beginner homestead kitchen tools

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Start simple, stay cozy, and let your kitchen set the tone for your homestead life.

When I first started dreaming of a more self-sufficient life, I thought I needed to learn how to can everything, make sourdough from scratch, and keep chickens—right away. But what I’ve learned over the years is that homesteading doesn’t begin in the barnyard—it starts in the kitchen.

If you’re just beginning your homestead journey, or you’re a little further in and want your kitchen to reflect your values of simplicity and beauty, you don’t need to start big. A few thoughtfully chosen tools can give you that cozy, functional, old-fashioned feel that makes every meal feel a little more meaningful.

These are the three must-have tools that helped me create a kitchen I love—and still use today. They’re beginner-friendly, affordable, and pretty enough to leave out on the counter.

1. Mixing Bowls That Make You Smile

One of the very first things I bought for my homestead kitchen was a set of vintage-style mixing bowls. Mine had red flowers around the rim and a cheerful, sturdy feel. I spotted them on a shelf at a local thrift shop, and they immediately reminded me of the kind my grandma used to keep stacked on top of her fridge.

Even if you already own mixing bowls, getting a set that brings you joy when you use them is worth every penny. Whether you’re making biscuits, prepping a salad, or mixing up a cake for Sunday supper, a good bowl is something you’ll reach for again and again.

What to look for:

One of my favorite memories:
One summer, I spent a whole Saturday afternoon baking zucchini bread from our garden harvest. I was wearing my favorite apron, music was playing, and my husband was mowing outside. The breeze from the open window carried in the smell of cut grass, and I remember stirring the batter in that big floral bowl thinking, This is exactly the life I hoped for. All that joy, in one simple tool.

2. Mason Jars with Rustic Pantry Labels

I know, I know—mason jars get recommended everywhere. But there’s a reason they’re such a staple in every homestead kitchen. These jars are incredibly versatile and make even the most basic ingredients feel a little more special.

I use them for everything:

  • Dry goods like oats, rice, flour, sugar
  • Homemade spice blends and soup mixes
  • Leftover broth or chopped herbs in the fridge
  • Even cut flowers or kitchen utensils

What really changed my kitchen, though, was when I started adding my own farmhouse pantry labels to the jars. Suddenly, my shelves felt less like a cluttered cabinet and more like something out of a country kitchen magazine.

A little story:
A few years ago, my husband put up a shelf right by the stove for me to organize some of our pantry staples. I filled it with mason jars, added my rustic labels, and grouped them by use—baking, breakfast, soups. That simple shelf turned into one of my favorite things in the kitchen. It made meal prep faster, helped reduce waste, and just looked so put together. I still get compliments on it when folks come over.

Want to do the same?
I’ve made my rustic pantry labels available as a free printable. They’re simple, charming, and look great on any jar or canister.
👉 [Click here to grab my Farmhouse Pantry Labels]

3. Pretty Dish Towels and a Vintage Apron

This might not seem like a “tool” at first glance, but trust me—it’s one of the most important. Having dish towels and aprons that make you feel good while you work can change how you approach your day.

In my early years of homesteading, I thought I needed to be more “practical.” I avoided anything frilly or fun because I thought it didn’t fit the lifestyle. But you know what? Adding a pop of color and softness to my kitchen gave me a sense of joy that is part of the homesteading experience—slowing down, enjoying the work, and making beauty part of the everyday.

What I keep on hand:

Why it matters:
I once had a plain white apron that did the job, but didn’t inspire anything. One day I treated myself to a ruffled vintage-style apron at a craft fair—bright teal with tiny sunflowers. I started wearing it when I baked or worked in the garden, and I swear I started enjoying the process more. It was like slipping into a different version of myself—more present, more relaxed, and a whole lot more joyful.

Homesteading isn’t just about function—it’s about creating a space you want to be in. These little touches help.

Getting Started in Your Own Way

If you’re just beginning your journey toward simple living, remember this: you don’t need a perfect kitchen to start building a homestead life.

Start with:

  • A cheerful mixing bowl you’ll use again and again
  • A set of mason jars with labels that help you feel organized
  • A pretty towel or apron that lifts your mood

You don’t need to make everything from scratch or grow your own food (yet!). Just start making your kitchen a place where you enjoy being. That alone will set the tone for everything else to come.

Grab Your Free Checklist

To help you get started, I created a Beginner Homestead Kitchen Checklist. It’s a one-page printable with all the tools and pantry staples I recommend to every beginner—including these three must-haves and more.

👉 [Click here to download your free checklist] Coming Soon!
It also includes a second page with a printable grocery list layout—great for stocking your pantry intentionally each week.

Final Thoughts

Homesteading doesn’t begin with chickens or canning tomatoes—it begins when you decide to slow down and create a home that reflects your values.

If you’re ready to get started, start in the kitchen.

I’d love to hear what tool or touch made your kitchen feel like home. Leave a comment below and share what you’ve added, or what you’re planning to pick up next. And if you know someone else just starting out, feel free to share this post with them or pin it for later.

Michelle
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