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In our series “Shopping Buddy,” we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen must-haves to coffee table books, so that you can shop along with confidence.
Between podcast interviews, press for her new Peacock show, and running her organic kids’ food company, Once Upon a Farm, Jennifer Garner still makes time for her side passion: cooking. The actor’s “Pretend Cooking Show,” an unscripted social media series where she tests out new recipes in her own kitchen, is going on nine years strong. (It only seems fitting that she was cast as a food influencer in The Five Star Weekend). As a KitchenAid ambassador, Garner helped unveil the new 2026 Design Series Stand Mixer, Luminaire, this week. Outfitted with a fluted glass bowl and integrated light, the countertop appliance makes it easier than ever to see what you’re whipping up. In anticipation of the launch, we chatted with Garner to find out what else she’s been working on at home.
The Kitchen Tools I Can’t Live Without
I live for my KitchenAid GO Cordless Collection. I reach for several of these battery-operated, cordless appliances every time I cook, and this whole system is my absolute favorite gift. We use our KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker literally every day. No cap, as my son says.
The Last Thing I Bought for My Home
Picture frames!
The Household Items I Keep Reordering Because They’re That Good
PlantPaper toilet paper. And Homecourt dish soap, surface cleaner, and hand soap. The whole line smells great and is non-toxic.
The Organization Solution I Swear By
Mason jars.
The Most-Used Item in My Entertaining Arsenal
I love pitchers, especially Blenko Glass. I love placemats and cloth napkins. My entertaining is casual and almost always outside, so I use the same things for my guests that my kids and I use every day. Nice, but not fancy.
The Little Home Upgrade That Has Made a Big Difference
I added some rolled woven willow fencing on a terrace over an outdoor seating area and put wheels on an outdoor table—a too-hot spot now gets dappled sun. It’s become my favorite spot to work in the afternoon and, as the sun chases me I roll my table in the opposite direction.
The Most Essential Product in My Wind-Down Routine
Peppermint tea and a book.
The Coffee Table Books I Turn to for Design Inspiration
Lara Porzak’s Chemistry of Memory. Steve Giannetti and his wife, Brooke, were the architect and designer for my house—I love their books for inspiration on whatever refresh may happen someday. Not for a while, though! I love my house. Oh, and The Ballerina Project.
The Best Gift I’ve Given Someone Recently
My sisters were very excited about this one: The KitchenAid Design Series Luminaire Tilt Head Stand Mixer because it’s new and beautiful. I love the glass bowl, beautiful color and, also, KitchenAid has a couple of new features on their stand mixers that nudged me toward an upgrade. There is a light focused on the bowl, so you can see what ingredients you’re forgetting; the gear shift glides really smoothly from a folding function to full on whip.
The Thing in My Home Guests Always Compliment
Stained glass windows by Reed Bradley at Judson Studios. I love them so much.
My Dream Decor Purchase
To me, dream decor lets the dog sit next to you on the couch.
The Item in My Home that Looks Way More Expensive Than It Is
I have some faux sherpa chairs that look like a design people recognize.