Holiday party season is in full swing! We’ve tapped three of the city’s top behind-the-bar talents to divulge their go-to holiday cocktail recipes.

The result: Two super-festive punches and an indulgent, whimsical martini—all just begging to be served at the next holiday gathering.

Self-taught gourmets and master microwavers alike probably have packed-full pantries and cabinets stuffed with kitchen gear and gadgets that they never use, don’t really need or can’t even explain how they work. We asked local Chicagoland chefs to help us narrow down the kitchen essentials and what we can finally declutter from the back of our houses.

‘Tis the season for indulgence and while fruitcake has its merits (…or does it?), nothing lights up a holiday table like pie.

Consider giving your tried-and-true recipe the year off and testing out one (or both!) of these holiday pie recipes from Michael Ciapciak, owner of the much-loved shop Bang Bang Pie (Logan Square and Ravenswood.

Festive no matter what you’re celebrating, both of these pies are guaranteed crowd pleasers.

Whether you’re updating your home to sell or for your own enjoyment, we have the top five 2015 kitchen trends for you!