You will need the best stainless steel cookware set with some added bling if your house is where the neighborhood tends to gather around happy hour for hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. You need the basics, but you also need cook and serve features built into your cookware. Shiny stainless steel is perfect for entertaining.
Why Stainless Steel Is a Must-Have for Entertainers
You might want to consider gold accents or even colored handles that coordinate with your décor. You want tempered glass lids so that the food can be seen when serving. Most importantly, your cookware set should have a mix of long handles and some “buffet” or “casserole” handles. Buffet handles are much better for serving at the table or in a buffet setting, where long handles can be clumsy and easily get bumped or knocked to the ground.
In addition to the basics, you should also consider a chafing set, buffet set, or warmer to keep food warm for extended periods. Here is the best cookware set for your needs:
Small covered saucepan with a long handle – 1 or 1.5 quarts
Medium-sized covered casserole with buffet-style handles – 2 or 3 qts
A skillet with a long handle – 10” or 11” diameter
A covered big pot with buffet-style handles – 5qt, 6qt, or 8qt
A large covered sauté pan with buffet-style handles – 11” or 12” diameter with some depth to it, say 2” to 3”
A Triple Burner Buffet Set
A 10’ to 12” Chafing Set
A flat electric warmer
The Cookware That Works as Hard as You Entertain
Here is a tip on cleanup for entertainers. Rinse and wipe out your pans while they are still hot. Adding a little bit of water to a hot pan (de-glazing) will lift anything that has stuck to the pan. Rinse them thoroughly. Hand washing is recommended to keep your gorgeous stainless steel beauties looking their best. The harsh detergents used in dishwashers are brutal. Remember, you paid hard-earned cash to get the best stainless steel cookware. Proper care will make them last for years.
