – and eventually, she won.

Lasagne With Mini Meatballs

And the famous Lasagna with Mini Meatballs from my childhood? Those little meatballs are labor-intensive – there’s no way around it – but they’re also the entire reason the dish lives so vividly in my mind. I like to cook them in sauce, so they stay tender and porous, almost 'naked,' so they can absorb and meld with everything else.

What all of the layered and baked dishes in my book have in common is the magic that happens in the oven. In a well-made lasagna, or chicken Parmesan, or a layered vegetable bake, liquids mingle and then evaporate. Sugars concentrate. Edges caramelize. The top becomes crisp, the middle stays soft and yielding, and the bottom turns crunchy in the most glorious way. Nothing is one-note. It’s bubbling, and melting, and rising, and crisping all at once. It’s the kind of food you never forget.

Ingredients (serves 12)

• For the tomato sauce:
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Two 28-ounce (800 g) cans whole tomatoes, lightly pulsed in a blender
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sprigs fresh basil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the meatballs (See recipe on Lucinda's Sunday Sauce column, and roll into about ½ inch in diameter)
• 1 pound (455 g) dried lasagna noodles
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1¼ cups (285 g) ricotta cheese, drained if not thick
• 1 pound (455 g) mozzarella, grated
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

• For the tomato sauce:
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil.
• Add the garlic and pepper flakes and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just long enough to release the garlic’s fragrance and transform it slightly from its raw state; don’t let it cook to golden.
• Raise the heat to high and stir in the tomatoes and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the basil sprig, if using, then remove it before serving. Swirl in the butter
• For the meatballs (See recipe on Lucinda's Sunday Sauce column, and roll into about ½ inch in diameter)
• For the lasagne:
• Bring the tomato sauce to a boil in a large pot. One by one, stir the raw meatballs into the sauce and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously (you will have to cook the noodles in batches unless you have an extra-large pot). Fill a large bowl with cold water and stir in a glug of olive oil.
• If using dried noodles, cook according to the package instructions and transfer to the bowl of water. Remove the noodles from the cold water and pat dry. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, separated by parchment paper or plastic wrap.
• Combine the ricotta, ½ cup (225 g) of the grated mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the parsley, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and stir together.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• To assemble the lasagna, spread 1 cup (245 g) of the tomato sauce over the bottom of an oiled 9-by-13-inch (23 by 33 cm) baking dish. Overlap one quarter of the noodles over the sauce to cover the pan bottom.
• Spread a third of the cooked meatballs over the noodles and spoon over another 1 cup (225 g) sauce. Overlap another quarter of the noodles on top. Dollop all the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles and flatten it with the back of a spoon to make an even layer. Overlap another quarter of noodles on top.
• Spread over the second third of meatballs and 1 cup (225 g) sauce. Cover with the remaining noodles. Pour 2 cups (450 g) of the sauce to cover. Scatter the remaining meatballs on top. Scatter the remaining mozzarella over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling all over and lightly golden on top. Let rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with plenty of grated cheese and the remaining tomato sauce at the table.

A Cook's Legacy is our six-part series with award-winning cookbook author, Lucinda Scala Quinn, exploring the family, food, and cultural memory that inspired her latest cookbook, Mother Sauce, through her beloved culinary voice.

We can all conjure up a vision of how to style a Super Bowl party: guests would dig into comfort foods, alternately cheering for (then screaming at) the TV. Friends and family of all ages would gather in cozy conviviality.

As interior designer, Krista Watterworth Alterman, founder of South Florida’s Krista + Home, says: ‘The most beautiful Super Bowl gatherings should be like the best dinner parties – just with better lighting and louder cheering.’

The Super Bowl is always one of the best nights in the social calendar and, dare we say, even more enjoyable to watch when your team isn’t playing, so you can truly unwind. Unlike a more formal sit-down dinner or themed gathering, the practical elements of hosting a Super Bowl watch party include ensuring comfort, ease, and entertainment, both on and off the screen.

From the importance of zoning to the serving essentials you'll need on the day, we chatted to interior designers and hosting pros for their top tips on how to host a game day party that feels elevated yet relaxed. (And for more hosting how-tos from your favorite tastemakers, check out our How I Host series.)

We asked the experts for their tips on what to serve, how to cater to guests of all ages, ways to minimize time in the kitchen so you can enjoy the event, as well as their favorite styling and decor ideas for Super Bowl parties.

1. Set the Theme With Considered Materials and Textures

While it can be tempting to embrace a 'football-themed everything' styling concept for your Super Bowl party, going too literal can feel kitschy and impersonal.

Instead, follow Houston-based interior designer Kara Childress's advice, and use texture to tell the story by layering serveware in different materials: wooden boards, ceramic bowls, raffia trays, silver and chromatic touches.

‘For the table, I tend to lean into heritage rather than novelty,’ says Kara, whose Super Bowl parties always feature plenty of personal details, since her husband played in the NFL for 12 years.

Alongside ‘elevated comfort’ dishes (miniature pulled pork sliders, a chili recipe 'with all the fixings', homemade mac and cheese), Kara decorates her aged oak breakfast table with old football ephemera (pendants, programs, medals, pigskin footballs), using vintage silver trophies as sculptural centerpieces and a 'palette pulled subtly from the teams playing instead of obvious logos.'

No silver trophies? No problem: Ralph Lauren’s Art Deco-inspired Thorpe stainless steel serving bowls, feel timeless but modern, and pair beautifully with wood, stone, and ceramic serveware.

‘The goal is for the story to feel collected and authentic rather than overtly themed,' Kara says.

2. Comfy and Flexible Seating is a Non-Negotiable

Styling a Super Bowl party means ensuring every person has a great view of the action on the screen, as well as a comfy place to sit. For Krista + Home's Krista Watterworth Alterman, this means 'furniture has to earn its keep.'

'Super Bowl hosting has become its own kind of design test,' Krista says of the balance she strikes between luxury design clients (including homes for professional NFL and MLB athletes), and accommodating her teens when entertaining.

'Teen boys don’t hover politely. They sprawl, migrate, snack constantly, and care deeply about the screen, the sound (ensure your tech is up-to-date – our Home Tech Editor recently raved about the Samsung Surround Sound System for bringing the atmosphere of the stadium home), and whether they can actually see the game from wherever they’ve landed. That reality has made me even more intentional about performance fabrics, and ottomans always win.' (Williams Sonoma's Laguna Coffee Table Ottoman is a seat-and-table-in-one).

Multi-tasking furniture pieces and thoughtful spatial organization can also help facilitate large gatherings in smaller spaces.

3. Try Zoning to Minimize Chaos and Maximise Flow

Super Bowl hosting is more fluid than a sit-down dinner. But for it to feel effortless on the night, advance planning is required to create designated areas, encouraging guests to move through, or stop and chat.

'Layout is everything. Sightlines matter. And the best parties are the ones where guests naturally gather without being told where to sit. That’s where my obsession with zoning, floating furniture, and layered seating really comes from,' says Krista.

One easy way to achieve this is by creating multiple nibble areas, instead of sticking all the edible stuff in one corner.

'Zone the space with one area for watching, one for lounging, one for games, and one for food, which helps with flow, reduces crowding, and keeps guests happy,' advises interior designer, Linda Hayslett, of LH. Designs.

'Ditch the one sad snack table and spread the food out across side tables, consoles, and ottomans because they all count. This keeps people moving and prevents the inevitable crowd huddle around the chips,' adds Linda.

4. Choose Hard-working Serveware

The key to enjoying your Super Bowl soirée is to prep in advance, but also minimize mess and hassle on the day by investing in stove-to-table essentials, like the best cast iron cocottes and casserole dishes.

'For Super Bowl, everyone does tons of dips. I love to do recipes in cast iron dishes: corn dip, Buffalo chicken dip, layered hummus dip,' says Alexandra Kamper, owner of Fort Lauderdale-based, Kamper's Kitchen, which specializes in charcuterie boards and grazing tables.

'With cast iron, take it out of the oven piping hot, put a trivet below so it doesn't burn whatever you've got on the table, and serve right there with the spoon. It looks fun when it's in the dish, and stays super hot, too.'

You don't need to spend a lot on the rest of your servingware essentials: Alexandra buys disposable cocktail napkins, plates, ramekins, bowls, and bamboo tongs from Amazon.

And instead of worrying about forks and knives, it's toothpicks and skewers that work best with bite-sized Super Bowl foods. Beyond picking up cheese and olives, use these to make colorful caprese skewers, or to dip soft pretzel bites into a cheese fondue.

5. Serve Crowd-Pleasing Dishes

‘I try to always do a mix of food that's going to be pleasing to adults, but also food for kids. The Super Bowl is the perfect time for that, because it's all fun finger foods,' says Rachel Mansfield, whose newest cookbook, More, Please! Feel-Good Meals for Busy Families and Their Picky Eaters, launches in August 2026.

Super Bowl palate-pleasers include a Mexican chicken enchilada skillet with cut-up tortilla strips, Greek seven-layer dip with hummus, Greek yogurt, za'atar, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, and easy-bake muffin tray ideas like taco cups.

Just because you're serving dips doesn't mean you can't include a few healthier swaps on the night, like subbing out tortilla chips for sweet potatoes. Cut the sweet potatoes in very thin rounds, using a mandolin, then layer them on a sheet pan and bake.

'Let those bake for a few minutes, then add all the nacho toppings. It's a good way to lighten things up. Kids really like sweet potato chips because they get crunchy, and they're a little sweet,' says Rachel.

6. Pre-Prep Charcuterie Boards To Minimize Cooking

Introducing a charcuterie table spread is one way to ensure that when it comes to game night, you don't have to miss any of the action when you're running back and forth between the kitchen. (Super Bowl kick-off is 6:30pm ET, by the way.)

'You can do all that prep the day before, then it's unwrapping things and making them look pretty on the day of,' explains Alexandra, of Kamper's Kitchen. Get platters and boards ready ahead of time, and use Post-Its to delegate which items go where. Don't forget to elevate some dishes for multi-dimensional styling.

The secret to charcuterie board styling is all about natural elements: Alexandra likes to elevate basic crudités, like celery and blue cheese, by adding in inviting-looking French carrots or tomatoes on the vine. (It's also useful to offer lighter fare to contrast with all those heavy dips and comfort dishes.) Finish off by adding some foliage or herbs.

Faux greenery works, too: artificial grass turf (Walmart), nods to the football theme without going overboard.

7. Take Things Outdoors

If February weather is in your favor, prep an outdoor viewing area with cushions, rugs, side tables, mood lighting, and a fire pit for instant atmosphere, advises LH. Designs' Linda Hayslett. (S'mores can also be a fun group activity during halftime.)

'Let the indoors and outdoors blur by keeping doors open and styles consistent, so the whole house feels like one seamless hosting moment. This will help with the flow of people wanting to move around and not create a bottleneck,' she says.

Serveware that works both indoors and out, in materials like stone and melamine, feels effortless but still chic. Lulu and Georgia's Madelle recycled melamine serveware oval platter, $44, is dishwasher-safe, durable, and transports snacks from inside to outside.

8. Arrange Some Off-Screen Entertainment

As nail-biting as the football might be, the key to Super Bowl party hosting success is to provide entertainment beyond the television.

'To keep our guests entertained, I prefer subtle games that invite conversation without overpowering the gathering,' says Kara. 'A simple betting card predicting quarter scores, MVP, or first touchdown adds a sense of anticipation and lighthearted competition.'

If you're hosting younger kids, games and activities can help stave off boredom – and tantrums.

'Super Bowl bingo, coloring mini footballs, coloring a tablecloth... there are so many things you can do to get the kids engaged more in different activities,' says Rachel.

You might also want to think about putting up a table tennis table or darts board in another room to provide a livelier 'play' area away from the action of the game on TV.

Bring Your Super Bowl Party To Life With These Buys

Now you've got your snacks, serveware, and styling for your Super Bowl party all planned out, you're probably after some solid cookware for crowd-pleasing dishes. Find out why IKEA's limited-edition $50 Dutch oven is our cooking hero, this winter - perfect for dig-in dishes than can go straight from oven to table.

I'm all for a cozy Valentine's Day meal and some playful decor, but I don't love forking out for novelty pieces that I'll only use once a year. Fortunately, I'm always on the hunt for a deal – and I've found a selection of chic Valentine's pieces hiding in Pottery Barn's tabletop clearance sale, that you'll actually want to use all year.

There's certainly a place for fun, themed tableware, but generally I prefer to seek out more versatile pieces that won't take up unnecessary space in my hosting closet. To me, the perfect Valentine's Day tablescape combines the fun, whimsical feel of the day with a more sophisticated design edge – and this year, Pottery Barn has nailed the brief. You'll find everything from heart place card holders to heart serving platters, all at unbeatable prices right now.

I think every host needs a sleek set like the Monique Lhullier Arles dinnerware collection, and it's always helpful to invest while it's discounted. When it comes to thoughtful Valentine's Day pieces, however, the sale is full of gems; you just need to know where to look.

As soon as I spotted the LoveShackFancy embroidered bow table runner, I knew my dream Valentine's table settings were about to come to life. Add a few pink Arlo coupe glasses (which are currently just $2.97 each), and I'll be fully stocked with Valentine's-themed tableware. I have a feeling that these rose-hued pieces will work just as beautifully for my spring tablescapes, so it's definitely worth bagging these Pottery Barn pieces while they're on sale.

Shop Valentine's Day Tableware in the Pottery Barn Sale

Looking for more Valentine's pieces that you can rely on? Try ALDI's heart-shaped cocottes – they're at the top of my cookware wish list.

In the depths of winter, when it's dark, cold and gray outside, all I want to eat is comfort food, which requires just a few kitchen staples. One of the best Dutch ovens is an absolute essential for one-pot dishes such as casseroles, soup recipes, and bakes.

Investing in the best can be costly (although the highest quality pieces and heirloom brands should last a lifetime), but if you're looking for more of a quick-fix seasonal solution, I've found just the thing – IKEA's VARDAGEN pot with lid.

There's a lot to love about this pot. For starters, it's made from enamelled cast iron, which is wonderful for heat distribution and retention, making for even cooking, while the lid keeps the steam in the pot to keep your roasts succulent.

The IKEA VARDAGEN pot is also available in a sleek black colorway and is suitable for all cooktops, including induction. It’s oven-safe too, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

The enamelled cast iron requires no specialist care – a welcome bonus, given the upkeep often associated with the best cast iron cookware – so keeping it in great condition is refreshingly low effort. The only drawback is that it’s not dishwasher-safe, but for the price, that feels like a very small compromise.

I'm also a big fan of the blue-grey color as it fits well in both modern and traditional kitchen setups, plus it feels just as luxe as some of Le Creuset's classic shades (if you're as indecisive as me our guide on how to choose a Le Creuset shade according to your birth month could help).

While you really can't beat a Le Creuset or Lodge Dutch oven for performance and longevity (many last decades and can be passed down through generations), IKEA's version comes with a 15-year limited warranty, so if you work out what it will cost you per use, we're taking a few cents. I don't know about you, but I'm sold.

Shop More Cookware for Cozy Winter Dishes

Looking for more affordable, yet stylish cookware? We recently wrote about IKEA's KLIPPFISK cookware range, which includes a Scandi-inspired Saute pan, frying pan, and lidded pots for stylish winter cooking.

January isn't over yet, but I've already set my sights on summer – and specifically hitting the coast. While I can't exactly command the weather, I can certainly channel the sunshine, and I'm bringing coastal chic into my home using gorgeous tableware from the Threshold collection at Target, designed by Studio McGee.

If, like me, you're keen to shake off the winter gloom, a single glance at Shea McGee's spring 2026 Target collection will transport you to a sun-soaked island. It might be a spring drop, but this collection sidesteps traditional florals and pastel hues to create a fresh, breezy, summertime feel. Shell motifs, woven textures, and fresh cream hues all come together to channel a coastal-inspired aesthetic – no matter how chilly the temperature is outside right now.

In the video, Shea takes us to a heavenly outdoor seating area brimming with coastal decor ideas. Shades of cream and pale blue abound, along with soft pearlescent accents (the gently luminous Capiz tray is one of my favorite pieces) and pops of silver.

On the table, cream stoneware dinner plates are finished with blue nautical motifs and paired with coral ceramic vases. Shea's shell serveware isn't available online just yet, but you can get the look using McGee & Co's shell-shaped stoneware dish – or opt for vintage-style pieces like the McGee &Co clamshell serving dish if you fancy leaning into the glamorous 'Hollywood cottage' aesthetic, which is one of Shea's top design trends for 2026.

Shea is renowned for her inviting neutral schemes and timeless tablescapes, and Threshold's new collection with Target provides everything you need to emulate her signature style. These pieces bring an air of refined elegance to the coastal aesthetic, creating schemes that feel classic and yet fresh.

Shea proves that even the simplest spring tablescapes can be striking, and her blend of textural details, sculptural silhouettes and organic materials has certainly earned a spot on my hosting mood board. In fact, I'm bookmarking all of Shea's tips on coastal decor – and picking up plenty of pieces from the new Threshold collection to get the look, of course.

Shop Coastal Tableware in Shea McGee's Threshold x Target Collection

Looking for even more design inspiration this season? Start with Joanna Gaines' layered spring tablescape: it swaps coastal chic for vintage charm, and it's simply stunning.

We might be striding into a new year, but designers like Joanna Gaines are keeping a keen eye on the past. There's no denying it: nostalgic design is as popular as ever, and it's perfectly encapsulated in Joanna Gaines' vintage-style tableware collection. But after revealing that the new collection was inspired by her own antique ceramics, Joanna has just given us an even deeper insight into her favorite pieces – and the colors and patterns that are informing her tablescapes this year.

In a video showcasing Magnolia's new spring tableware collection, Joanna directs her attention to the brand's Heirloom Garden floral dinnerware. Each dainty, botanical piece is a timeless take on the 'grandma chic' aesthetic, but Joanna also demonstrates how versatile vintage-inspired pieces can be.

'So this is a pattern that we have loved,' she explains. 'The first color we introduced in the fall was green; during the holidays, it was red; and now for spring, we're launching this beautiful blue.'

It's clear that Joanna is an expert at bringing time-honored styles to the table; she has previously expressed a love for green and white vintage tableware in the past, while her penchant for decorating with blue and white tableware is what inspired the recent Heirloom Garden collection. And, in her latest video, she shares her go-to tablescaping look for the season ahead.

'I just love how classic and traditional this is,' she says of the new Magnolia collection, pairing navy Heirloom Garden floral dinner plates with matching Heirloom Garden salad plates to create the perfect layered spring tablescape. Yet according to Joanna, the star of the show is the Heirloom Garden floral tea set: 'I really love these mugs,' she reflects. 'The scallop – look how sweet the details are.'

With nostalgia in mind, many designers are experimenting with period pieces and whimsical retro aesthetics – but it looks like Joanna is firmly devoted to 'classic and traditional' tableware like the Heirloom Garden floral collection. With dainty scalloped edges, intricate floral motifs and, of course, timeless blue hues, these pieces bring to mind traditional afternoon tea parties and Regency aesthetics.

So, if you were unsure about the country grandmother-inspired tableware trend, this is your sign to experiment: Joanna proves that it can be elegant, versatile, and eternally charming. Check out some of Magnolia's vintage-style pieces below.

Shop the Look with Magnolia's Tableware

Want to bring timeless design into your home this year? We asked designers to share the top nostalgic decorating trends for 2026. (Spoiler alert: vintage china is about to be everywhere.)

London-born New Yorker, and mother of three, Nell Diamond, founded her fashion and lifestyle brand, Hill House Home, to bring joy to her everyday rituals. Her collections are designed with both timeless style and luxurious comfort in mind, including her iconic 'nap dress' – a day dress that's comfortable enough to nap in. For this month's My Life in 10, we asked Hill House Home's Nell to share the pieces, places, and pastimes that help her slow down, take stock, and live beautifully.

1. A Good Book

As a child I constantly had my nose in a book. Not much has changed – I still love to get lost in a good piece of fiction. My favourite author is Zadie Smith – White Teeth (Amazon) is one of my all-time picks – but I also love to find recommendations on social media.

2. Catching a Show

One of the best parts of living in New York is access to great theatre. My husband and I love an early dinner before we race across 7th Avenue for a show. One of my favourite plays this year was Oh, Mary! at the Lucille Lortel Theater. It's now showing at the Lyceum Theater.

3. High-Tech Skincare

In recent years, I’ve really struggled with hormonal acne, so recently, on the advice of my aesthetician, I’ve been double-cleansing my face every morning and sunscreen. I've also been using a high-frequency wand by Nuderma (Amazon), which feels very high-tech.

4. The Best Bagels

I ate the best meal of my life after giving birth to my twins, Willow and Sebastian. Hours after delivery, one of my best friends sent a huge bag of food from the iconic New York institution, Russ & Daughters. The first bite of that sesame bagel – still warm – with cream cheese, lox, tomato, and onion. Pure joy.

5. Bows Everywhere

I put bows on everything. I used to save the ribbon from gifts to use as a hair band, but now we make our own bows, and I have hundreds stashed everywhere for hair emergencies. My current favorite is this Belle Bow Barrette from Hill House's new English Daisy collection.

6. Interior Design Stores

I always look to interiors for design inspiration for my fashion line. I love rifling through fabrics and eyeing furniture for hours. Some of my favourite homewares shops in New York include John Derian, Nickey Kehoe and Pierre Frey.

7. The Power of Makeup

I've loved makeup for as long as I can remember. My very first piece was a purple lipstick bought at MAC on the Kings Road in London, and it was my most prized possession. These days, when I know I've got a busy day or a stressful event, I pop on a bit of glitter liner and feel ready to take on the world.

8. Nantucket Summers

My Dad’s side of the family live year-round on Nantucket Island, a small whaling town in Massachusetts 30 miles out to sea. I’ve spent every summer there since I was born. Watching my own children walk the same cobblestone streets as I did at their age is so special.

9. The Beyoncé Effect

Beyoncé’s music is a balm for even the trickiest of days. When I’m in serious need of motivation, I pull up a video of her 2018 'Homecoming' Coachella Performance and sing along.

10. Playtime in the City

Living with three young children in downtown New York City can be challenging, but the Hudson River Park playgrounds really make it all work. It’s surreal to watch them play so happily against the iconic backdrop of skyscrapers.

Shop Nell's Essentials for Living Well

My Life in 10 is a series of interviews with tastemakers in the world of design and hosting that reveal their essential rules, rituals, and objects for beautiful living – from entertaining essentials they can't host without, to inspirational travel destinations and treasured pieces from their homes – to help you to live beautifully, too.

When temperatures plummet, the nights are dark, and spring feels rather far away, there's nothing I crave more than a bowl of warming winter soup to comfort, nourish, and remind me just how cozy this season can be. But to really elevate this most humble of dishes, you can bring some stylish soup serving essentials to the table.

Admittedly, homemade soup requires more than just chic tableware – and if you're taking the first steps in your soup-making journey, you might want to start with one of the best blenders – one of the most crucial appliances for soup season – and the best Dutch ovens. Once you've kitted out your kitchen, you can return your focus to the table. Think statement soup bowls, sculptural ladles, and a reliable set of stylish soup spoons.

To distract myself from the winter gloom and remind myself just how uplifting a bowl of soup can be, I've been busy revamping my table setup. I began by picking up a set of floral earthenware soup plates from Zara Home – I just can't resist the country grandmother-inspired look – along with textured soup spoons from Crate & Barrel.

Elegant additions like Vietri's antique-look soup ladle and Anthropologie's embroidered cotton placemats will tie everything together, though I'm just as tempted by more rustic pieces (Williams Sonoma's walnut wood ladle is on my wishlist). My winter meal rotation is packed full of hearty soups and stews – even a simple chicken noodle soup will do the trick on a cold evening – so I know that I'll get plenty of use out of these soup-serving essentials. You can check out my favorites below.

Shop Chic Soup-Serving Essentials

The very best accompaniment to soup is, in my opinion, fresh bread – and if you're looking for recipe inspiration, check out baker Aran Goyoaga's guide to gluten-free baking. You'll never believe that gluten-free loaves could be so easy (or delicious).

Find me on the weekend and I'll be perching on a bistro stool sipping specialty coffee – but when it comes to my at-home coffee setup, I'll always prefer to keep things simple. To me, the best coffee makers take all the fuss out of a morning brew, and I'll never stop relying on trusted brands like Keurig. So, when I see a good deal, I make it my business to share it – right now, you can bag the popular K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker from Wayfair for $70 off.

The world of coffee machines can seem vast and sometimes overwhelming, but Keurig offers a no-frills approach. Expect satisfying single-serve coffee, delivered at lightning speed using your favorite K-cup pods. There are Keurig machines to suit every space, budget, and coffee preference, but here at Homes & Gardens, we're firm believers that the Keurig K-Elite is the best Keurig coffee maker you can buy. The Wayfair sale ends tonight, however, so I wouldn't waste time if you've been thinking about treating yourself.

What makes the Keurig K-Elite such a trusty option is its versatility. It boasts five cup sizes, from 4 to 12 ounces, with an array of settings, including iced coffee and 'stronger brew' (a handy shortcut if you're looking for deeper, bolder flavor). A 75oz reservoir means that you'll never need to worry about constant refilling, and a handy clock and timer complete the setup. If you've got the counter space to spare, this humble workhorse is more than deserving of a spot in your kitchen.

While I can see the appeal of high-performing, luxury coffee machines that require half your counterspace and a few hours of barista training before you can pull a shot of espresso, I'm all about an easy life. The Keurig K-Elite offers the kind of efficiency that I just can't fault, brewing rich, smooth coffee into my cup at the touch of a button.

In fact, the the Keurig K-Elite can brew coffee in under a minute, which is pretty impressive, in my book. The removable drip tray can easily fit a large travel cup, so you can take your drinks to go – and if, like me, you can get a little clumsy when uncaffeinated, the tray also holds up to a full mug of coffee to minimize spillages.

As a fan of classic, uncomplicated, and inexpensive coffee, the Keurig K-Elite is a clear winner for me. (And it gets better: if you're not craving caffeine, you can enjoy tea or even oatmeal thanks to a built-in hot water button.) If you want to streamline your setup this year, this could be the answer – especially in light of Wayfair's unmissable discount.

Shop More Keurig Deals at Wayfair

If you love coffee pods but you're looking for a more luxe machine, I'd recommend the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System. It's compatible with both pods and coffee beans, and it can make iced coffee, too.

The design world moves fast, and while I'm currently indulging in a period of cozy hibernation, my favorite brands are busy launching their spring collections. I don't know about you, but I'm already feeling ready to start channeling warmer, brighter days, especially with the help of some colorful homeware. And after spotting Magnolia's spring collection at Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Market, my home is about to get an uplifting, pattern-packed makeover.

The new range has brought vintage-inspired designs into the spotlight with intricate botanical motifs and antique-style wood pieces. But what struck me about the setup at Magnolia Market, is how Joanna has layered her prints and motifs: plaid and florals, with bursts of faux flowers creating a vibrant spring feel. The result not only channels the nostalgic, country grandmother-inspired look, but is a masterclass in modern pattern drenching.

'The shop is layered with beautiful colors and textures, floral patterns, and vintage details this season,' reads the caption on Magnolia's latest video, which shows Joanna carefully creating a spring-inspired tablescape and dressing the market with vases of faux blooms. She uses Magnolia's olive stone tablecloth as a starting point, layering the plaid pattern with matching olive stone napkins.

When it comes to dinnerware, however, Joanna opts for blue florals rather than sticking to the olive tones of the tablecloth. The secret is Magnolia's Heirloom Garden floral dinnerware collection, which brings in a dash of the 'grandma chic' aesthetic. The result is an eclectic yet intentional look combining earthy hues with classic, vintage-inspired patterns. Somehow, it feels both timeless and fresh, with accessories like Magnolia's silver Cassandra candle holders dialing up the nostalgic charm.

Yet Joanna doesn't simply layer patterns; she also proves that an elegant spring look requires some thoughtful textural additions, too. Etched glass vases brimming with peach blossom stems take pride of place on the table, while round rattan vases filled with magnolia sprays sit proudly on a mantel.

To tie everything together, Joanna adds pops of vibrant yellow in the form of lemon citrus stems. It's safe to say that Magnolia Market is a spring wonderland, and it's filling me with mood-boosting design inspiration. You can recreate Joanna's look using the Magnolia pieces below.

Shop Uplifting Spring Decor at Magnolia

Earthy spring hues are guaranteed to bring some joy to your space, but if you want to up the ante, try the maximalist tableware in Anthropologie's January 2026 collection. It's bold, playful, and full of color.

When winter really takes hold, we crave warming dishes that comfort and nourish from within. These soup recipes are bold, fragrant, and delicious, whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, plus they're perfect to make in batches.

Fennel and Bean Soup

Delicate and fragrant, this fennel and bean soup recipe is the lightest supper, while the cannellini beans add structure and creaminess. Serve with some crispy, grilled sourdough and lashings of melted butter.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Gingered Broth

A hefty hit of ginger and lemongrass packs a zesty punch in this light chicken noodle soup, which is wonderfully soothing if you're feeling in need of a boost during the long winter months. You can pre-prep the broth and freeze to save time if you're batch cooking, too.

Pumpkin and Apple Soup

Hearty and satisfying, this flavorful pumpkin and apple soup is served with a crisp hazelnut brittle for a welcome crunch. You'll make this from fall through spring.

Thai Butternut Squash Soup

With gently warming Asian spices and creamy coconut milk, this elegant Thai butternut squash soup is smooth, and simple yet bursting with flavor. Top with restaurant-style garnishes for a final flourish.

Winter Veg and Spelt Soup

This minestrone-style winter veg and spelt soup is positively packed with goodness from seasonal vegetables and iron-packed kale to grains and pulses for an easy, yet filling and flavorsome supper.

Four Allium Soup

For an indulgent twist on French onion soup, try this version, which calls for not one but four alliums – onions, shallots, leeks and garlic – and is topped with crusty bread and melted Manchego cheese. Rustic and delicious.

Going on a health-kick for the New Year? Try skipping the gluten and serving up these soups with some freshly baked gluten-free bread courtesy of mindful baker Aran Goyoaga.

Picture your ideal cup of coffee. Does it require beans or a coffee pod? Is it iced or hot? Does it taste rich or smooth? No matter what you have in mind, it can be difficult to recreate using an one single home appliance – unless you invest in something like the Ninja DualBrew Pro Coffee System, which happens to be on sale right now at QVC.

This countertop hero can produce a café-worthy cup using either pods or coffee beans, with four different brewing modes, including hot and iced drinks. It's a real powerhouse, and our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, says it's one of the best iced coffee makers you'll find. But if you want to bring it home, you'll need to be quick: this QVC deal ends in a matter of hours.

After putting it to the test in her Ninja Dualbrew Pro Specialty Coffee Maker review, Lydia was thoroughly impressed. She was quick to praise the multiple brewing methods and the overall reliability of the machine, explaining that it 'brews a consistent cup of coffee every time'.

For me, the beauty of the Ninja DualBrew Pro definitely comes down to its versatility. I love a cup of coffee in the morning, but I often find myself craving a drink that's far beyond the bounds of my humble home setup. With the Ninja DualBrew Pro on my countertop, however, I can whip up everything from a classic brew to an iced coffee or a speciality latte. Plus, I can try out coffee beans from a local coffee shop, make a quick cup using a trusty coffee pod, or (thanks to a built-in hot water system) even make tea and hot chocolate. And, if you have a houseful of family members with different coffee orders, no problem! This machine will oblige. So there's no need for multiple specialist appliances.

Since it's rare to possess both the counter space and the budget for multiple coffee machines, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is a real winner. It's one of the most customizable coffee makers I've come across – and perhaps it goes without saying, but the Ninja DualBrew is also a game-changer when it comes to hosting. If you're entertaining a crowd, you can whip up a 12-cup carafe in a matter of minutes; and if unexpected guests drop by, you can easily serve up exactly what they're craving at the touch of a button.

My parents, for example, have a lengthy set of preferences when it comes to coffee, and it doesn't take long for them to start debating the merits of coffee beans or pods while I'm busy making their drinks in my kitchen. Naturally, it's a blessing to find a coffee machine that offers both – I'm certain that the Ninja DualBrew Pro would impress even the most coffee-obsessed people. In fact, I'm tempted to take advantage of QVC's discount as a gift for mom and dad, but I'm might just nab one for myself first.

Shop More Coffee Maker Deals

If you're a fan of drip coffee but still looking for a machine with versatility, try the Ninja DualBrew Prestige System. Accoridng to Lydia, it's one of the best drip coffee makers on the market right now.

The attention you give the alliums – a full house of sweet onions, shallots, leeks and garlic in this case – as they slowly soften and caramelize is the key to this comforting, richly flavored twist on one of the most classic soup recipes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1⅓ lb (600g) sweet onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced (the OXO Good Grips Mandoline from Amazon is perfect for the job)
• 10½ oz (300g) banana shallots, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp superfine sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250ml) dry white wine
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) hot fresh beef stock or broth
• 4 slices French bread
• 3½ oz (100g) Manchego cheese, finely grated
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Method

• Melt the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed lidded saucepan (our Cookware Editor loves the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro). Add the onions, shallots, and leeks with a pinch of salt, partially cover, and cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft and barely colored.
• Sprinkle with the superfine sugar and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the onions and leeks begin to caramelize to a rich, golden color. You may need to slightly increase the heat to encourage this; they should be extremely sweet and tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 5 minutes more.
• Add the flour, stirring well. Increase the heat and gradually add the wine and stock, stirring as you go. Bring to a boil, partially cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Season to taste.
• To serve, toast the bread lightly on both sides under the broiler. Divide the soup between heatproof bowls (like these classic French onion soup bowls) and place a slice of toast on top of each. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and half the thyme, then broil until melted and bubbling. Scatter over the remaining thyme and serve, taking care as the bowls will be very hot.

Keep up the rustic French theme and serve this delicious soup with Gluten-free baker, Aran Goyoaga's Rosemary Fougasse.

I love finding hidden gems at flea markets and antique stores, but admittedly, I'm just as inclined to pick out vintage-inspired pieces from my favorite brands. It saves me a lengthy shopping trip, while still fuelling me with vintage decorating ideas. My latest find is the Heirloom Floral Garden dinnerware collection from Magnolia – and it happens to be inspired by Joanna Gaines' personal collection of antique ceramics.

In a recent Instagram post, Magnolia introduced the newest addition to the Heirloom Garden Collection: 'a stunning navy colorway that captures the timeless elegance of vintage transferware'. But that's not all: Magnolia also revealed that the delicate floral pieces are 'inspired by Jo’s personal antique ceramics collection'.

While I was thrilled about this nugget of wisdom, I wasn't surprised – we already know that Joanna Gaines loves decorating with blue and white tableware, so it was only a matter of time before she launched her own vintage-inspired range. There's something particularly captivating about this collection; from the classic Heirloom Garden floral dinner plates to the charming Heirloom Garden floral tea set, each piece celebrates the very best of vintage style, with a ditsy floral design and delicately scalloped edging.

Just as unsurprising (but equally as exciting): florals are a key table decor trend for 2026. Botanical motifs are a timeless addition to any tablescape, and you can incorporate them using everything from linens to floral arrangements.

Naturally, however, stoneware pieces like Magnolia's Heirloom Floral Garden dinnerware are a perfect take on the trend – particularly if you're keen to bring a time-honored twist to your tablescapes. Magnolia's spring tableware collection is a brilliant encapsulation of the country grandmother-inspired tableware trend, which is also as popular as ever this year.

According to experts, vintage-inspired design isn't just a trend; it points to a craving for spaces that feel curated, intentional, and imbued with personal connections.

Designer Molly Kidd told Homes & Gardens that such a widespread love for vintage has changed how we decorate, ultimately influencing us to create 'homes shaped by memory and emotion'. It's clear that we're embracing the nostalgia-core trend, and I think that collections like Magnolia's are leading the charge.

With warm, nostalgic spaces in mind, I can't wait to bring a touch of elegance to my gatherings with pieces like the Heirloom Garden mix and serve bowl and the matching pedestal serving bowl. You can check out more from the full collection below.

Shop Magnolia's Heirloom Garden Floral Collection

Want to bring even more elegance to your dining setup this year? Shea McGee says that 'fancy tablescapes' are about to be everywhere – so I've been busy picking out a few extravagant McGee & Co pieces to elevate my at-home entertaining.

This is one of the most versatile soup recipes. To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the bacon and serve with a Parmesan-style vegetarian cheese. You could also replace the salsa verde with store-bought fresh pesto, if you prefer (ensuring it's made with vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese), too, if you are cooking for non-meat eaters.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 6 slices smoked bacon, diced (omit for vegetarians)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1¾ cups (600 ml) vegetable stock, plus more if needed
• ⅔ cup (120g) pearled spelt
• 5 ounces (150g) lacinato kale), shredded
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cups/14-oz can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1½ cups/14-oz can (400g) cranberry beans, drained
• For the Salsa Verde
• 2 tablespoons salted capers, rinsed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• Large bunch flat-leaf parsley, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 7 tablespoons (100ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Method

• In one of the best Dutch ovens or saucepan, gently sauté the garlic, celery, carrot, parsnip, onion and bacon (if using) in the olive oil for 10 minutes, keeping the heat low and stirring until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cranberry beans and spelt, followed by the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, until the beans begin to break down and thicken the soup.
• Stir in the kale and simmer for 5 minutes, adding more stock or water if the soup seems too thick. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
• To make the salsa verde, finely chop or blend the capers, garlic, and parsley together (the Braun Multiquick 9 was highly rated for its value and versatility by our Kitchen Appliances editor in our best blenders guide). Transfer to a bowl, add the red wine vinegar and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the olive oil to make a thick sauce.
• Serve the soup in deep bowls (like these Kaloh stoneware bowls from West Elm), with the salsa verde (or pesto) spooned over the top.

For another hearty veg-based soup, try our pumpkin and apple soup recipe, which is served with hazelnut brittle for added bite.

You might not think that stylish serveware has the power to change your eating habits, but my New Year health kick has been going strong, and that's in part, thanks to treating myself to a few new serving pieces. If I'm going to cook nourishing recipes, eat more fresh produce, and create a solid meal prep routine, I need to invest in the necessary tools – so, naturally, I've been on the hunt for salad-serving accessories – and why not make them chic?

The world of tableware is vast and ever-changing but the style I'm leaning into at the moment is sculptural tableware, which includes organically shaped salad spoons, hand-crafted oil cruets, and statement serving bowls. With gorgeous pieces such as CB2's white resin salad servers to Ferm Living's Sol salad bowl, I can't help but whip up a colorful and nutritious winter salad just so that I can show them off.

I'm a firm believer that statement serveware is something every home cook should have in their kitchen, but it can be an investment – and with so much to choose from, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. Yet with vibrant salads and healthy meals in mind, I've loved picking out a few new pieces for my hosting closet – alongside other essentials like salad plates (my current favorites are the Nuno Splatter stoneware plates from Hudson Grace), serving platters, and pinch bowls.

Admittedly, I don't usually gravitate toward salads in winter, but I've started the New Year with a burst of inspiration. Caesar-style kale salad is my current fixation, and it's the perfect nourishing dish; plus, with family gatherings and weekend brunches on the horizon, I'm eager to try out new recipes for my guests. (Especially since it's the perfect opportunity to show off all my new tableware.)

Whether you're looking for some motivation to eat a little healthier, or you're simply keen to give your tableware a refresh this January, these chic salad-serving accessories are a brilliant place to start. From serveware to salad spoons, I've curated a selection of my favorite pieces, so you too can kick off the New Year in style.

Shop Salad-Serving Accessories

These sleek accessories are guaranteed to elevate your tablescapes – but if you're looking for some bolder pieces, check out the maximalist tableware in Anthropologie's January 2026 collection. Expect color, whimsy, and plenty of fun.

Whether I've cooked a family dinner or treated myself to takeout, I can't stand throwing away perfectly good leftovers. And with some New Year motivation spurring me on, I'm investing in food storage that reduces as much food waste as possible. There are a lot of options to choose from, but one in particular has caught my eye: HexClad's stainless steel mixing bowl set.

While HexClad produces some of the best non-toxic cookware, the brand's kitchen accessories don't often take center stage – but I think this set deserves its moment in the spotlight. The bowls feature patented vacuum-seal lids, which keep the contents fresh for longer. But my favorite part is the handy date dials, which help you track everything you've stored (no more fiddly sticky labels!). Plus, their stainless steel construction ensures they're non-toxic, too.

Whether you're marinating chicken, preparing a salad, or simply storing leftovers, these bowls will be a saving grace. I love that you can use them for both food prep and storage. HexClad's stainless steel mixing bowl set contains three different sizes, each with a non-slip base, a vacuum-sealed lid, and internal measurement markings. When they're empty, they nest snugly together, so they'll never take up too much space in your cabinets.

According to HexClad, the vacuum-seal design can keep food fresh for up to three times longer than standard food storage containers, and plenty of home cooks have expressed their delight. 'These are the bowls everyone should have,' reads one five-star review. 'They will replace all other bowls in your kitchen.'

I love spending my spare time cooking, but when winter arrives, I can struggle to find the motivation. This is where a meal prep routine comes in; when I'm craving a hearty dish but lacking in energy to cook, I'll always thank myself for preparing food ahead of time. What I've learned though is that storage is half the battle: careful planning means nothing if I don't store my meals and ingredients properly.

I'll always appreciate stylish kitchen storage containers that make my shelves look picture-perfect, but the best storage options will preserve food for as long as possible. As soon as I spotted HexClad's stainless steel mixing bowls, I knew that they would check every box. They might look sleek and stylish, but they're specially designed to help you keep track of your meals and ingredients, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. To me, that's money well-spent – and I can revolutionize my refrigerator and pantry storage for the year ahead.

Shop More Non-Toxic Kitchen Storage

If you're on the hunt for non-toxic glass kitchen storage, there's one place you need to start: IKEA. Sleek, stylish, and durable, IKEA's glass food storage containers are the secret to a perfectly organized pantry.

The toppings make this one of our favorite soup recipes for hosting, but you can pick which ones you use. Crispy fried shallots are available in Asian shops and some grocery stores, but you can either omit or fry your own if you can’t find them.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 1 lb 7 oz (650 g) peeled, deseeded and diced butternut squash
• 2 tbsp groundnut or sunflower oil
• 4 small Thai shallots or 2 normal shallots, sliced
• Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 lemongrass sticks, trimmed and sliced
• 2 red chillies
  • 1 deseeded and roughly chopped
  • 1 finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1⅔ cups (400 ml) light coconut milk
• 1⅔ cups (400 ml) vegetable stock
• Light soy sauce, to taste
• Ground black pepper
• Lime juice, to taste
• To serve
  • Handful cashews, toasted and crushed
  • Small handful coriander sprigs
  • 2 tbsp crispy fried shallots

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Toss the squash with the oil, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, roughly chopped chilli and garlic cloves in a roasting tin (like this Hexclad non-stick roasting pan from Amazon which is one of our Cookware Editor's best roasting pan picks). Cover tightly with foil and roast for 1 hour, until very tender.
• Tip half of the squash mixture into one of the best blenders with the coconut milk and blitz until very smooth. Pour into a large saucepan.
• Blitz the remaining squash mixture with the vegetable stock. Add this to the first batch in the pan and stir well.
• Put the pan over a low heat and gently bring to the boil, stirring often. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then season to taste with soy sauce, black pepper and lime juice.
• Divide the soup between warmed bowls (these Mori matte black soup bowls from CB2 will make the vibrant orange soup the star) and scatter with the toasted cashews, coriander sprigs, sliced chilli and crispy fried shallots (if using) just before eating.

If you like soups with Asian flavours, try this zingy Chicken and Noodle Soup with a Gingered Broth. It's a lighter but equally flavorful option.

From brunches to dinner parties and summer barbecues, I love to cook for a crowd – so I can't believe it's taken me this long to invest in a plancha. It's often compared to a griddle, but this specialist pan is designed for high-temperature, restaurant-grade cooking, and it has totally transformed the way I cook. My top pick? The Staub cast iron plancha, which you can snap up at a $100 discount right now.

If you're looking to invest in some of the best cast iron cookware, a piece like this is a brilliant place to start. It's designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with raised sides that distinguish it from a traditional griddle (and mean that you can easily pour over marinades, whip up sheet pan dinners, and even use your plancha as a serving tray, from stove-to-table).

Taking its name from the Spanish term, which refers to a flat, heated surface, a plancha is used for high-temperature cooking. Yet unlike a griddle, which is designed for evenly-heating ingredients, a plancha provides concentrated heat right to the center of the pan, enabling you to achieve a uniform sear and beautiful crust on everything from seafood to cuts of meat and vegetables.

Naturally, I'm keen to show off my Staub cast iron plancha when the weather warms up enough for alfresco suppers. For now, however, I'm happily experimenting with it on my stovetop to whip up everything from the easiest one-pan brunches to loaded burgers when I have the gang round at the weekend.

We're huge fans of Staub here at Homes & Gardens: the brand is known for producing some of the best non-toxic cookware, from Dutch ovens to ceramic bakeware. The Staub plancha is constructed from cast iron with a black enamel finish, making it both durable and non-toxic. It's compatible with all cooktops – including induction – and it's heat-resistant up to an impressive 500°F.

With a classic, rustic design and such a large surface area, this ingenious piece of kitchenware is a stove-to-table savior – and a real talking point. Snap it up while it's on sale, and your guests will be blown away when you serve up smoky sheet pan dishes and perfectly seared meat at your next get-together.

Shop More Staub Cookware

Looking for more picture-perfect cookware? We tried out the Le Creuset Modern Heritage collection – and it's safe to say that it deserves a spot in your kitchen. Not only does it look great, it performs beautifully and will lasts a lifetime.

The holiday rush might feel like a distant memory, but it left me with an inescapable urge to streamline my kitchen. This January, I'm ready to take inventory, declutter all my cabinets, and replace my ancient, half-functional tools with some non-toxic kitchen utensils – and this is where Caraway's new grill press and spoon rest come in.

Caraway is known for producing some of the best non-toxic cookware, but it also offers a variety of kitchen tools, from chopping boards to ice cream scoops. Launching today, are two new utensils: a sleek grill press and a stackable spoon rest set. Available in a range of colorways, from cream to navy, both are reassuringly free from forever chemicals.

I host a lot, but when I don't feel like crafting an elaborate menu, burgers and steaks are my go-to – they're simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Naturally, the Caraway grill press has me eagerly planning my next gathering: crafted from evenly-weighted stainless steel, it can sear meat without staining, rusting, or warping. I can't wait to serve up restaurant-worthy cuts to all my guests (and come summertime, I'll be grilling smash burgers in my backyard, of course).

Admittedly, a spoon rest might not sound like it's quite as crucial to your cooking, but trust me: it makes all the difference. Whether I'm prepping for a party or simply whipping up a meal after work, I always try to keep kitchen mess to a minimum, and a stylish spoon rest is something I believe every home cook should have in their kitchen.

The Caraway spoon rest features a non-slip silicone base and a grease-resistant coating, so you can contain any drips and wipe everything clean once you're done. I love that it's sleek and stackable, too, so it saves valuable counter space and even doubles as a coaster or catch-all. The elegant olive green version is on my wishlist.

Even a skilled chef is nothing without a good set of tools: they can transform your cooking and your clean-up, making food prep feel seamless and professional. But the very best tools can also help to make your home less toxic – so Caraway's new accessories check every box. I can't wait to replace those plastic tools in my drawer with stylish non-toxic alternatives, to kickstart the new year well.

Shop Toxin-Free Kitchen Tools From Caraway

If your commitment to a non-toxic home extends to your home bar, you're in luck: Caraway's Complete Bar Set is sleek, stylish, and free from forever chemicals.

At this time of year, hearty soup recipes come into their own. This will keep covered in the fridge for a few days, so is a welcome standby when you don’t have the time or the inclination to cook.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• Half a small pumpkin or butternut squash, about (about 1½ lb or 700g), peeled and roughly chopped into 2-inch (5 cm) chunks
• 2 red onions, peeled and quartered
• 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks (use a tool like this OXO Good Grips apple corer from Amazon)
• 3 sticks celery, chopped into small chunks
• 6 cloves garlic
• Olive oil, to drizzle
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Leaves of ½ medium bunch thyme
• 4¼ cups (1 litre) good-quality chicken stock
• For the brittle
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (200 g) superfine sugar
• ½ cup (50g) hazelnuts, crushed
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp sea salt

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Put the pumpkin in one of the best roasting pans with the onions, apples, and celery. Bash the garlic cloves in their skins and add to the tin. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the brittle. In a large dry frying pan, toast the fennel seeds for 30 seconds, then roughly bash with a pestle and mortar (like this Priority Chef pestle and mortar from Amazon) . Lightly oil a large sheet of baking paper and set aside.
• Put the sugar and 2 tbsp water in the frying pan over a medium heat. Stay with the pan while it bubbles and swirl it around now and then. After about 10 minutes, the sugar will start to turn into a thick golden caramel.
• Once this happens, tip it onto the oiled paper. Sprinkle over the fennel seeds, hazelnuts, chilli and sea salt, and set aside to harden.
• After the vegetables have roasted for 20 minutes, toss them together well and add the thyme leaves. Return to the oven to roast for a further 20 minutes.
• Once the vegetables are cooked and golden, transfer to a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the stock and blend with a hand blender until smooth and heated through.
• Smash the brittle and serve the soup with pieces of brittle on top.

Looking for more comforting dishes to ward off the winter chill? Try these slow cooker ideas, and read our guide to getting ahead with meal prepping.

It feels clichéd, but every January I promise myself to build better habits and get organized for the year ahead. When it comes to cooking, that doesn't just mean eating more vegetables; I'm determined to declutter my kitchen, invest in some non-toxic appliances, and take a healthier approach to cooking. With this in mind, I've been busy researching the best non-toxic air fryers, and I was thrilled to find out that the luxurious Typhur Dome 2 is discounted by $100 on Amazon.

It has to be said: even on sale, this particular air fryer is a hefty investment. Currently, it will set you back $399.95; without the discount, you can expect to pay $499. But, in her Typhur Dome air fryer review, our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, proudly declared that it's 'worth every penny'. It's huge, non-toxic, and it's even backed by Brooklyn Beckham – so you will get a lot of bang for your buck with the Typhur Dome 2.

I don't often lean towards luxury appliances or buzzy A-lister endorsements, but the Typhur Dome 2 is hard to fault. With a uniquely wide, spacious basket, it's ideal for cooking family meals – or putting a meal prep routine into practice. I've been keen to start batch-cooking healthier recipes, and with no need to use oils or cooking sprays, I'll be on my way to fresh, hearty food in no time. In fact, I don't even need to preheat it, so I really can serve up nourishing meals in a matter of minutes.

There are 15 cooking modes to try, from toasting and grilling to baking, roasting, broiling, and, of course, air frying. The Typhur Dome 2 even offers dedicated settings for pizza, fries, bacon, and steak – and everything can be controlled using an app, so go about my other chores without worrying that my food will be over-cooked.

The Typhur Dome 2 won't just help me eat more healthily; thanks to its PFAS-free, ceramic non-stick interior, it will also make my home less toxic. Being able to replace multiple appliances – from a toaster oven to a grill – with one sleek, non-toxic option is something that I don't take for granted. It's no surprise that this air fryer is more of a luxury purchase than others, but I know it's worth the splurge.

'If you can afford it, you should absolutely buy it,' says Lydia in her review. 'The Typhur Dome 2 is the priciest model I've ever tested, so I was predisposed to be critical. However, it is also the quickest, most spacious, and easiest to use air fryer I've tried.' I'll be making the most of the Amazon discount and adding the Typhur Dome 2 to my countertop lineup, so I really can kickstart those healthy habits for 2026.

Shop More Non-Toxic Air Fryers

If you're starting the year off with a shiny new air fryer, you might be looking for some recipes to try. We asked Lydia exactly what to cook in an air fryer, and she served up some delicious ideas.

A soothing, simple, and quick soup recipe that makes a wonderfully warming supper on a chilly evening or for when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2½ pints or 6 cups (1.4 litres) good chicken stock, preferably fresh
• 2½ inch (6cm) piece ginger root, peeled and sliced into fine matchsticks
• 3 sticks lemongrass, trimmed and finely sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced into coins or matchsticks
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra to serve
• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 3 nests fine egg noodles
• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• TO SERVE
• Handful of bean sprouts
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges

Method

• In a large saucepan, simmer the stock, half the ginger and half the lemongrass for 20 minutes.
• Add the remaining ginger and lemongrass, the carrot and chilli, and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Season with the sugar, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add the noodles and simmer for 1 minute, then add the chicken and poach gently for 3 minutes or so, until the noodles and chicken are cooked.
• Ladle into bowls and serve with bean sprouts, lime wedges and soy sauce, to season to taste at the table.

If you like fragrant broths like this, try this fennel and cannellini bean soup recipe, with soft herbs – perfect served with crispy grilled sourdough.

In this monthly Homes & Gardens feature, discover curated collections of seasonal recipes you’ll want to cook right now, alongside inspiration from culinary pros on finding joy in the kitchen – whether you’re cooking from scratch, feeding your family, or hosting a crowd.

From cozy winter soups and stews to fresh, vibrant summer dishes, plus celebratory menus for holidays and special occasions, Menu of the Moment has you covered all year long.

You’ll also find thoughtful insights and practical advice from home cooks, chefs, and cookbook authors who share a passion for food in all its forms – embracing cooking for the moment, from mindful gluten-free baking and delectable al fresco supper to creative fridge-foraging for easy family dinners.

My ideal Valentine's Day celebration comes down to a good movie and a home-cooked meal, and dining in offers the perfect excuse to create a gorgeous Valentine's Day tablescape. I've been pining after all the classic pieces from my favorite heritage brands, but after shopping around, it seems that fate has other ideas: ALDI's mini pink Dutch ovens have stolen my heart.

As we creep ever closer toward February, the urge to invest in charming pink decor begins to overtake me. I just can't resist some themed tableware; but although oven-to-table pieces like Le Creuset's mini heart cocottes and Staub's heart Dutch oven will always make me swoon, I'm determined to seek out some more budget-friendly options. At just $20 for a set of two, ALDI's heart-shaped cocottes are an absolute steal – and they're perfect for the sumptuous soufflés and desserts on my Valentine's menu.

While every home chef needs a reliable collection of cookware, there's always a place for some novelty pieces to bring joy – and heart-shaped cookware is on my list of essentials for a Valentine's night in; it just makes everything feel a little more special. If you don't want to splash out on a fortune on themed pieces that you'll only use a few times a year, budget brands like ALDI will always be a great place to start. I've also spotted a delightful red heart ceramic cocotte at Michaels, which you can currently snap up for just $6.

Just like all the best Dutch ovens, ALDI's heart-shaped cocottes are an oven-to-table hero, crafted from durable cast iron with a porcelain enamel finish. They're oven-safe up to 500°F, making them ideal for everything from baked eggs to gooey lava cakes. Our former Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, raves about the versatility of the Staub mini cocottes, and although ALDI's offering isn't quite as premium, it's an impressively affordable choice.

You'll also find the same heart-shaped cocottes in vibrant red colorway, as part of ALDI's Valentine's Collection, alongside larger Dutch ovens with a 2-quart capacity, and plenty of heart-shaped dinnerware, to seal the deal.

Of course, no matter how much I love to save a few dollars, I think I'll always be yearning for traditional pieces like Le Creuset's shallow heart cocotte. I just can't shake my devotion to the lavender colorway; it's simply divine. For a sleek, budget-friendly option, ALDI's mini Dutch ovens are pretty much unbeatable – but if, like me, you're still shopping around, I've compiled a few more ideas below.

Shop More Valentine's Cookware

Want to bring even more character to your table – for Valentine's Day and beyond? Check out the maximalist tableware in Anthropologie's January 2026 drop: the collection is whimsical, charming, and (happily) brimming with pink pieces.

I don't know about you, but I'll always be impressed by a kitchen appliance that prioritizes versatility – particularly when it comes at an affordable price. If a piece of kitchenware can do the job of two or three other appliances, I'd say that it's money well spent; and while it's only just hit the shelves, I'm getting rather excited about the Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer from IKEA.

These days, it's the best air fryers and the best toaster ovens that usually take pride of place on our countertops, and you may wonder whether: do you really need a microwave. However, with a multifunctional appliance like IKEA's Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer, you can combine the practicality of a traditional microwave with the benefits of an air fryer and grill – saving all-important counter space while you're at it. Compact, contemporary, and at just $200, I have a feeling that it's about to sell out – and fast.

The microwave itself boasts 900 watts of power, with 10 preset cooking times and a defrost mode. But the big selling point of the IKEA Gatebo Microwave Oven of course, is that it also features an air fryer function (with a dedicated tray) plus a grill function, so you can easily get that smoky, oven-grilled flavor without the lengthy cooking time.

One of my goals this year is to nail my meal prep routine, and I think a countertop hero like this will make all the difference. Whether I'm air frying chicken thighs, grilling vegetables, or simply reheating leftovers, the IKEA Gatebo Microwave Oven can do it all. And since I've already stocked up on IKEA's glass food storage containers, I'll be ready to store my weekly meals in style.

Here at Homes & Gardens, we've tested countless microwaves, ovens, and air fryers, and we're always looking for appliances that provide a seamless blend of style and practicality. Although we haven't got our hands on IKEA's Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer just yet, it's safe to say that we were thrilled about its release: it's not every day that we spot a multifunctional appliance at such an unbeatable price.

What I love most about the IKEA's Microwave Oven and Air Fryer is its streamlined, contemporary look – which is ideal for my small kitchen. I'm definitely lacking in counter space, but I'd be delighted for this microwave oven to claim some of my precious kitchen real estate; and since it does the job of three appliances in one, it's a no-brainer.

Shop More Multifunctional Appliances

Want to really revolutionize your kitchen this year? We asked our Kitchen Editor to pick the most useful appliances she tested in 2025 – from air fryers to coffee machines and juicers,

If, like me, you became a little obsessed with making sourdough a few years ago (remember the craze during lockdown?), you'll have had some time to hone your craft. Ever since reading Aran Goyoaga's guide to gluten-free baking, however, I've been eager to try out some different recipes – but I know that it's time to upgrade my baking setup. Enter the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home: an ingenious sourdough warmer that maintains the optimal temperature of your starter, so you'll never need to worry about constant upkeep.

Sourdough can be notoriously difficult to master, and for me, timing and preparation is always the biggest challenge. Yet with the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home gracing my countertop, I'll always be one step ahead: it means I can feed my starter either daily or weekly, keeping it warm and active until I'm ready to use.

Winter is well and truly upon us, and it's safe to say that my kitchen is pretty chilly (no matter how hard I try to create a cozy space). Naturally, this is bad news for my sourdough starter, which doesn't thrive in cold conditions – so investing in a dedicated warmer like the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home has taken all the stress out of my baking.

Stable, ambient heat is the key to keeping a starter active, but it can still involve a lot of guesswork. With a sourdough warmer, however, such uncertainty vanishes: the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home can self-regulate to maintain the precise temperature required to grow a starter.

If I'm planning to make a loaf every few days, I can easily increase the temperature so that my starter is ready to ferment; but more often than not, I'm only baking fresh bread every few weeks, so I can keep things low and steady without worrying that my starter will become inactive. I'd say the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home is a real bread-making essential, and I don't know how I ever lived without it.

Life can be hectic, and I don't usually have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen – so baking a fresh loaf of bread always makes me feel accomplished. It's certainly a labor of love, but with a countertop hero like the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home, I can devote time to bread-making without the hassle of daily starter feedings. It gives me one less thing to think about; and since a healthy starter creates a better loaf, this handy appliance helps to produce rich, bakery-worthy loaves every time.

So, whether you're a keen baker or your sourdough journey is just beginning, I'd say that the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home is a worthwhile investment. Few things are better than homemade bread, but anything that takes the stress out of the bread-making process will always get my stamp of approval.

Shop More Sourdough Making Essentials

Looking to expand your bread-making repertoire? I've been loving Clodagh McKenna's cheddar seeded sunflower bread recipe; it's flavorsome, comforting, and a brilliant companion to winter soups or stews.

Each month, we interview a different designer or tastemaker for Homes & Gardens' My Life in 10 feature, which delves into the treasured and collected pieces, rules and rituals for living joyfully, as well as destinations, near and far, that feel meaningful and comforting to them.

Each of their 10 personal choices offers a window into how they live stylishly, whether it's a relaxing wellbeing routine, a comforting dish, a hosting essential that they can't entertain without, or a mindful pastime.

We also ask what sparks their creativity to help bring you ideas and inspiration for living beautifully.

Every keen chef needs a reliable selection of cookware, but investing in quality pieces can put a dent in your bank balance. When it comes to the best Dutch ovens, heritage brands will usually take the glory (and carry a hefty price tag), unless you know where to find trustworthy alternatives. My secret weapon? American-made Lodge cookware – and the Lodge Dutch oven is just $89.90 in the Wayfair sale right now.

If you want to snap up this piece, you'll need to be quick: Wayfair's flash sale ends today. Even without such an impressive 40% discount, Lodge is a brilliant way to invest in some of the best cast iron cookware – but I'll always take advantage of a good deal, and you can't get much better than this.

When she tested it back in October, our former Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, said that you simply 'can't go wrong with a Lodge Dutch oven'. So, there really is no better time to try it for yourself.

From soups and stews to casseroles and even freshly baked bread, a good Dutch oven can be one of the hardest-working pieces in your kitchen. If you're not quite ready to fork out on premium brands, however, a Lodge Dutch oven is ideal: according to Lydia, the family-owned brand produces some of the best cookware on the market.

'From day one, the brand has emphasized durability, serious heat retention, and cookware you can pass down generations,' she explains. 'Lodge cookware isn't fancy, but it's reliable and solid. You won't find synthetic coatings or gimmicks – just heavy cast iron, ready to stand the test of time as long as you take care of it.'

While many Lodge Dutch oven colorways have already sold out at Wayfair, the sleek cream, classic red and vibrant blue shades are all still available at 40% off. Lydia tested the cream version, describing it as 'very robust, reliable, and good-looking.'

Of course, the best pieces blend style with functionality, and Lydia was thoroughly impressed by the Lodge Dutch oven's performance. 'If you want a top-performing pan for stews, soups, bread, and casseroles – but you don't want to spend a fortune – you can't go wrong,' she concluded.

While you'll want to carefully clean and dry your Lodge Dutch oven to avoid rust and chipping, there's no denying that it's a worthy investment. It's even PFAS-free, so if you're looking for the best non-toxic cookware, it checks that box, too. At 40% off, I'd say it's a no-brainer.

Shop More Cookware Deals in the Wayfair Sale

Looking for more unmissable cookware deals? You're in luck: there's a rare January deal on Stanley Tucci's stylish Stanley Pan at Williams Sonoma.

January might be the time to slow down and reset, but I've got plenty of dinner parties on the horizon – which gives me the perfect opportunity to invest in some new tableware. Before the sales wrap up, I'm keeping an eye on all my favorite brands, and trust me: there are some incredible discounts to be found in Net-a-Porter's homeware sale right now, so now is the time to treat yourself.

With a new year ahead, I'm looking forward to experimenting with some of the biggest table decor trends of 2026 – and while classic styles like florals and stripes are set to be as popular as ever, it's the 'modern eclecticism' aesthetic that has piqued my interest. Fortunately, brands like Net-a-Porter are ideal for perfecting this particular look; if I wasn't initially tempted by gorgeous pieces like Alighieri's totem gold-plated candlestick or Themis Z's porcelain cups and saucers, I certainly am right now.

Naturally, designer homeware is a serious investment, but I just can't fault the quality and style of Net-a-Porter's pieces – and I'm always thrilled to find a discount or two. (Right now, you can score as much as 70% off.)

I've had my eye on items like Aquazurra Casa's embroidered linen placemats and Gohar World's shell porcelain plates for a while now, and I know that my future self will thank me when I show them off at my next party. Plus, by tapping into the eclectic look and building up a collection of statement pieces, I'll make sure that whatever I buy will work hard on my dining table.

If you needed any more convincing, I've been looking to my favorite designers for tablescaping inspiration, and it seems that bold, characterful decor is about to take the spotlight. In fact, Shea McGee has declared that 2026 is the year of 'fancy tablescapes' – so I'm following her advice and arming my hosting closet with a few luxurious new pieces. Check out what's in my cart below.

Shop Net-a-Porter's Tableware Sale

Looking for more ways to refresh your dining setup this season? Check out the maximalist tableware in Anthropologie's 2026 collection – it's guaranteed to lift your spirits.

In the world of premium cookware, there's a preconception that celebrity-owned brands simply aren't up to scratch – but here at Homes & Gardens, our testers have proved that the opposite is true.

When it comes to the best non-stick frying pans, for instance, we were thoroughly impressed by Stanley Tucci's stylish GreenPan cookware, voting it the 'most versatile' in our expert guide – and we've just spotted that the Essential Stanley Pan is currently on sale at Williams Sonoma.

If you're looking to upgrade your cooking setup this year, this is the most versatile frying pan we've tested; according to our expert Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, it can shallow-fry meats, reduce sauces, and produce incredible pasta dishes with ease. And if you're on the hunt for the best non-toxic cookware, it checks that box, too: just like GreenPan's other pieces, the Stanley Pan is free from forever chemicals thanks to its non-stick ceramic coating.

While you might be on the lookout for restaurant-worthy cookware, it's easy to be tempted by picture-perfect pieces – but fortunately, the Stanley Pan offers a skillful blend of style and function.

'Stanley Tucci's cookware collab with GreenPan is up there with my favorites for its attractive design and thoughtful non-toxic materials,' says Lydia. 'If you’re a fan of Stanley Tucci’s cooking show, there’s a lot to love here: the Stanley Tucci x GreenPan line blends style, sustainability, versatility, and performance in a way that feels genuinely thoughtful.'

The brighter colorways, like Amalfi Sunset and Venetian Teal, are inspired by retro Italian sports cars, and there's no denying that the Stanley Pan will add some eye candy to your kitchen. (It's oven-safe and compatible with all cooktops, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to show it off.)

Non-toxic pans can sometimes sacrifice durability, but the Stanley Pan is designed to last. 'The non-stick is effective and easy to cook on, and it hasn't shown any sign of degradation after 3 months of use on my weekly pasta dishes,' concluded Lydia in her review. 'I think it is a practical design for everyday home cooks, and it saves you from having to buy lots of different pieces.'

So, whether you're looking to overhaul your cookware collection, save on storage space, or make your home less toxic, this pan could be the answer. You won't often find such a premium pan on sale, however, so now is the time to invest.

Shop More Stanley Tucci Cookware

So, Stanley Tucci's pans get the stamp of approval from us – but if you're wondering how trained chefs choose the best cookware, we asked Lydia to share her secrets.

In the hope of staving off the winter blues, I've been searching for ways to welcome some color and joy into my home, and I always start with tableware. Adding a few whimsical pieces to my dining setup is one of the simplest ways to brighten up my daily routine – and Anthropologie's new kitchen and dining pieces are bringing my maximalist dinnerware dreams to life.

While the weather remains chilly, it seems that many of my favorite brands are channeling springtime cheer. It didn't take me long to spot Joanna Gaines' pastel tableware at Target, which is perfect for a New Year refresh, but Anthropologie is offering up a more maximalist take.

The brand's signature Icon glassware is back with a range of playful motifs (the limited edition Anthropologie Patina Star Juice Glass is my personal favorite), but you'll also spot plenty of fabulous dinnerware, from the Anthropologie Chintzware Leopard Dinner Plates to the Anthropologie Tomato Dolomite Pasta Bowls.

As always, Anthropologie has nailed the kitschy look – and this year, botanical-inspired pieces are taking center stage. I don't simply mean florals, however, at the heart of the collection is a range of lilypad-themed table decor, including the Anthropologie Floating Cocktail Napkins and the Anthropologie Lilypad Coupe Glasses.

Combining vibrant green hues with whimsical silhouettes, these pieces are maximalist perfection – and they're also a brilliant way to lean into the 'modern eclecticism' look, which experts say is one of the biggest table decor trends for 2026. Incorporating a few unexpected elements into your tablescapes will really tap into that eclectic feel, while bringing instant vibrancy to any setup.

Shop Anthropologie's New Kitchen and Dining Collection

I've been determined to bring a joyful, breezy feeling into my January tablescapes, and it seems that Anthropologie has read my mind. We may be only a few days into the New Year, but there's nothing wrong with looking ahead to warmer days – and it provides the perfect excuse to invest in some new tableware.

Looking for more ways to create mood-boosting interiors this winter? We asked experts exactly how to create a 'dopamine menu' for the home.

I'll always admire the look of a minimalist tablescape, but I have to admit that I don't often lean towards a neutral color palette. After Pantone's selection of 'cloud dancer' as its 2026 Color of the Year, however, I've been keen to experiment with some ivory shades, and I think I've found the perfect opportunity: Joanna Gaines' latest drop from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is brimming with sleek, white tableware.

Crisp white table linens and classic porcelain dinnerware provide an easy way to channel the cloud white theme, but Joanna's new collection offers a more rustic take. The first piece I spotted was the Target Stoneware Teapot, which is finished in a gorgeous sour cream shade – and it pairs perfectly with the etched Target Stoneware Coffee Mugs. I might be wary of neutrals, but these elegant pieces are convincing me that neutral shades can still make an elegant statement.

Initially, I was drawn in by Joanna Gaines' pastel tableware at Target, and I love that she's experimenting with spring-inspired colors like sage green and pale blue. After taking a look at the more muted pieces from Hearth & Hand, however, I've been totally won over by the minimalist look.

The beauty of neutral pieces, of course, is that they create the perfect backdrop for any scheme, so I can always add a few pops of color into the mix. With a new year stretching out ahead of me, I know there will be plenty of time to play with bold hues and busy patterns – but for now, I'm embracing the simplicity of cloud dancer-inspired tableware and layering up gorgeous off-white shades. Check out my favorite Hearth & Hand pieces below.

Shop Joanna Gaines' Cloud Dancer-Inspired Table Decor at Target

Want to bring uplifting white hues to more than just your dining space? We've searched high and low to find the very best homeware inspired by Pantone's Color of the Year – from furniture to lighting and more.

While I'm always tempted to retreat into a blanket fort and indulge in a very slow January, I know that nothing banishes the winter blues like a home reset. It's the perfect way to kickstart the New Year – and as a keen cook, that means tackling my pantry storage. Fortunately, it'll be made much easier this year thanks to IKEA's stylish food organizing collection, which is 20% off right now.

If, like me, you're on a journey to find non-toxic glass kitchen storage, now is the time to stock up. IKEA's glass food storage collection is a real game-changer, whether you're looking for sleek glass food containers or classic glass jars. Every piece is durable, versatile, and brimming with Scandi style.

If you'd like to add a pop of color to your setup, however, IKEA's food organizing collection has still got you covered. The pastel-hued cookie tins are a personal favorite of mine, though admittedly, I get more use out of the glass food containers with colored lids. You can even shop charming kitchen accessories like pale blue spaghetti tins and rustic blue stoneware jars if you're looking for pantry organization ideas.

There's no denying that IKEA's food containers are some of the most reliable and affordable options out there – but I'll never say no to an extra discount. So, you'll find me adding to my collection of stylish kitchen storage containers before the IKEA sale ends.

Get 20% Off Food Storage at IKEA

Start the New Year with style and organization – explore our curated picks for chic, practical food storage that make lunches on the go effortlessly sophisticated.

As a new year begins, I love turning to my favorite designers to see what’s ahead – what trends we’ll leave behind and what’s poised to surprise us. When it comes to entertaining, Shea McGee’s top design predictions for 2026 point to one thing: fancy tablescapes. I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready to embrace a little extravagance this year.

'While I don't love the word "trend", I do think there are details that keep design feeling fresh,' explains Shea in a recent video. 'I've identified ones that are still rooted in tradition and are very much a part of our new heritage aesthetic.'

Plenty of design elements receive honorable mentions in the video, from dark wood to silver accents and blue tones – but tying it all together is the 'fancy tablescape' look, which Shea has named one of the biggest table decor trends of 2026. It's part of what she calls the 'Hollywood cottage' aesthetic, and it's about to bring plenty of old-world glamor to dining spaces this year.

My favorite designers aren’t just trend followers – they set the trends themselves. Shea McGee has done exactly that with the 'Hollywood cottage' look. It perfectly captures all of her 2026 predictions, creating what she calls an 'elegant and curated' aesthetic. Translated to tablescapes, that means antique-inspired pieces, paired with silver serveware and sumptuous linens, for a look that feels effortlessly luxurious.

Naturally, there's plenty of inspiration to be found at McGee & Co, from the vintage-inspired Artois silver flatware set to a wonderfully glamorous clamshell serving dish and 3-tier glass serving tray. It looks like the tableware in my hosting closet is about to get a Hollywood-inspired makeover – and I can't wait to channel the 'fancy tablescape' trend at my future dinner parties. If you're keen to do the same, you can shop a selection of my favorite McGee & Co pieces below.

Shop Shea McGee's 'Fancy Tablescape' Look at McGee & Co

For those seeking further inspiration from leading designers, Shea McGee has also unveiled her top kitchen trends for 2026 – all focused on cultivating spaces that are timeless, inviting, and effortlessly sophisticated.