Black Friday sales: kitchen essentials for fuss-free festive feasts

Best for: perfect pavlova presentation

I’m known to bring a pavlova to every gathering as it ticks all the boxes – it’s gluten-free and easily decorated with lush vanilla cream and summer fruit. Our Test Kitchen tip is to bake the pavlova on the plate you’re going to serve it on so you don’t risk it cracking the fragile meringue when transferring it. Make sure the plate is ovenproof and sturdy, like this Maxwell & Williams Basics Pavlova Plate.

Size: 34cm.

Colour: White.

Material: Porcelain.

Key features:

• Safe for microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher
• Large size for serving desserts

Also available at:

• $34.95 at Amazon
• $34.95 from Myer
• $34.95 from Temple & Webster

Best for: a showstopping centrepiece

Cake stands are not just for cakes! They are truly multipurpose and makes whatever you are serving a little bit fancy! I use them for all sorts of things – small cheese platters, desserts and sweet treats – even a glazed half ham standing upright. We have a fabulous apple and cinnamon glazed ham in our Christmas issue which we’ve wrapped ribbons and a Christmas decoration around the shank. It’s a showstopper!

Size: 30cm.

Colour: White.

Material: Ceramic.

Key features:

• 30cm width
• Handwash only

Best for: the Christmas roast.

Usually, I roast a turkey or pork loin for Christmas and my go-to vessel is a heavy based roasting pan with a trivet. It allows the heat to circulate evenly for perfect browning. And because they have a heavy base and are flameproof, you can save all the pan juices and make gravy directly in the pan without losing any of those delicious crispy bits on the bottom of the pan.

Size: 48x31cm.

Colours: Stainless steel.

Material: Stainless steel.

Key features:

• High quality 18/10 stainless steel
• Drip-free pouring rims
• Suitable for oven cooking up to 250°C
• 10 year warranty

Also available at:

• $109.50 (usually $219) from Myer
• $114.95 (usually $269) from Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: summer entertaining.

An elegant glass jug is the perfect vessel for a festive punch or to zhuzh up sparkling water with your choice of garnishes – I love cucumber, thinly sliced fresh ginger, and fresh mint.

Size: 11.5cm x 18.5cm x 24cm.

Colour: Clear.

Material: Glass.

Key features:

• Handmade in Europe.
• Crystalline glass

Available at:

• $39.95 (save 25% at checkout) at David Jones
• $39.95 from Country Road

Best for: fuss-free entertaining.

If I’m looking for an easy dessert, I love making frozen sweet parfaits and I vary the flavour depending on what fruit is in season – my current favourite is raspberries, cherries and dark chocolate. It’s fuss-free entertaining at its best! I make it in a good quality loaf pan – it’s one of the hardest working pieces of equipment in my kitchen. I use it for brioche, loaf cakes and quick breads.

Size: 23x13cm.

Colour: Steel.

Material: Carbon steel.

Key features:

• High-quality carbon steel
• PFOA-free non-stick coating
• Oven-safe up to 240C