In the Pink —Nothin’ says lovin’ like a homemade goodie whipped up with this KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer ($249). The mixer also comes in sky blue, tangerine, classic black or white, but this pretty-in-pink number is exclusive to Williams-Sonoma and does good work outside the kitchen, too: When you buy the pink mixer, KitchenAid will donate $50 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation as part of their Cook for the Cure initiative. Complete your pink ensemble with matching spatula ($7) and spoon ($9), a shiny set of measuring cups ($18) and the Pie & Tart cookbook ($16.95). Williams-Sonoma, The Mall at Green Hills. 292-5066. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun.
Vintage Storage—Wine cellars are great but if you don’t have one, consider stowing your favorite vintages in this hand-painted wine cabinet ($999), which stands over five feet tall. There’s room for several bottles, plus a place to hang wine glasses, inside. A handy drawer provides space for corkscrews and other wine paraphernalia, while a retractable shelf is perfect for pouring the wine. Other unique wine racks include a wrought iron Ferris wheel ($395) and one fashioned out of golf clubs ($129.95). Available at Ambiance Designs, one of the shops in the Black Lion retail complex, Opry Mills on Briley Parkway. 514-5466. Hours: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.
Grill ‘Em —Lodge Cast Iron has been making heavy-duty cast-iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tenn., since 1896—long before backyard barbecuing became the rage. The company still turns out skillets, Dutch ovens, muffin pans and other items designed for the campfire or the home stove, but it also produces more trendy pieces like the BBQ Grill-Great ($33.98). Set it atop your own barbecue grill, where it heats up quickly and stays hot. Then slap some steaks or chicken on it to sear in flavor and get those great-looking stripes. The narrowly-spaced ribs of this grill also make it ideal for more delicate foods like fish or veggies, which tend to slip through regular barbecue grills. Grab a new pair of tongs ($12.98) with heat-resistant handles and you’ll be good to grill this spring. Davis Cookware, 1717 21st Ave. S. in Hillsboro Village. 298-4728. Hours: 9:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Cheese, Please—Forget about hacking off a chunk of cheese with a knife and neatly sliver off a thin wafer instead with the Bravado Gourmet Cheese Slicer ($29.95). For cheese with a local flavor, try the varieties made by Le Gourmet Connection in Lebanon, Tenn. The sampler pack ($29.95) includes tomato herb, Italian pesto, hickory smoked and sharp cheddar, plus a fat link of summer sausage. The company also produces a mean peppered beef jerky ($6.50). Le Gourmet Connection is one of the 125 shops that make up Black Lion, a multi-merchant retailer at Opry Mills on Briley Parkway. 514-5466. Hours: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.
What A Crock—If you love the look of old-fashioned crockery but are hesitant to use the chipped, mystery-glaze variety found in antique shops, these modern versions by Over and Back are the answer. Dishwasher and microwave safe, this set of bowls ($85) works great whether you’re mixing up a cake or stirring up a pasta salad. The Over and Back label also produces many other pieces in nostalgic styles and vintage patterns, including a pie plate ($32), large oval platter ($48), creamer and sugar set ($18) and casserole ($38). Caldwell Collection, 2205 Bandywood in Green Hills. 298-5800. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
