Life Life Strategies A Stand to Protect Your Soap Bar—and More Clever Items to Upgrade Your Life This Week So close to Thanksgiving, we can almost taste the mashed potatoes and smell the turkey in the oven! Before it’s time to make the big feast, grab a couple of these items to make it easier on yourself. A cast iron pan that won’t snap your wrist in half when you move it from burner to oven, a Bloody Mary mix guests will think you made yourself, and two kitchen tools to keep everything, including your sanity, from slipping. By Martha Upton Martha Upton Website A former associate editor at Real Simple, Martha Upton began her four-year tenure at the magazine in 2018. She spent a majority of her time researching and testing products for the "Clever Items" column. Prior to joining Real Simple, she spent six months completing a fellowship at Esquire, where she wrote men's commerce stories for online. Martha earned a master's degree in magazine writing from New York University. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 11, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: softservices.co 01 of 06 Soft Services Soap Home Courtesy of Manufacturer $36, softservices.co Protect your soap and exfoliation bars from melting away or gathering mold with this handy little stand. It keeps bars elevated so they can dry easily and has an aluminum cover. It also looks pretty darn chic in your shower. 02 of 06 Vermicular Frying Pan Courtesy of Manufacturer $155, vermicular.us Take the hassle out of using cast iron with this deep pan perfect for braising a roast, making a stew, or deep frying. At just over 2 pounds, it's easily maneuverable with one hand. It's also rust-proof and doesn't require seasoning after every use. 03 of 06 Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Bloody Mary Mix Courtesy of Manufacturer 2-pack for $20, jackrudycocktailco.com As hosting season is upon us, keep this mix in the pantry to pull out quickly when you just don't have the time or ingredients to make it homemade. What sets it apart is the addition of lemon, which makes for a more refreshing Bloody Mary. Plus, one of these little bottles makes 10 servings. 04 of 06 Swanky Floating Ladle Courtesy of Manufacturer $21.99, animicausa.com Don't let the gravy swallow your ladle this year with this adorable swan-shaped one that promises not to sink in liquids. A conversation starter for sure, it's also dishwasher safe and BPA free. 05 of 06 Hug Doug Spoon Saver Courtesy of Manufacturer $14.99, animicausa.com What's more frustrating than a disappearing ladle when it's time to serve? A spoon that keeps slipping and sliding when you're trying to stir. This little silicone guy will hold onto your utensil to make sure it doesn't fall victim to the big soup pot once again. 06 of 06 Mollygrams Courtesy of Manufacturer Starting at $89, mollygrams.com Consider gifting a themed alphabet like coastal or woodland or a custom monogram this holiday, all hand painted by artist Molly Pascal. It's a perfect nursery gift for expecting parents, or a housewarming gift for your friends' new mountain or beach house. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit