Marks & Spencer has a good range of affordable essentials, from muffin trays to flexible spatulas and accessories. Their 6piece bakeware set, pictured here, costs 35.

An easy to read kitchen scales, like this pretty in pink model from kitchen experts Typhoon, costs 40. From good department and kitchen stores.

Habitat's Bamboo Stripe oven glove ( 7.20) and matching tea towels ( 8.70) are two more essentials worth having.

Airtight storage tins are useful for homes where there's a little restraint shown towards freshly baked goodies!

These vintage style cookie jars come from Narnia in Clonmel. Tel: 052 28272 for other stockists.