If there is one kitchen mainstay that every devoted cook relies on, it’s a Le Creuset “cocotte” or casserole. The cast-iron casserole, sturdy enough to come with its own lifetime guarantee, brings comfort food, one-pot meals and convivial entertaining to mind.

Loved by everyone from professional chefs and home cooks to Marilyn Monroe (her eight-piece set of bright yellow pans sold at Christie’s in 1999 for $US25,300), Le Creuset is also the brand that leading chefs turn to when outfitting their own home kitchens. There’s a discernible cult of Creuset, you might say.

So it follows that each new collection is greeted with fanfare. The French company, which has been fashioning elite cookware for almost 100 years, is constantly updating its colour range. The latest is Taste of the City, representing a melting pot of influences, shades and designs. As the name suggests, it is inspired by urban living. The modern hues include marine, crème, satin black and cotton (an off-white). These attractive, durable pieces are ideally suited to outdoor dining this season.

In addition to its novel palette, Taste of the City includes a fresh line-up of cookware and accessories, including a versatile, Cast iron 24cm Signature Round Casserole, a 22cm Round Stew Pot and a 22cm Signature Shallow Casserole. There are also 3-ply Stainless Steel Cookware, Toughened Non-Stick Frying Pans and Stoneware flourishes including coffee mugs, storage canisters and teapots. Additional components like salt and pepper mills and silicone spatulas complete the well-stocked Le Creuset range.

Whether you like colour or prefer a monochrome kitchen, Le Creuset works for both. You could easily combine different shades in a zesty mix, or build your own meticulously matching ensemble. With varying price points, the new collection has Christmas gift stamped all over it. Admittedly, it might be more of a case of one for you, two for me. The signature cast iron casseroles certainly have gift-box appeal, too.

Le Creuset continues to subscribe to the handcrafted techniques and original process of forging and casting its enamelled cast iron cookware. And no two pieces are identical. This Christmas, hold the hamper and invest in a food-themed gift that lasts a lifetime.

Taste of the City collection is available at Le Creuset stores, stockists and online at lecreuset.com.au.