Gifts For The Chef And Entertainer-2021

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We all have a chef friend or loved one who believes cooking is one of life’s great pleasures. They see it as an expression of love, a therapeutic exercise, and a fun way to bond with friends and family. Whether they’re a hobbyist or a pro, I believe when choosing gifts for chefs, you can never go wrong with these items on my gift guide. I spend tons of time in the kitchen, so I know a thing or two about this! Plus your chef needs gorgeous decor to set the scene to help it all really come together. That's why I curated this list the way I did!!

  1. Salt And Pepper Bottle Grinders (SET OF 2)- Surprise and delight with these unexpected bottle-shaped spice and nut grinders. The Scandinavian-inspired inverted design not only looks super cute on any tablescape or kitchen counter, but it's functional too, with a strong ceramic grinder that keeps your surfaces debris-free! They come in either ASH or Nude. We have these in Nude and love them so much!!!!

  2. Fringed Napkins, Set of 4- These classic linen napkins lend a refined yet relaxed touch to the table. Ideal for everyday use or special occasions, the machine-washable napkins are garment-dyed and finished with fringe. They complement both patterned and solid dinnerware. So many color options too!

  3. 8 Slot Leather Chef Knife Carrier x Forged 1890 Trio Knife Set-This leather-made knife roll can accommodate up to 8 of your favorite chef knives. Its classic feel and chic look will make you stand out at your next cooking class or among your restaurants coworkers. I have it in a darker color which you can see here. Perfect for The Opinel Trio Knife Set too which includes an 8" Chefs knife, 6" carving knife and 3" paring knife. The 8" chefs knife is a staple in any cooks quiver, it's great for chopping, mincing and slicing any ingredient. The 6" carving knife is a great multi-use knife which slices with ease through any meat, cheese or vegetable. The 3" paring knife is one of our favorite tools in the kitchen, it's great for trimming unwanted bits from any meat or vegetable.

  4. Stowe Measuring Cups- Featuring a brushed gold finish and classic design, these measuring cups will elevate your baking. The stainless steel with a brushed gold finish is gorgeous! They are made in India and I just adore these!!

  5. Ceramic Serving Bowl- This serving bowl is exquisite! Made by my favorite makers in California -EARL. It’s ceramic, hand thrown and such a lovely size!( 12” X 12” X 4”) It’s dishwasher safe too and comes in indigo, black, or a deep green splatter!!! I have the black splatter one and just love that it goes with my bowls.

  6. Brasserie Pleated Ramekins, Set of 6- Décor featuring vintage French menus transports you instantly to the sidewalk cafes of Paris. Oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe. Set of 6. French Savoir-Faire: Expertly crafted in Mehun-sur-Yevre, France; Pillivuyt has been perfecting the art of porcelain-making for over 200 years. Made from materials sourced in France and greater Europe, each dish is crafted with care and fired at 2550 degrees Fahrenheit resulting in porcelain that is of the highest quality. Pillivuyt's extraordinarily hard glaze is resistant to chipping, scratching, cracking and crazing.

  7. Prep Set- Adore this six-piece bowl and colander set with a bowl big enough to make a cake right down to small dishes for nibbles. This set contains 1 x 9½" mixing bowl, 1 x 9½" colander, 1 x 7" mixing bowl, 1 x 6⅓" mixing bowl, 1 x 5½" mixing bowl and a 1 x 4¾" mixing bowl. Comes in three different colors too! As well as timeless elegance, Falcon Enamelware has enduring strength. Enamelware is porcelain fused onto heavy-gauge steel, giving it many admirable qualities - durability, smoothness and chemical-resistance. It can assume brilliant, long-lasting colours, and cannot burn. If you drop it, it may chip but it won’t break. Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 530F / 270C, it can also be used on gas and electric hobs.

  8. Dinner Diaries-Dinner Diaries follows in the spirit of Assouline’s popular Proust Questionnaire, Fashion Questionnaire, and Wine Questionnaire, using the format of Proust’s handy interview helper, here written by Daniel Cappello, to ask everything about dinner parties, from preferred seating arrangements to the best conversation topics.
    Featuring handwritten answers from experienced hosts such as fashion staple and philanthropist Allison Aston, chef Alex Hitz, and businesswoman Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, in addition to blank questionnaires in the back to share with friends.
    Dinner Diaries will be illustrated with ephemera from these hosts—seating charts, menus, guest lists, place cards—as well as archival pieces from the most glamorous dinner parties of yesteryear. The dinner party has evolved in the last few years, and here’s a way to keep up with the times!

  9. DEGRENNE Paris-L'Econome by STARCK Kitchen 4 piece assorted knife set- Its emblematic blade was a great assistance to all amateur and professional cooks, enabling them to finely peel fruit and vegetables leaving as much of the best flesh as possible. In 2017, Degrenne and Philippe Starck are offering an elegant and modern answer to this iconic utensil, whose design has remained unchanged for almost a century. When redesigning its shape, Philippe Starck took inspiration from the utensil’s essence. The sculpted, highly ergonomic handle is the result of his efforts to strip down to the object’s square origins, thus combining shape and function.

  10. HAWKINS NEW YORK Kitchen Essentials Set-Founded by designers Paul Denoly and Nick Blaine this Hudson, NY-based brand features luxe basics created and inspired by artisans and their travels. Handmade in a family-owned German factory, this set of kitchen utensils includes spatulas, spoons, tongs and more all packaged up in a reusable drawstring bag.

  11. DEGRENNE Paris LE by Starck 5 Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set-Having reinvented the Econome, Starck used it as the inspiration for a full range of cutting utensils recognizable by their sculpted handles - the tools of the kitchen were born. Philippe Starck drew on our collective unconscious and family memories to produce iconic utensils for a new generation. The partnership between DEGRENNE and STARCK did not stop there. Since a love of food does not end in the kitchen, Starck has developed L’E STARCK, a collection of Cutlery based on L’ECONOME by STARCK range. The 5 pieces set contains: 1 Table Fork /1 Dinner Knife /1 Dessert Spoon / 1 Salad Fork / 1 Coffee Spoon

  12. Olivewood Cooking Utensil Set- Toss, serve, spoon, and feed with our rustic 100% Italian Olivewood serving utensils. This set comes complete with a flat-edged spatula, rounded spatula, slotted spatula, spoon, pasta fork, and serving fork for every occasion. Pieces in Italic’s Olivewood Collection are made with unique tonal variations. The wood pattern carried through each and every item is entirely distinctive. Set Includes Flat-edged spatula, Rounded spatula, Slotted spatula, Spoon, Pasta fork and serving fork. Check out the Olivewood Salad Bowl too! I love these together and get compliments on them all the time!

  13. Cristel Strate Roaster With Rack- Its dimensions are perfect to be able to fit a conventional oven thanks to its non-overflowing handles. Its riveted handles run the width of the vessel to allow easy access without risk of burning even with potholders. (Dimensions: Width:16” Depth: 13” Height:3”) The 3-ply roaster is realized with stainless steel / aluminum / stainless steel thick, the bottom can also be used on an induction cooktop. Equipped with an adjustable and foldable stainless steel rack for a space-saving storage, but also for use in horizontal position (steaming fish, beef sizes, rack of lamb, etc.)

  14. MAGIC ELIXIRS™ MARINATED RED ONION BOWL- This is the original nocrumbsleft MAGIC ELIXIRS™ Marinated Red Onion Bowl that started it all! Each bowl is crafted specifically for nocrumbsleft™ and is created perfectly for her Marinated Red Onions MAGIC ELIXIRS™ and is designed with an easy pour lip. PERFECTLY, IMPERFECT… Each piece of nocrumbsleft pottery is handmade and hand-glazed by their talented potters. Shapes, texture and glaze will vary across products. If you ordered something several months ago, it might not be an exact match. They sure hope you enjoy the beauty, natural striations and perfect imperfections of their one-of-a-kind pottery. Your shipment may take up to approximately 3 weeks to ship so don’t delay! Here is mine in action! I have the cherry blossom color!

  15. DEGRENNE Paris- L'Econome by Starck Porcelain 9.4" Dinner Plates x L'econome By Starck Porcelain 43 oz. Salad Bowl x L'econome By Starck Porcelain 15 oz. Salad Bowl-From kitchen tools to flatware and new dinnerware, degree collaboration with famous French designers got it all covered. This cleverly designed porcelain dinnerware collection is inspired by Starck's grandmother, who used to cover her food-laden bowls with plates “to keep the bees and greedy hands away.” Each bowl comes with a plate/lid which is perfect for serving at mealtime or store your leftovers in the fridge. It goes to the microwave too. Plus, you can grab an extra set of plates on your own to create a full table setting. Available in multiple color options. I reviewed the whole collection here if you have interest in reading!

  16. BALMUDA The Toaster - The power of steam toasts bread, pizza and pastries in a whole new way. Using steam heat, The Toaster by BALMUDA offers five cooking modes to ensure every slice is cooked to perfection. Thinly sliced grocery store bread gets a crisp exterior and most interior, while high-moisture bakery bread is given a golden-brown finish as if it had been carefully dry-fried in a cast iron skillet. When you're ready to toast, use the included cup to pour water into the chrome slot on top of the toaster. The water is rapidly boiled to release steam, causing a thin layer of moisture to form on the outside of your artisan, supermarket or home-baked bread. Since moisture heats more quickly than air, the bread's surface toasts quickly and crisply while the interior remains soft and flavorful. Use the pizza mode to toast leftover slices—or bagels and English muffin pizzas—more intensely from above than below, or employ the oven mode to cook a variety of other foods. Modern and minimalist, the creamy white toaster has a pleasing presence on your kitchen countertop.

  17. Cast Iron Care Kit-The essential tools you need for everyday cast iron cleaning and maintenance: Seasoning Oil (2 oz), Chain Mail Scrubber, and Natural Fiber Brush.

  18. IBUSHI GIN - DONABE SMOKER- Enjoying fragrant smoked food in the comfort of your home is quick and easy with this earthenware smoker pot from Nagatani-en. Water creates a seal between the Ibushi Gin Donabe Smoker pot and its lid that prevents smoke from being released. Utilizing the pot's far-infrared rays, it is possible to enjoy smoked food in just 30 minutes. Aside from meat, fish, shellfish, and vegetables, you can smoke eggs, tofu, cheese, nuts and other ingredients to make astonishingly delicious creations all your own. Includes a bag of Sakura cherry blossom wood chips.

  19. Cristel Strate 13 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set- Brushed finish, detachable handles from Strate collection. A must have in the kitchen, Strate Stainless steel 13 Piece Set contains:

    • 2 qt Saucepan + lid

    • 3 qt Saucepan + lid

    • 7.5 qt Stockpot + lid

    • 11” frying pan

    • 3.5 qt Sauté pan

    • 2 Long Handles

    • 2 Side Handles

    The detachable handle system provides the ability to nest cookware vessels to save space in drawers, cabinets and in the dishwasher. Thanks to the efficiency of their Cristel L Shape thermo-diffuser base, compatible with induction, the Strate Detachable handle system fits all kitchen sizes and will be a valuable ally for all your culinary preparations. Practical, the detachable handle system makes it possible to transform your stainless steel vessel into a serving dish by replacing the long handle with side handles. Strate cookware, is made of stainless steel 18/10, preserves the taste of your food and is easy to clean after cooking. Certified Made in France. Lin got me this cookware last holiday and I am so in love with it! You can see all my past Cristel articles here.

  20. STAUB CAST IRON - ROUND COCOTTES 13.25 QT, ROUND, COCOTTE, GRENADINE- The Staub cocotte is unsurpassed for slow-cooking meats and vegetables to tender perfection, and for simmering hearty stews and soups. Cast iron possesses exceptional heat-retaining qualities, so the pot heats evenly throughout. The innovative lid features tiny spikes on the interior that continually release condensed liquid back onto the food, yielding moist, flavorful results.Staub's special matte black enamel interior and self-basting spiked lid guarantee perfect browning and braising for flavor-enhanced food. With their exquisite enamel finish, each piece transitions beautifully from the kitchen to the table. From comfort food to sumptuous suppers, every dish is special when served in Staub.Staub enameled cast iron cookware is the choice of the world's best chefs. With exceptional durability, it is perfect for day-to-day use in both gourmet home kitchens and prestigious restaurants around the world. Built to last a lifetime, these heirloom pieces can be passed from generation to generation.

  21. Cherry Bomb Chopping Block-This board from Sunhouse Craft is the bomb- a stunning Cherry end grain cutting board, Made from sustainably sourced lumber from their friends at Branch and Bark. Finished to a beautiful softness, and polished with a beeswax and coconut oil made in house. It’s so exquisite! I love mine!! Housed in an old five-and dime building in the historic district of Downtown Berea, Kentucky, Sunhouse Craft was started by designer/maker Cynthia Main as a place to combine her background as a fabricator with a strong desire to find sustainable and harmonious ways of working. Joined later by Doug Stubbs, the shop has grown into a small team, that crafts each piece by hand in their Kentucky studio. Each work weaves together crafting traditions of Appalachia, natural materials, and timeless design. The end result are tools that bring back a sense of everyday magic into our daily work and chores.

  22. Food & Life- More than a cookbook, Food & Life is an ode to food and to the art of delicious and healthful cuisine. Whereas today’s fashionable diets create deficiencies and imbalances, and deprive us of part of the joy of living, Food & Life is a celebration of food as an integral part of happiness. Filled with imagery both beautiful and instructive, this volume features explanations of the nutritional virtues of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, meats and fish—and their effects on our physical and mental well-being—plus delicious gourmet recipes balanced for all seasons and all stages of life.

  23. Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast Iron 4-Qt. Induction Cooker- Bold new methods and flavors open up for home-cooked meals when high-tech precision meets the traditional cast-iron pot. Crafted in Japan, the Musui-Kamado multicooker is amazingly versatile. Make perfect rice, quick-sauté, slow-cook braises and stews, or explore hybrid techniques like steam-roasting and steam-baking that produce stunning textures. Master sous vide without vacuum pouches, and try "waterless" cooking that concentrates the flavors of natural food juices. The included 70-recipe cookbook will get you started in no time. Comes in 3 colors too! I have it in black and you can read more why I love it here as well as see some recipes I created!

  24. Everyday Entertaining- A go-to guide for entertaining, this cookbook features tips and tricks that prove having guests over doesn't have to be stressful or expensive!

Be sure to check out Gifts For The Mixologist too!!!