The kitchen tends to be a fairly practical domain in the home. Perhaps you’ve invested in some pretty glassware or pieces to dress the table when friends come over, but when it comes to the more functional things — I’m talking pots, pans, knives, and even coffee makers — the things not often seen by anyone but the person using them, we tend to err on the side of utility over aesthetics.
When I started sifting through Nordstrom’s current half-yearly sale (which is offering up to 50% off on some stunning designer pieces), I couldn’t help but notice how many beautiful kitchen items have been discounted. Time to upgrade my scuffed-up pots and blunting knives? Absolutely. Because when it’s something you use every day, why not make it a daily pleasure.
From Le Creuset and Staub dishware, to over $1000 knife sets now more than half price, and a few fancy plates and pretty glassware thrown in for good measure, here’s what you should be shopping in Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale.
The Best Kitchen Buys Currently On Sale
The Floral Society Herb Seed Kit
Growing your own herbs is the gift that keeps on giving. Literally. They’re the perfect finishing touch to any meal, adding flavor and showing guests you know what you’re doing. This seed set includes winter thyme, Hera dill, Genovese basil, rosemary and more, and comes with prelabelled garden markers that would look super sweet in pots on your windowsill.
Staub 3-Piece Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dishes
In case you’ve missed it, red is the color of the season thanks to TikTok’s now viral ‘unexpected red theory’. It’s believed that the punchy hue, even in small and preferably unexpected doses, can elevate a room, just like a lick of red lipstick can for an outfit. If you’re wanting to know a way into the trend, this three-piece set from Staub may be your answer.
ZWILLING Four Star 12-Piece Knife Block Set
Did you know you’re more likely to cut yourself with a blunt knife than a sharp one? When it comes to cooking, a good kitchen knife changes the game, and with this incredible 12-piece knife set currently at 53% off, now is the time to invest. German-forged and ice-hardened, it is sharp, strong, and rather stylish if you ask me.
Riedel Vinum Set of 6 Cabernet Glasses
In the world of glassware, the name Riedel is very well known, and for very good reason. Made from crystal glass in Germany, they’re exceptional quality at a fairly affordable price point. Even more so if you manage to get them on sale. This set of six is designed to accentuate the aromas of a full-bodied red wine, will look great on a shelf, and would make a great gift.
House of Nunu Set of 4 Belly Tumblers in Green
Glassware that also looks good sitting on a shelf is a no-brainer in my books. These soft forest green glasses are hand-blown in borosilicate glass and, having used them at a dinner party before, feel beautifully delicate (but not too delicate) and cast the most stunning shadows when the sun hits. They’re also available in blue, pink and amber, and look great when you mix and match the colors on your table setting.
Le Creuset 9-Inch Heritage Stoneware Pie Dish
Le Creuset is iconic and should be a staple in every kitchen. But there is more to this brand than just the French/Dutch ovens, and this scallop-edged pie dish is so sweet I can see it being styled as a fruit bowl, or even serving salads, meaning it will be used year-round. It’s clever edge will ensure you press the perfect pie crust each time, while the sloped side helps with slicing.
MIYABI Kaizen Ii 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
If a whole knife set is too big of a step, perhaps the single most important knife to upgrade in your kitchen is your Chef’s knife. It’s your number one workhorse and is responsible for all the slicing, dicing, mincing, cutting, chopping, and smashing. This one features a super strong steel core underneath 48 layers of damast steel, making it incredibly strong, while the blade has been hand-honed used a historic Japanese Honbazuke method. With over 400 positive reviews, an average rating of 4.9/5, and currently discounted, it’s a safe bet.
Vaisselle Wine Bottle Cooler in Jade
How many of us have a stylish wine bottle cooler at home? It’s one of those thoughtful touches that is bound to rocket your kitchen to restaurant-quality. Currently at 50% off, this stunning handmade ceramic style from Spain is hard to go past. With a painterly design in all the trending tones of 2024, I could envisage it being used as a vase for flowers or even to store wooden spoons in between dinner parties.
ZWILLING Provence 45-Piece Flatware Set
Flatware prices can quite easily get out of control, but as someone who probably felt at least 70 pieces before finally settling on a set, trust me, there is a difference. It’s not only the weight, shape and metal you need to consider, but also how many pieces you want. Is a sugar spoon necessary, for example? To get a 45-piece set (eight 5-piece place settings) for under $100 is exceptional, and with over 900 reviewers giving it an average of 4.9/5 stars, it’s going straight in my shopping cart.
Tekla Linen Apron in Claret
Aprons are sort of like umbrellas — often the last thing you think/want to spend money on but it’s highly impractical when you need them and don’t have them. Currently discounted with a massive 75% off, it’s hard to not jump at the opportunity to buy this beauty from Tekla. Made in Portugal from 100% linen, I love this deep merlot color, but it’s also available in ‘Stain’ (a royal blue) and ‘Porcelain’ (an off white).
Dash Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A coffee machine you’d be proud to style on show in your kitchen? Yes please. This handy machine helps you make up to 40oz of cold brew-style coffee, just the way you like. Reviewers rave about how easy it is to use, how good it looks on their coffee bar and how good the coffee tastes. I love it for its sleek, slim-line profile and neutral design.
The Conran Shop Fish Platter in Green
You can never have too many platters, and particularly pretty ones. Need proof? I would use this platter from The Conran Shop to serve cheese boards and small finger food, on my coffee table with a candle and small trinkets on top, to serve drinks at a dinner party, on the wall as art…the list goes on.
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle
For passionate cooks, this double burner griddle is going to be exciting. The oversized style is designed to sit across multiple burners for occasions when you’re preparing for a large number of guests, or perhaps multiple meals at once. Selling points include the fact it is compatible with induction cooktops, it’s made in France, it spreads heat evenly, and is easy to clean. One reviewer even boasted how they now ‘have room for pancakes, hash browns, and eggs [all] in one pan’.
ZWILLING J.a. Henckels ‘pro’ Steak Knives
There is nothing worse than struggling to cut through something on your plate at a dinner party. You’d be disappointed if you were left to fumble away at a restaurant, so you should know that steak knives are definitely a worthy investment for your home kitchen. This set of four have been forged in Germany, are rated 5/5 stars, boast a classic design and best of all, are dishwasher safe.
Tekla Linen Napkin in Apple Core
It’s always such a lovely thing at a restaurant when your table is set with linen napkins, so why not bring the experience home. These 100% linen napkins have been made in Portugal, and while they’re available in Black, Porcelain, and ‘Stain’ (a royal blue), my pick would be this this creamy and neutral ‘Apple Core’ color that will go with any table top decor you may already own.
WHAT IS NORDSTROM’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR?
Nordstrom’s biggest sale event of the year is their Anniversary Sale which will be held in July in 2024. The department store has already released the exact dates, with select card holders due to gain access on July 9, and the rest of the public by July 15. The sale will run until August 4.
How often does Nordstrom do sales?
Outside of their Anniversary Sale, Nordstrom also tends to host sales in May around Memorial Day, on Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November, as well as their ‘half-yearly’ sale in Decemeber.