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The International Housewares Show is a highly-anticipated trade show by industry insiders and the public alike. There, housewares companies big and small, showcase their latest innovations to department store buyers, boutique owners, magazine editors, newspaper writers, and influential bloggers, just to name a few, to spread the word and work up an excitement about their products.

This year was my first year at the Housewares Show. Not only was I a media guest, but so honored to be invited to host a cooking demonstration in the famed, Cooking Theater where celebrity chefs like Cat Cora, Curtis Stone, Ming Tsai and Paula Deen, graced the stage. It’s going to be very difficult to top my experience this year!

On the first day of the Show, I had the opportunity to check out a zillion booths in the South Hall of McCormick Place in Chicago, where all the cookware & entertaining companies displayed their products. I saw the clouds part and sun shine through the second I walked in!

Here are my favorites:

WINE SOIREE:  I had the pleasure of meeting the designer/owner of Wine Soiree, Andrew Lazorchak who began his career as an architect. Now living in the California wine country, it is only fitting that his company is innovating wine decanting and aerating. This “device” is as beautiful as it is brilliant, as in anything that is well designed. The process and science of “active decanting” is well explained in their website and has a real taste difference that I experienced myself. I loved it so much, that I bought my very own Wine Soiree at the show!

TOP CHIPS:  You may have seen this at an “As Seen on TV” store at the mall,  but thing really works. The chips have to be sliced very thinly, so a mandolin is necessary. But this is a great way to get your salty, crunchy snack craving minus all the oil.

CUISIPRO Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Maker: For those of you who love baking and making handmade treats, this device is so irresistible and a must-have for kid’s birthday parties. Cuisipro’s line of tools for baking make baking even more fun. Check out their pop molds set as well and see all the fun shapes you can make for the kids!

ARCHITEC HOUSEWARES: If you’re one who leans more towards sleeker and eco-friendly designs, then Architec Housewares is the one for you! Architec’s kitchenware is practical for everyday use, yet is sleek enough to display on the countertop and is definitely earth-friendly.

SQUISH: Squish was one of the hottest brands in the show this year with their collapsible colanders, bowls, measuring cups and more!  Not only are the bright colors fun, but these collapsible bowls and colanders are able to stand on their own, unlike their counterparts.

MAXWELL & WILLIAMS: I was drawn to the Maxwell & Williams booth because all their plateware was so beautifully displayed and elegant. I thought for sure that the items displayed would be on the higher-end, price wise. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that plateware was as affordable as $14.99 (retail).

DISCLOSURE: All product photos were taken from the company websites mentioned above.