It’s no surprise Kate Berry’s mama must-haves are colorful, exciting, and expertly curated. A mother of one (Quinn, 8) and Chief Content Officer at Domino and Saveur magazines, Kate has been highlighting the best of home decor and beyond over her 14 years in editorial (she also had a long stint at Martha Stewart Weddings), as well as her past lives as a floral and interiors stylist and bi-coastal event designer. Three years ago we were lucky enough to visit and photograph the Vietnam-born, California-raised, New York-dwelling mother in her inspiring home (see it here!). And now you can catch up with 2021-era Kate below, as she dishes on her current dozen Mother Essentials of the moment!

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. “Our family is obsessed with Van Leeuwen ice cream. We probably have it for dessert at least 3 times a week when we are home.” Best-Sellers Set, $55, Van Leeuwen.

Mix-and-Match Gingham. “My daughter Quinn sets the dinner table and enjoys mixing colors and patterns.” Indigo Quilted Placemat, $28, Heather Taylor Home; Picnic Collection, $88, Madre.

The Wild Robot Escapes. “We’re almost finished reading this book. It’s a family favorite that makes us laugh and cry together.” The Wild Robot Escapes, written by Peter Brown, $8.27, Bookshop and Amazon.

Bold Separates. “Lined with jersey, this quilted outfit is like wearing a blanket.” Harriet Tulip Sleeve Blouse, $165, Tia Cibani. Tufted Rani Skirt, $165, Tia Cibani.

Art Bag. “We always have a tote bag with notebooks and markers ready for any outing, whether we’re going out for a meal or out for the day. John Derian notebooks comes in a set of three, which is great because we are always drawing together. As for markers, Quinn still uses my Pentels from when I was in high school. And this Marni tote holds everything and is cute enough for all of us to carry.” Color Studies Notebook Set, $14.99, John Derian; Pentel 36-Piece Fine Point Color Pen Set, $23.89, Amazon; East-West Market Shopping Bag, $100, Marni.

Serving Tray. “We use these to serve at the table as well as trays for fruit on the counter. Love them.” Mosaic 12″ Tray, $36, The Ark Elements.

Go-To Malbec. “My fave light red that I’m loving right now.” 2020 Cinq à Six, $28, Swick Wines.

Leopard Leggings. “These are basically Quinn’s second skin.” Basic Leopard Leggings, $43, Mini Rodini.

Hay Doormat. “This is a necessity when you have a terrace and adds a nice pop of color.” Stripes & Stripes Doormat, $50, Hay. Textured Doormat, $50, Hay.

Comfy Seat. “Quinn’s soft seat and pouf that doubles as our kitten’s bed.” Renn Peach Memory Foam Chair, $199, Crate & Kids; Matching Pouf, $99, Crate & Kids.

Sheepskin Cozy. “Our whole family cozies up on this giant upcycled sheepskin.” Real Sheepie, $598, Burkelman.

For more Mother Essentials, peep our recent past columns with the two-mom duo behind Morrow Soft Goods, mega-influencer Nabela Noor, Angela O’Brien of Cleobella, Nikki Osei-Barrett of District Motherhued, Blair Paysinger of Post 21, Idia Lanlokun of Ola & Mide, Karam Kim of Bluecut aprons, children’s authors Evan Sargent and Joanna Ho, Eli Yonas of Toki Mats, Shaina Kerrigan of Molly J., Jenna Levine of LINNÉ botanicals, Eunice Byun of Material, and Sandra Lin of Kiwi Co.