Best Kitchen Items to Survive the Holidays

Eeeek!!! The holidays are quickly approaching and calendars are filling up with countless parties. In the spirit of the holidays, I rounded up some of my favorite and most used kitchen items, which are also perfect for gifts. These are my must-haves items for the cook, the host, or the party goer they are all under $50. Enjoy!!

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1. Magnetic measuring spoons – I can’t get enough of these magnetic measuring spoons. They are by far one of the favorite items I own and certainly one of the most used. Each spoon has a built-in magnet allowing the set to stack together for easy storage. But the key is that they separate too so you’re only using and washing the size you need. GUESS WHAT?! They are also dual sided!!! The oval end fits perfectly into every spice container I own… and would fit great in a stocking too! 😉

2. Stasher bags — Perfect for prep, storage, or even cooking. I received 2 of these bags for my birthday back in August and ended up buying more because I use them so much. These reusable silicon bags are environmentally friendly, so I don’t have one ounce of guilt buying more as replacements for all the ziplocs I used to use. They are also dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe!

3. Super Simple Cookbook — Always keep a trustworthy cookbook with fool proof recipes on hand for the impromptu dinner party. Half Baked Harvest is one of my favorite food bloggers/stylists to follow. This is Tieghan’s newest cookbook. From the recipes, to the styling, to the photography… this cookbook is my new favorite! This would make for a great hostess gift as well.

4. Dutch Oven — with lots and lots of comfort food recipes on the horizon, I suggest investing in a dutch oven. There are several affordable options like the one linked, but if you’re newly engaged or looking to splurge, then I’d recommend the Le Creuset dutch oven. I promise you won’t be disappointed. From soups, roasts, stews and breads this tool is more versatile than you may think.

5. Stainless steel cocktail straws — Another great stocking stuffer, stainless straws. Stainless steel straws are all I use in my home now because they are much cleaner for the environment and they’re reusable. I just ordered these exact cocktail size straws because holiday parties call for cocktails!! AM I RIGHT? **Disclaimer: Do not use these straws for hot liquids otherwise you risk the chance of burning your lips.

6. Marble & wood serving board — As a board lover, one can never have too many boards. This small marble and wood serving board is affordable and makes for a great gift. If you’re like me, you’d buy one for the host, and one for yourself. This is the perfect size board to put out for guests while waiting on dinner to be ready. Don’t forget the cheese knives… You don’t need anything fancy, but for a large spread, I recommend setting out several cheese knives to cut the different flavors; such as these.

7. Glass food storage containers — Need I say more? There are always leftovers around the holidays…

8. Cast Iron Skillet — If you like to cook, but get annoyed with doing the dishes, this is the pan for you. When properly seasoned, this is the best nonstick pan your kitchen will see. The 12-inch is perfect for a family breakfast skillet on Christmas morning! Several recipes from the cookbook above are also cooked in a case iron skillet.

9. Cork pop wine opener — A reliable wine opener is obviously a must-have. This wine opener is small, compact and is super easy to use. If you’re the host, you might want to stock up on some of these refill cartridges too. Another wine opener that I love is the Rabbit opener. I use mine all the time, but I prefer a smaller option when guests are over.

10. Prep dishes — Take some of the pressure off of cooking this holiday season, by prepping your ingredients before you start cooking. These bowls are stackable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of sizes, which is perfect for different measurements. Another use for these small dishes could also be for individual desserts!