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Emile Henry Ovenware

Price: $20 to $75 depending on the pan and size. For families, the most popular lasagna dish (13 inches by 10 inches, 3.8-quart capacity) is $60. The oval gratin dish (16 inches by 10 inches, 3.5 quart capacity) is $55.

What it does: This beautiful and durable ceramic ovenware comes from a French, family-owned company founded in 1850. The ovenware goes from freezer to a preheated oven with ease and without damage. The line comes in colors such as cerise, citron, azure and fig. Emile Henry also makes bakeware, tableware and counterware.

How it makes your life easier: The pans heat evenly with no hot spots, even when you are heating frozen meals. The dishes are perfect for making vegetable casseroles, macaroni and cheese and lasagna for dinners or potlucks. The dishes can be placed in the dishwasher, or you can soak them in hot water and soap for 20 minutes before cleaning.

Who would use it: These dishes would make a perfect baby-shower gift along with a prepared meal; they're also great for anyone who likes to cook ahead and freeze meals; newlyweds and anyone who loves a pretty dish to serve a family favorite. This would also make a great Christmas gift and can be used over and over, especially during the holiday season.

Where to get it: A Southern Season in Chapel Hill and Dillard's at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh.

Bridgette A. Lacy

bridgette.lacy@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8925

Chatham artists reception

Art and nature lovers can seize upon the chance to meet photographer Juan Pons and sculptor/painter Forrest Greenslade at the Chatham Carolina Brewery on U.S. 15-501 just north of Pittsboro on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Pons' nature photography presents a lifelike glimpse of the natural world he has loved and studied for years. Greenslade's work expresses an offbeat perspective through his sculpture and acrylic paintings of animals and mythical creatures based on nature. Learn more at www.chathamartists.blogspot.com.

Seal window leaks

Cooler weather can be a cold reminder of the drafty leaks in your home. Since a large portion of your home's heat escapes through small cracks and gaps, it makes sense to stop leaks at their source. Energy Star estimates that properly sealing and insulating a home can save you up to 10 percent on energy costs.

Enter the Duck brand Roll-On Window Kit. The company says that its clear film forms a tight barrier across your windows to help prevent drafts. Because the kit is designed to fit a variety of window sizes, it requires no measuring and minimal cutting, the manufacturers say.

Roll the pretaped film onto the top edge of the window and cut to size, remove the liner, unfold the film and press firmly to apply. Shrink the film by blowing it with a hair dryer to remove wrinkles and you're done.

Learn more at www.duckproducts.com. Find them in select Walmart, Ace Hardware, Lowes and Home Depot stores for $3 to $10.

Holiday Cooking, A Southern Season Style

Now that the witches and goblins have flown off, it's time to turn our attention and palates to holiday entertaining. What better way than honing your cooking skills at A Southern Season in Chapel Hill? On Thursday at 6 p.m., N&O food columnist Fred Thompson will teach a class on Festive Seafood Holiday Recipes, including a menu of fish Provençal, shrimp with warm rémoulade sauce and corn cakes salad, Eastern Shore crab casserole, Charleston seafood country captain and more. The class is $50.

On Friday at noon, learn to prepare a Casual Cozy Dinner with Marilyn Markel. Menu items include a citrus salad on arugula with pomegranate vinaigrette and spicy pistachios, braised country french chicken with root vegetables and more. The class is $25.

And Nov. 11 at 4 p.m., children ages 9-12 can learn how to prepare holiday appetizers, including seasoned cream cheese and cheddar spirals, miniature biscuits with pimento cheese, black and white cupcakes and strawberry jam tarts. The class is $35.

Learn more and register at www.southernseason.com or call 929-7133.