Editor's Picks: The Best Kitchen Products for 2012

Upgrade your kitchen with these new and innovative tools that'll make preparing and cooking a meal ridiculously easy -- and super-fun!

An All-in-One Avocado Tool

Upgrade your kitchen with these new and innovative tools that'll make preparing and cooking a meal ridiculously easy -- and super-fun!

Quickly slice and dice an avocado with this specialty tool. The mini prongs sink into the pit for quick removal, and a curved blade lets you scoop close to the skin.

Kuhn Rikon avocado tool, $13, SurLaTable.com

By: Sarah Newell

©The Nest

1 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

A Modern Ice Cream Scoop

Sometimes dessert is all about presentation. That's when you need a cylindrical scooper like this one to make gorgeously stacked ice cream cones.

Cuisipro Scoop and Stack ice cream scoop, $16, ChefsResource.com

2 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

Modular Herb Storage

If you're constantly tossing wilted herbs, try this modern storage unit that will keep them fresh for weeks. Its unique capsule shape submerges fresh herbs in a water-sealed environment and sits nicely in a refrigerator door.

Prepara herb containers, $30, Macys.com

3 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

A Unique Cake Pan

Bake individual servings of your favorite cakes in this silicone cake pan. Instant portion control!

Just A Slice cake pan, $10, PerpetualKid.com

4 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

A No-Sweat Jar Opener

This is the year to stop straining your hands when opening tight-fitting lids. We've found a tool that does the trick! Use this one-size-fits-all opener and never spill, crack or break a jar again.

WMF lid gripper, $35, Williams-Sonoma.com

5 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

Specialty Knives

Now available to the masses, these stainless-steel knives are designed by the NYC-based Schmidt Brothers duo. The block set has everything you need to chop your way through the kitchen. We love that the magnetic acacia board is a universal storage piece, allowing you to add to your collection as needed.

Schmidt Brothers 15-piece Downtown block, $200, WestElm.com

6 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

Roast Clips and Skewers

Reusable and heat-safe for the oven, these clips and skewers will keep your stuffed meats secure while cooking.

Roast clips & skewers, $15, Vacuvin.com

7 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

A Steamer Basket

This trusty gadget allows you to steam food in the microwave without it getting soggy from sitting in water.

Lekue 1- to 2-person steam case with tray, $40, Amazon.com

8 of 10 Photo: Courtesy of the Manufacturer / The Nest

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More and more brides are giving their special day a personal touch with DIY wedding decorations. According to American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 70 percent of newlyweds said they opted for a DIY approach to save on wedding costs. Couples got crafty assembling their own guest favors, creating their own centerpieces and ditching the DJ in favor of a homemade playlist. A few brave brides even made their own wedding dress or baked their own cake! The good news: You don’t have to be overly ambitious or possess amazing crafting skills to tackle most of these DIY wedding decor projects. (We do want to make your life easier, after all!)

Repurpose found objects into unique pieces of furniture, like the funky tables featured here. These handmade tables will add a nice touch of modern design to your home décor -- even though they're made with upcycled items.

Get your backyard ready for a summer filled with fun, food and friends! Read on for 20 of the stylish outdoor décor essentials that will help make your backyard bash the highlight of the season.