Natasha Pickowicz’s Favorite Things

“In most Asian homes, germy outdoor shoes worn inside is a huge no-no. Keep your friends’ toes warm (and cute) with backup pairs of olive-green satin slippers.”

“My book, Everyone Hot Pot, has everything you need for hosting the ultimate dinner party known as hot pot: broth and dipping sauce recipes, ingredient shopping guide, table setting tips, and four elaborate themed menus.”

“The only thing better than hot pot is karaoke, and the two, paired together over the course of one long night, is pure ecstasy. This machine is easily synced to YouTube, which contains literally every song in karaoke form.”

“Nothing impresses Chinese aunties and uncles more than a blue-chip champagne like Krug or Dom presented in a debossed gift box. But I like to mix things up with less obvious grapes, like an off-dry Chenin from a beloved producer like Huet, which will pair with everything on the hot pot table and still wow your elders with its French pedigree.”

“A plethora of leafy green vegetables is always the most photogenic item on the hot pot table, and easily enhanced with a striking platter, like a polished silver tray or a set of polymer trays in varying hues of green. I also like to dip into my collection of cake stands for hot pot plating inspiration. The additional height frees up precious real estate at a crowded dinner table.”

“Who can resist a pepper grinder that looks like a towering meringue? Make it the centerpiece of your DIY sauce bar and fill it with a blend of mouth-tingling Sichuan peppercorns and fermented white peppercorns.”

“For the ultimate Chinese businessman gift, look no further than a fancy bottle of baijiu, a strong, clear spirit typically made by fermenting sorghum. My dad calls it fire water, and I call it party juice: it’s an essential participant at the hot pot table.”

“The DIY sauce bar is always a crowd pleaser at any hot pot gathering. Olive oil may be a tempting addition, but I find it’s too assertive for Chinese-style dressings, where it can clash against other condiments. Avocado oil is gentle and neutral-tasting—and can be used to pan-fry crispy scallion pancakes or shaobing, too.”

“For protecting your tabletop from hot tea kettles, steaming broth, or sweating pitchers of iced soy milk.”

“I wouldn’t use one of these bronze hot pots to actually serve soup in, but they’re perfect for inventive displays: fill them with chipped ice and bottles of beer; leaf-attached tangerines; or individually wrapped Chinese candies and fortune cookies. I love the zodiac design on this one.”