Spring is here, so it’s time to fire up the grill. Before you do, take stock and make sure you have the right kitchen tools on deck. It takes more than just a good pizza oven to make a meal, after all—you’ll also need plates, glasses and other accoutrements to make sure the baking process goes off without a hitch. We’ve sorted the objects that will elevate your outdoor cooking and dining experience—and look good while doing it—with the help of a panel of interior and landscape designers. The results were wide-ranging, from full-blown sinks and ovens to salt plates and marble trivets. Best get to grilling, then.
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Morsø Forno Outdoor Oven
Image Credit: Conran Shop “Who wouldn’t love cast-iron for grilling outdoors? I love the Morsø oven’s use of this timeless cooking material and its whimsical shape. The wood-fired version doubles as an ambient fireplace. Great for someone who doesn’t have a lot of room for a full outdoor kitchen, but who wants to enjoy cooking al fresco! It’s compact at 27 inches wide by 23 inches high.” – Patricia Benner, Benner Landscape Design
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Gracie Oaks Crackle Dinnerware
Image Credit: Wayfair “I’m a big fan of Oaks’ dishware. Not only are they super practical for outdoor use—they’re lightweight, durable, won’t break if you drop them and are dishwasher safe—but they also have the look and feel of a beautifully glazed ceramic dish set. They really elevate your outdoor dining and entertaining experience. I also love the vivid colors they’re available in. I have them in turquoise and often recommend them to clients and friends.” — Jenny Dina Kirschner, JDK Interiors
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Willliams Sonoma Stainless-Steel Tongs
Image Credit: Williams Sonoma “I grill all the time. My No. 1 go-to tools for it are Williams Sonoma signature tongs. They have a gravity-operated lock that automatically opens and shuts depending on the angle at which you hold them, a neat feature that amplifies their convenience. I love to give them as gifts.” — Doniphan Moore, Doniphan Moore Interiors
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Coyote Outdoor Grill Grates
Image Credit: Coyote Outdoor Living “I own a 36-inch Coyote gas grill, and my favorite parts of it are the grill grates. They’re both functionally and aesthetically superior. The grates are ideal for cooking and preparing beef, chicken, fish, pork and vegetables. They not only prepare food to perfection, but the various grate holes sear food, adding an aesthestic value.” –Ron Woodson, Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design
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Thomas Fuchs Melamine Bowl
Image Credit: Thomas Fuchs “My current favorite is the melamine dinnerware by Thomas Fuchs Creative. I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas at a trade event in Southampton and fell in love with his work and his incredible sense of style. He shared so many clever tips for entertaining. As a designer, I want beautiful things, but as a mom of four kids, I need practical items. I was thrilled to find both in this colorful, fun, yet very sturdy plates and serving ware. They’re dishwasher safe, do not show knife marks and are like little pieces of artwork. –Betsy Wentz, Betsy Wentz Interior Design
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Tina Frey Salad Bowl
Image Credit: Tina Frey “My favorite is anything from Tina Frey Designs. These pieces are incredible and are made of resin, which makes them so durable and perfect for outdoors. Tina is also the loveliest person. The large salad bowls are my favorite—they make the food pop and serve as a canvas for a gorgeous salad, sweet or savory. We’ll often include these in the kitchens within a model residence we’re working on. They turn any dish into a work of art and are great for spring and summer outdoor entertaining. We always have them in our personal kitchen for entertaining our guests.” —Guillaume Coutheillas, FrenchCalifornia
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Hestan Refreshment Center
Image Credit: Hestan “My new favorite is Hestan’s refreshment center. It includes a sink and faucet, an ice bin, a rack for bottles and a shelf for glasses. It looks like it’s meant for outdoors—heavy-duty but stylish. I’m installing one this year for someone who entertains outdoors all the time.” – Chris Barrett, Chris Barrett Design
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Williams Sonoma Himalayan Salt Plate
Image Credit: Williams Sonoma “The Himalayan salt plate by Williams Sonoma is an outdoor kitchen tool we love for both its function and beauty. The anti-microbial, beautifully colored pink plate made from natural Himalayan salt can amplify flavor to food by heating it on the grill. Alternatively, it can be chilled and used to plate cold appetizers, making it quite a versatile tool for the outdoor kitchen.” –Fanny and Michelle Haim, Fanny Haim & Associates
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Syers Browning Lattice Woven Drinking Glass
Image Credit: Syers Browning “I love using items that look like they’d belong indoors, but really take casual, outdoor tablescapes up to another level. These rattan lattice glasses protect the glass inside, so functionally they work well when used outdoors.” –Isabel Ladd, Isabel Ladd Interiors
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Kohler Kitchen Sink
Image Credit: Kohler “Summer kitchens are becoming an entertainment must as we spend more time outdoors. One of our favorite emerging trends is an elongated sink with versatile functions, like bar tubs filled with ice. The possibilities are endless! Sinks are not just chillers but can display sushi apps, or even float flowers for a spring accent. But by all means, use it to serve your guests rosé all day!” –Lucinda Loya, Lucinda Loya Interiors
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March SF Bianco Michelangelo Trivet
Image Credit: March SF “This marble trivet from one of our favorites, March SF, is a life saver for both indoor and outdoor dining tables. We often purchase great dining tables for our clients and then get calls back when someone has set something extremely hot on them; we have to refinish the top to get the ring mark out. The beauty of a trivet is that it has both a functional need, as well as doubling as a sculptural piece—beautifully designed object that you can leave on your dining table even when you’re not using it.” –Homan Rajai, Studio Ahead
