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Not to be dramatic, but thank GOD it's spring. There are only so many (public health mandated) cozy nights in with stew and whiskey cocktails that a person can handle before every atom in their body starts begging for a new season. The Epi team (like many of you, we imagine) is thrilled that warmer, longer, grilling-filled days are ahead, so we're loading our carts with things to help us celebrate. Scroll on for our yard- and rooftop-dining essentials, top tools for stocking the kitchen post-spring cleaning, and pretty additions to the home, for good vibes only.
Outdoor dining
I'm obsessed with this collapsible table and chairs I saw in an Eater story. I want it as a camping table, because we always cook really well when we're camping—bring real plates and glasses, etc.—but somehow forget to bring a table. It'd be great for any outdoor dining! —Andrew Spena, associate social media manager
The last picnic blanket I owned was somehow not washable, which means, essentially, that it was always gross. My new picnic blanket is a serious upgrade on the cleanability front, and it's going to see a lot of use in coming weeks. —Maggie Hoffman, senior editor
Kitchen and pantry refresh
One of my roommates moved out, so I had to replace some of the cookware they took with them. Now I have a new set of half sheet pans and a stainless steel ladle! —Wilder Davies, staff writer
After tons of waffling about the perfect water glass (I somehow only owned these shorty bodega glasses, which are too small for water!) I have landed on the slightly dressed-up version of the thin, elegant Marta glasses all my friends have. Can't wait to bring them out for company! Finally! Someday! —Emily Johnson, senior commerce editor
How many times can I say that in the past year I've broken all of my glass belongings on this website? At least one more time. Our drinking glass collection has dwindled since I started working from home and insisting on carrying my laptop, notebook, water bottle, blanket, snack, and a breakable cup from room to room (I always drop the cup—better than the laptop, I guess?). It's time to re-up with these tinted stackables.—Kendra Vaculin, staff writer
I bought these clips in an attempt to solve the problem of my kitchen towels constantly falling from my oven door handle onto the floor. They're not the cutest, but they're much cuter than dirty towels. —MH
I first bought Royal Milk Tea to make these gem cakes, but now I've been drinking iced milk tea regularly in an effort to force warmer weather into existence.—Joe Sevier, associate editor
Fancy vibes
I don't actually want to know the amount I've spent on candles and pretty things to hold them in over the past year, for my viewing pleasure and mine alone. I know the number will be scary, but apparently it's still not enough. I'm eyeing these beautiful twisty taper candle holders, which I'll debut when I can have my first dinner party. —EJ
I'm on a dried florals kick: They're less expensive than fresh flowers and last forever. I'm eyeing this arrangement—complete with very trendy pampas grass and billy buttons—to take my dining table from spring to summer.—KV
I picked up a loaf of the greatest bread in the world: Olivieri 1882's Colomba. I went with the salted caramel–apricot, which is dotted with juicy pockets of jam, but I can also very highly recommend the dark chocolate–pear version.
—JS
