The holidays are officially here, so I want to tell you an interesting little secret of mine: cooking utensils that double as the core are the easiest way to show off a meal without spending any extra time decorating. Although the table view looks good, serving dinner in a festive atmosphere is a more effective and attractive way to decorate the table.

As if the Staub Dutch oven was not gorgeous enough, a pumpkin cocoa placed on an ordinary table immediately made it even more celebratory. If you have been fiddling with table decorations for the past few years, then this cocotte is your chance to upgrade-and there is still time to buy before winter. Did we mention that it has a discount of almost $200?

Buy: Staub 3.5-quart Pumpkin Cocotte, $222 (original price $414) at amazon.com

Related: Every home cook needs a Dutch oven-10 of the best

Staub’s favorite Dutch oven is made of enameled cast iron and can be used in stoves, ovens and dishwashers. These heavy-duty cookware are one of the most versatile tools a home cook can have. They can be used for stewing, frying, baking and grilling. They are perfect for a hearty winter meal like stew or beef stew, as well as for baking fresh bread. The tightly fitting lid does not allow moisture to escape, but is designed with soft spikes inside to help return the juice to the food by creating a tropical rainforest effect. The enamel bottom is suitable for all cooking surfaces such as gas, induction cooker and electric, and the textured interior helps to evenly distribute heat and achieve perfect browning. If the pumpkin shape is not good, there is always a 3 quart artichoke shape or 3 quart tomato shape that looks very festive at any time of the year.

We like this 3.5-quart option for stove-top holiday side dishes such as mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. Orange is available on Amazon, but you can also find a white version for $200 at Williams Sonoma. Whether shopping for yourself or for your loved ones, the Dutch oven is a traditional item that every family chef deserves. It doesn't hurt, it's just a bit special-you can get it for nearly $200 before Black Friday.