Once it was tabletop items like flatware, silver, china and crystal. Five favorites at the top of many wish lists this year are heavy-duty blenders, nonstick grill pans, substantial and often expensive standing mixers, Dutch ovens and saute pans. I'm a pot snob. My fiance is coming into the relationship with nonstick, and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Takeout and prepared foods are more popular than ever.
Fewer people seem to have the time or inclination to cook seriously.
Yet expensive pots and pans are dominating the market. In some cases, the brides and bridegrooms are choosing pots not for the cooks they are but for the cooks they may become. While brides may gravitate to lower-priced lines, she says, bridegrooms are not as willing to compromise. Lavin chose an assortment of Calphalon. As kitchens become the focal point of entertaining, cooks and non-cooks want equipment that looks good.