There are several reasons why Halloween is one of my favorite holidays: First, it's the only day when it's legitimate to wear the most outlandish thing you can think of and get away with it. Furthermore, it's a permissible excuse for adults to return to their youth, reveling in haunted houses and other spooky surprises. And last, but not least, it's entirely acceptable to exchange (and eat) Read more

Because I've been all about the cookies lately, I went on a search for the cutest cookie cutter shapes I could find. While cookie cutters aren't always a requirement, there's nothing like a unique shape to add some originality to your baked creation. From sugar cookies to ice cream sandwiches to madeleines, here are my favorite cookie cutters and molds. Shop Read more

Whenever I seek a break from sipping everyday wines, I turn to sake. The Japanese beverage has a completely different flavor, but is equally refined and extensive in selection. My favorite way to serve sake is with a coordinating set. The flasks and matching cups make it virtually impossible for guests to refuse a taste. I love this wooden set because of its elegant silhouette and subtle Read more

In case you don't already own cheese serving tools, I went shopping for stylish cheese serving trays and found a fabulous selection. They run the gamut from ornate and over-the-top to sleek and minimalist. My favorite is this marble tray with silver bamboo hardware ($78); it's got the perfect amount of flair and will look excellent displaying everything from a pungent blue to a sharp cheddar. To Read more

I don't know whether it's the sweltering heat or being cooped up inside on a sunny day, but when it's Summer, it seems all I want to do is kick back and relax in the sun, frosty cocktail in hand. My solution? Plotting out the margarita I'm going to make when it's five o'clock and I'm shopping for festive glassware that could be used to serve my beverage. Check out my finds below: My favorite is Read more

I recently asked one of our amazing interns to check out ShopStyle Living, where she noticed loads of kitchen accessories with faces on them. Since it seems like we can never get enough whimsy, I asked her to put together a list of all the ones she thought were fun. From bar tools to trash cans, she found some amazingly cute products. Don't you just want one of these adorable honey bear plates Read more

These days there are probably just as many stay-at-home dads as there are moms. And while gender roles need not be a throwback to the '50s, it doesn't mean your kitchen can't be! Recently one of our awesome summer interns threw together this retro-chic look and now I want to share it with you. Whether you're adding to your wedding registry or just looking to spruce up your abode, there's bound Read more

Memorial Day is all about the barbecue. While some cooks grill up gourmet goodies like fish, pizza, and kabobs, to me, this holiday means burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. So forget about cedar planks and pizza stones. To cook up classic American fare, you need to trick out your grill with simple tools that make your burgers and dogs the best they can be. And don't forget about Read more

Lately, every kitchen catalog I receive insists on reminding me that Summer is just around the corner. One of the trends that's catching my eye is the use of ice. It seems that nothing cools down Summer like a few ice cubes. In fact there are so many icy items, I was able to compile a list for your browsing enjoyment. There were trays of appetizers on ice, salads on ice, and even martini glasses Read more

Every time I check out the Yum Market, I always end up looking at serenityspeaks' bookmarks. She has lovingly hunted down tons of wedding cakes, and even grouped them by color. I'm rather fond of this incredibly unique tiered cake with citrus accompaniments, but if it doesn't suit you scroll through her impressive list below. There's plenty to be inspired by. And if this selection isn't enough, Read more