Hosting is a skill that appears deceptively simple..
…until the eleventh-hour panic sets in, sending you sprinting back to the store for that one thing you didn’t even think to plan for. Whether your in-laws surprise you with a visit or a sudden family emergency designates your home as this year’s Thanksgiving dinner venue, these entertaining essentials will ensure you’re always prepared to host the perfect dinner party, even on short notice.
Consider these 25 items your toolkit for make hosting a breeze for events large and small. No more frantic last-minute runs to the store or interrupting the party to search for items. With these essentials, you’ll not only be ready for any gathering but also be able to enjoy a stress-free hosting experience. I’ll cheers to that!
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25 Entertaining Essentials That Make Hosting Easy
1. Portable Drink Cooler
Having a designated cooler for drinks will keep your guests from having to make frequent trips to the fridge. This portable cooler is a such way of keeping your drinks chilled all evening long. This is a more elevated take on coolers that sit on the floor – and your guests’ backs will thank you.
2. Corkscrew
While figuring out how to get a cork out of a wine bottle without a corkscrew is a good team-building exercise, save yourself the headache and make sure you have a good quality corkscrew on-hand at all times.
3. Casserole Dishes
Casserole dishes are versatile and practical. These dishes in particular are pretty enough to go straight from the oven to the dinner table and add a touch of homey charm.
4. Drinking Glasses
Plastic cups scream “college party.” Upgrade to a matching set of drinking glasses. These ones from Crate & Barrel are inexpensive and timeless. For more on tablescapes and my fave drinking glasses, check out this post.
5. Charcuterie Board
A well-curated charcuterie board is both visually appealing and delicious. A variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts, encourages guests to mingle and graze while waiting for the main course.
6. Folding Chairs
Extra seating is crucial for accommodating unexpected guests or creating a comfortable dining space. Folding chairs are practical, easy to store, and can be set up wherever needed. These Amazon folding chairs are so stylish, your guests won’t even realize they aren’t a part of your normal setup.
7. Pebble Ice Maker
An old-fashioned ice bucket will do the trick, but can be unsanitary and requires frequent refilling. Your guests will go crazy over this pebble ice maker and you won’t have to worry about bags of ice taking up precious freezer space.
8. Pitcher
A large pitcher is a must for serving up premade cocktails or keeping fresh water on the table during dinner.
9. Wine Glasses
This is a no-brainer, but had to be said. These set is perfect for both red and white wine lovers.
10. Dining Lamps
Ambient lighting sets the mood for a cozy dinner party. Consider using dining lamps or candles to create an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation and relaxation. These ones are battery-operated, so you won’t have to worry about where to put the cords.
11. Food Label Tents
Food labels prevent confusion by clearly indicating what each dish contains, especially if you’re serving buffet style or have guests with dietary restrictions. These could also be used as name cards to show guests to their assigned seat(s).
12. Flatware
Invest in a good dinnerware set that feels comfortable in hand and complements your table setting. I love having a silver set for every-day dinners and a gold set for special occasions.
13. Serving Platters
Serving platters make it easy to present appetizers, small bites, desserts, or even main dishes. It’s a good idea to have a few different sizes on hand to serve every purpose.
14. Mixology Kit
If you’re serving cocktails, a well-equipped mixology kit is essential. This one has everything you need to impress your guests, plus chic built-in storage.
15. Party Games
Engaging party games break the ice and keep guests entertained. I recommend games that encourage interaction and help people loosen up. This one is hilarious and will have your guests belly-laughing together in no time.
16. Dish Towels
Practicality matters. Keep dish towels handy for wiping spills, drying hands, or cleaning up minor mishaps during the party.
17. Serving Bowls
Serving bowls are versatile vessels for salads, side dishes, or snacks. These classic white bowls are a timeless basic that will complement any other tableware.
18. Folding Table
This compact folding table provides extra surface space for serving food, displaying desserts, creating an impromptu bar, or accommodating additional guests, without taking up too much extra space.
19. White Dinner Plates
Classic white dinner plates are timeless and versatile. They match any tablescape and can be mixed/matched with patterned charger plates, salad plates, placemats, and napkins to switch up their look.
20. Conversation Starters
Fun and thoughtful conversation starters encourage meaningful interactions among guests. This post has a 110 free printable questions cards that you can use to spark conversation at your next dinner party.
21. Bluetooth Speaker
Set the vibe with a great playlist and make sure it is heard with a high-quality speaker. I have had this speaker for years and the sound quality is incredible.
22. Serving Utensils
Don’t forget the practical tools—serving spoons, tongs, and ladles—for dishing out food. Make sure you have at least 1 utensil per dish!
23. Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins just feel more refined than disposable napkins and cut down on waste. These can double as decor by adding napkin rings or creating a beautiful napkin fold.
24. Basic Vase
Fresh flowers or greenery in a basic vase instantly elevate the dining area. It’s a simple yet impactful touch. It’s also nice to have a spare vase to display any flowers a guest might bring as a hostess gift.
25. Chafing Dishes
For buffet-style dinners or large gatherings, chafing dishes keep hot dishes warm throughout the meal. You can also use this warming tray on its own for extra versatility.
This post was all about entertaining essentials.
Grab these 25 entertaining essentials, you’ll be thoroughly equipped for any gathering, securing your spot as the friend who throws the best dinner parties. These essentials take the load off, allowing you to be fully present, focus on your guests, and relax in knowing you’ve got all the essentials covered. Just a word of caution: once you’ve got these in your hosting arsenal, your friends and family might declare your place the official hotspot for all the good times!
xo, tjp
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