Thanks in part to celebrity chefs who make cooking look easy (we love you, Jamie Oliver!) and numerous nutrition vloggers who promote healthy home meals, it’s cooler than ever to consider yourself a “Home Chef.” It should be no surprise that men are following this trend too. Maybe there’s a guy in your life who loves to show off his talents in the kitchen or considers it his favorite room in the house? Just in time for Father’s Day, we have 5 recommendations for essential serving pieces that will help him present the most beautiful, effortless meal — just like Jamie.
Wishlist Basics
- Utensil Jar: What’s easier than setting down a utensil jar filled with flatware, that guests can pass around at the start of the meal? This saves time in setting the table and creates an unpretentious, down-to-earth atmosphere. Plus it’s also a chance to add some function and color to your dinner table.
- Gravy Boat and Pitchers: Whether you have a salad dressing or sauce, gravy boats and small pitchers make pouring and drizzling easy, usually without the need for a spoon. A drink pitcher or carafe adds charm and allows for easy refilling at the table. Opt for a design that matches your tableware or consider one with intricate details to make a statement.
Cutting Board: A true workhorse in Jamie Oliver’s kitchen, cutting boards add a rustic touch while serving a practical purpose, whether wood or stoneware. Place sizzling meats, roasted veggies tossed in olive oil, freshly baked bread, or charcuterie on top — Polish pottery cutting boards can be pre-warmed or cooled to match the food placed atop them and will keep these foods at the right temperature for longer. Additionally, stoneware cutting boards can be used as large trivets for presenting the food in the cooktop vessel it was created in… casual, beautiful, and effortless, with a focus on the food itself.- Platters of Various Shapes and Sizes: By using platters in different shapes and sizes, you can create a dynamic arrangement that’s useful for serving several different dishes at once. Experiment with rectangular, oval, and round platters, mixing and matching them to complement each other.
- Cake Stand: A cake stand is not just for cakes; it can elevate any hors d’oeuvres, fruit, dessert, or centerpiece. With its elevated platform, a cake stand ensures that your delectable treats are showcased beautifully and create a captivating display.
When so much skill goes into making a great meal, this should also be obvious at the table. And home chefs, more than anyone, want to make it easy to put their creations on display… they want to get to the fun business of savoring them with their guests! Using these serving dishes places items on the table at different heights, creating an interesting, inviting table for your guests to gather around.
Extras
These everyday pieces are essential to have on hand, but — beyond the basics — other special items bring personality to your table. Plus, they’re great conversation starters! Extras perfect for gift-giving are: egg cups and holders (highly collectible and fun to mix and match), bouillon cups, loop-handled soup bowls, and soup tureens (adds a rustic feel to a hearty soup dish), a butter dish, and ramekins (versatile — used for appetizers, desserts, or side dishes). Help your favorite home chef obtain the four stars he or she deserves, and consider giving them an item or two from this list!