What's in Cooper's kitchen?
One homeowner, one renter, and one really good coffee grinder.
Hi Geezers,
Remember Cooper Fleishman from his epic Prime Day edit? (And then from our Favorite Things Livestream?)
Well, he’s back, and this time we’re diving into all things hosting—just in time for the holidays. PS: Lotssss of these things are on sale for Black Friday Cyber Monday!
Now, I don’t know about you, but as someone who doesn’t own a house, I’ve never really been “the host” for big family gatherings. (Shoutout to my mom for still carrying that torch.) But lately? I’ve been fully embracing hosting friends, whether it’s for casual hangs or something a little more extra. And let me tell you—having the right gear makes all the difference.
So, without further ado, here’s all the holiday hosting gear Cooper and I swear by. Whether you’re hosting your BFFs or a full-on Friendsgiving, these picks will have you looking like a pro. Let’s get festive! 🎉
Le Creuset Wide Dutch Oven 6.75 quart ($280)
Cooper: I cook enough meatballs to fill Strega Nona’s pasta pot, which is why I love the w i d e version of this heritage classic. Give me more surface area to brown what needs browning! The 6.75 quart is the Goldilocks size. You can use it to make anything, for anyone — I’d say it can handle anywhere between 4 and 10 servings — but you can also tuck it away when guests leave. Or, if kitchen space is limited, it looks so good that it can sit on your stove as year-round decor.
Shop on Le Creuset | Shop on Amazon
STAUB Cast Iron 3-qt Tomato Cocotte
Caroline: If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a vessel in the shape of something kitschy. Enter: the big tomato cocotte. Not only is it adorable, but it’s actually super useful. You can cook with it and use it as a serving dish—it’s functional and fun. I love it so much, I even put it on my Flagship. Trust me, this one’s a winner!
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker
I love this colorful gizmo, which makes the fastest pot I’ve ever brewed: 8 cups in 4 minutes, give or take. My only qualm is that you’re not supposed to put the carafe in your dishwasher. Some colors, like Pistachio, regularly go on sale and can be found for roughly $275 on Amazon. But if you decide to splurge on the Juniper, no one’s judging — we did too.
Fellow Ode Brew Coffee Grinder Gen 2
Cooper: Of course, the secret to a great pot of coffee isn’t the coffeemaker — it’s the grinder. I’ve tested and owned a few different burr grinders, but Fellow’s Ode Brew stands out because it’s actually fun to use. The grounds catcher magnetizes into place like a base runner sliding home, and the adjustable grinder setting is a big round analog dial — no touch screen to be found. I interviewed the grinder’s lead designer for Departures magazine, and he told me the Ode was inspired by his dad’s old Hi-FI stereo system. It’s also easily disassembled for quick repair, making it a buy-it-for-life investment.
Cuisinart 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
If you or your guests drink tea, this is a must-have. It’s astoundingly easy to use, easy to store, and easy to clean. The three major pain points covered!
A huge folding table
Caroline: If you live in a smaller space, you likely don’t have Richard and Emily Gilmore’s boat-sized dining table (or a rotating cast of maids to serve your guests). Those of us in kitchens more like Lorelai’s pull an 8-foot folding table out of a closet, throw a tablecloth on it, and immediately create seating for 10 more.
West Elm Kanto stoneware
These low bowls are perfect. They look much more expensive than they are, and I’ve used them daily for two years — with nightly dishwasher runs — without so much as a chip or fade. I think Arctic Blue is the color to get (the black shows fork marks more easily), but they’re all lovely. A pack of 8 is $120.
For a smart splurge, a registry item, or just more of a statement piece, I love Jono Pandolfi stoneware, which I first spotted at Fradei in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
Bosch 800 Series appliances
Cooper: It’s nearly Cyber Monday, which means deals on appliances are everywhere. But if you’re replacing a fridge, dishwasher, or stove, it’s easy to start feeling a little choice paralysis — spending this kind of money is a big decision! I’m in the middle of a kitchen renovation, and I’ve now a year researching appliance brands. Experts have consistently steered me to the Bosch 800 line. For customer service, reliability, aesthetics, ease of use, and maximizing home value, this is the price range to look at. (For a more affordable option, the Bosch 500 line is also great.)
Shop the 800 Series dishwasher on Best Buy
Shop the 800 Series gas range on Best Buy
Shop the 800 Series fridge on Best Buy ($300 off!)
Rough Linen Original Pinafore Apron
Cute! Practical! What’s not to love about a host with an apron on?
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Containers
The best and longest-lasting storage I’ve ever used.
Joanna Buchanan Tablecloths
Caroline: I am entering my table linens era, and I can’t stop buying napkins and runners and tablecloths. My favorites right now come from designer Joanna Buchanan, who partners with small artisans internationally to create her luxe line of home decor. 100% cotton and festive without being tied to any one holiday or season.
Quick picks and stocking stuffers
Vitamix 5200 blender — still best-in-class. ($450)
DASH rapid egg cooker ($19)
Global knife set with block — Anthony Bourdain’s cutlery, and mine. ($400)
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