Kitchen Crash Course
There’s no denying it anymore: You’re a grown-up. And with that come the pots, pans, and placemats of a fully stocked kitchen. Here’s how to make the transition in style, whether you’re ready to entertain at home or not ready to do any actual cooking yet but need to have something set up for when your mom comes to visit.
The Apron
Nothing says “I’m domesticated” better than a nice new apron. Simply smear a bit of tomato sauce down the front of it and answer the door looking exhausted. Guests will think you’ve been slaving over a hot stove all day, even though you’re serving up defrosted hors d’ouevres.
HIGH: Domistyle’s aprons ($39) are embroidered with cheeky sayings like “Will cook for shoes” and “Caution: Hot dish” and are cute enough to coordinate with your wardrobe.
LOW: Boojiboo’s vintage-inspired half aprons (about $20) will put even June Cleaver’s look to shame.
The Utensils
Shiny new tools of the trade are sure to inspire you to attempt a meal—and they make a pleasing rattling noise when you open and close the drawers they’re in.
HIGH: Williams-Sonoma is the one-stop-shop for any budding gourmet. Where else will you find a pink spatula (about $12) and French-made Olive Wood Pasta Rakes (no, really, they’re used to serve pasta; about $30)?
LOW: Kitchen Stuff Plus is an affordable option for all those gadgets you need but don’t use as often, like a pizza cutter or potato masher ($4 each).
Tip: Visit Realsimple.com for a utensil checklist to print off before you go shopping.
The Cookware
The pots needed to fill all those empty cupboards are probably the least fun you’ll have, as price tags can run high.
HIGH: Get this pricier purchase over with by buying a full set of pots. Depending on how much you want to invest, Canadian Tire offers cookware sets from $50 to $600.
LOW: President’s Choice lets you start off small with a basic pot for $15 or upgrade to a whole set for $150.
The Dishes
Even if you’re not ready to entertain, you’ll still need something to eat off of. Assuming you’ve progressed past paper plates, that is.
HIGH: Keep up with tableware trends as the dishes at Pottery Barn change with the seasons. Plain white is always an option too and will guarantee you’ll never get bored as you might with a busier pattern (about $40 for a set of four dinner plates).
LOW: Not feeling fancy? Simple white dinnerware at EQ3 does the job too and starts at $5 per plate.
The Table Decor
Presentation is everything, especially if your culinary skills leave something to be desired. Distract guests from their growling tummies with a lovely table setting.
HIGH: Design your own napkins online at Foryourparty.com (from about $30 for 50) and visit Marthastewartcrafts.com for DIY paper flower kits (from about $15; available at Michaels).
LOW: Ikea’s FANTASTISK paper napkins ($2), a FÄRM vase ($3) and a BLOMSTER faux flower to go in it ($4) will complete the look for under $10.
Tip: Get party theme ideas at Hostesswiththemostess.com.
The Required Reading
When you’re ready to cook and treat others to your first Martha-esque moment, you’ll need a recipe. Leafing through glossy pages filled with fab food is the best part.
HIGH: Perfect for the vegetarian or breakfast lover, Chapters’ Food & Drink category also allows you to search by new release, bestseller, and many other options to find the book for you.
LOW: Browse through Bookcloseouts.com’s Cooking, Food & Wine category for over 2,000 bargains from as low as $4.
Last-Minute Tip: When setting the table for your culinary debut, figure out which forks and spoons go where with help from etiquette expert Emily Post Institute.
By: Christine Walewski