While I love hosting a classic summer gathering or summer barbecue and showing off my favorite summer table decor ideas, I often wonder how top chefs approach hosting in the summer months. One celebrity chef may just have answered my question. Chef Michael Symon's brand new tableware collaboration with Frontgate is all you need for a stylish and stress-free event and I, for one can't wait to get my hands on this gorgeous range.
The Frontgate x Symon collection was envisioned as a 'curated range of entertaining essentials that’s elevated yet easy-going,' according to Chef Symon, whose restaurants include Angeline in Atlantic City and Mabel's BBQ Las Vegas. Inspired by Symon's Greek-Sicilian heritage and his travels with his wife, Liz, the collection features a mix of gorgeous hand-painted dinnerware, luxe metallic barware and elevated utensils.
From serving trays and tray stands to a rather handsome beverage tub designed to sit atop a matching pedestal, you'll find everything you need for elegant, expert-grade entertaining – all finished in warm wood and burnished brass for a touch of understated luxe.
'As someone who adores both cooking and hosting, I love that Chef Symon's pieces are as practical and thoughtful as they are beautiful,' says our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia Hayman. 'There are so many pieces in this collection that will enhance the flow of a dinner party or special occasion.'
The Frontgate collection takes Chef Symon's years of experience in professional kitchens and applies it to sleek at-home tableware, helping to make both cooking and serving feel effortless. Take the Lazy Susan: it's 'ideal for when you're still in the kitchen or fixing drinks, allowing guests to happily nibble and graze without you needing to pause, plate, and serve,' says Lydia. 'I especially love the glossy green enamel interior, which is always easy to clean up and feels luxurious.'
Another winner? 'The coordinated snack pots to hold dips, crackers, or mezze-style bites,' Lydia notes. 'The green cotton canvas and brown leather apron is gorgeous, too: a presentable apron (with practical pockets, of course) is part of the ritual for me; it’s about feeling put-together while moving seamlessly between the kitchen and the dining space. I think that would make a fantastic gift for any keen cook in your life.'
There's a real focus on craftsmanship throughout the Frontgate X Symon collection, and also these pieces are an investment, they really do make an impression, and they're designed to last, thanks to their timeless design and durable materials.
'Every piece is beautiful, thoughtful, and durable enough for real life,' said Symon in his announcement of the collection, explaining that he 'wanted to have partners that took the building of the products as seriously as we look at food.'
The final objective, however, was to create pieces that can be used both indoors and out, making them ideal for your next summer garden party, then for later use indoors, come fall.
Shop our top picks from the Chef Symon X Frontgate collection
With their ribbed handles and brass finish, these serving spoons will bring an Art Deco flourish to your table. The heavy-gauge stainless steel is impressively durable, too.
'This board and bread cloth will help keep your sourdough or focaccia loaf warm and fresh for your guests – and it's so Mediterranean chic,' says Lydia.
Any professional hosting set-up needs some statement crockery, and I'm obsessed with these ceramic bowls. Made in Italy, their hand-stamped design creates a unique, artisanal look.
Crafted from elegant ribbed glass and mango wood, these oil and vinegar cruets are timeless. The subtle hint of brass ties them seamlessly into the rest of the Frontgate X Symon collection.
Featuring a sturdy lazy Susan base, this well-stocked set features an array of brass-finished bar tools, inlcuding a ribbed glass cocktail shaker and bottle opener, stirring spoon, ice scoop, and strainer, plus a handy cocktail muddler and a jigger. My favorite part? The removable glass lid cleverly doubles as an ice bucket.
This double-walled stainless steel bucket is designed to maintain an ice-cold temperature with no condensation – and its wooden base and brass exterior ensure it's a striking addition to any table.
The barware in the Frontgate x Symon collection is my personal highlight, but if you're planning to host a drinks party you might need to stock up on a few more summer cocktail essentials. Take a look at our picks for inspiration.
