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Hi there! I host parties and dinners for my family and friends all the time. Over the years, I’ve learned that there are certain items in my kitchen I keep going back to time and time again. It’s the little things that can make your life so much easier and make your event look put together.
Before I get into the list, a few guidelines I follow when buying new entertaining essentials:
- Neutrality. I got this tip from Ina Garten. As an avid viewer of all her TV shows (and Instagram and books), I know that she buys all her platters and bowls in white. Having all my serving dishes in the same color allows for easy matching. Any table looks put together when the platters all match.
- Storage. Before I buy anything, I think about storing the item. Will this item stay out or need to be stored? Bonus points to any item that doubles as décor, like using a pitcher as a vase when not in use. If the item won’t stay out, can I think of somewhere in my home where this can live when not in use? If not, I think hard about whether I really need that item or if I can use something I already own instead.
- Sustainability. Finally, I always look to reuse items whenever possible. Don’t get me wrong – I love a hyper-specific theme. My family had a surprise birthday party for me this year and everything was bright pink (and may or may not have been inspired by a certain doll and popular movie this pastyear)! But as I was looking around after the party ended, every piece of adorable décor probably couldn’t be used again. Instead of buying party-specific plates and cups, stick to Guideline #1 and go with a neutral. If you have extras, you can use them for the next party! Or even better, have enough reusable items on hand, like my appetizer plate set that you can throw in the dishwasher. It’s less trash you need to take out, looks elevated, and it’s better for the environment. Win-win-win!
With all those things in mind, here are the items I always reach for when I host an event.
1. Ramekins
I always need little bowls for things like nuts, olives, jams, butter, etc. — I could go on forever. I also find they make perfect little dessert cups, and even found a great recipe from America’s Test Kitchen for make-ahead chocolate souffles you can keep in the freezer and pull out right before baking them. Having a set of ramekins that match always come in handy.
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2. Cooler / Drink Bucket
Can’t have a party without drinks! I like to keep a cooler for the “less pretty” drinks, like beer and soda cans, water bottles, and juice boxes, and then have a prettier drink bucket to display wine bottles or mixers. And having an extra cooler out of sight to hold a back-up bag of ice is a must.
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3. Appetizer Plates
I mentioned these in my guidelines above, but I just love having a set of these appetizer plates at a party. It comes in its own cute set, and it’s just a little bit more elevated than using paper plates. I just throw them in the dishwasher after the party and put them back for the next one. I’m even thinking about getting another set!
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4. Pitchers
At every party or dinner I host, I always have a pitcher or two of water on the table. I bought a few matching ones, and usually will make one more fancy by adding lemon and/or cucumber to the pitcher. Here’s a trick – set them out at the beginning of your party, but fill them mostly with bag ice (the really clear stuff), and fill the rest with water. By the time your guests are sitting down to eat, the water will still be cold, and there was one less thing you had to bring to the table!
- I have several of these!!
- I also have these milk bottle-like pitchers – so useful!
- What a fun antique look!
5. Cups (that go with everything!)
I always keep a stack of these cups (#1 below) that go with everything. They are the right size for water cups next to a pitcher, or for a cocktail or glass of wine. Getting a neutral cup that is the perfect size can be used for every event! Never again will you have a handful of leftover themed cups taking up room in your pantry or cabinet.
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6. Chalk Pen
This is such an amazing tip and I am so surprised when my guests have never heard of this! I keep a few chalk pens next to any glasses or cups for my guests to write their name or initials on. No more losing your drink when you set it down. This works on disposable and glass cups. Just try to write on a part where condensation won’t make it drip – like near the lip of a plastic cup or on the base of a wine glass.
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7. Pretty Toothpicks
I always need nice-looking skewers or toothpicks. How many of those cute little appetizers on Pinterest have a skewer in them? A LOT. I like these ones with a little pearl on top, but also keep some more basic ones too.
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8. Champagne Glasses & Bucket
Although this comes as a shock to LITERALLY no one, I adore champagne. I even took a day trip to the Champagne region of France on my honeymoon! I once saw a quote that say “I always have a bottle of champagne in the fridge for emergencies. Sometimes the emergency is that I have a bottle of champagne in the fridge.” Since so many gatherings are centered around celebrations, I like to be ready for it.
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- Gold rimmed stemless flutes – These match the cups above!!
- Silver hammered bucket
- French disposable glasses – such an upgrade from the typical disposable flute.
9. Speaker
I once heard that “A party without cake is just a meeting.” In my mind, a party without music is just a meeting. Let the music fill in quiet moments and create the mood with a speaker. Sometimes I think I can get away with having a music-streaming app playing on my TV, but then things get weird when an artist has an out-there or risqué title card! Also, when I picture a great event, it doesn’t include a picture of a pop star on my TV screen! Avoid the awkward and set your playlist to play on a speaker.
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10. Charcuterie Board
Wooden boards are an essential to me because they serve so many purposes. Charcuterie and boards of all kinds are so popular, but they make great platters for anything. Bonus points if you find wooden boards that also double as décor!
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11. Charcuterie Knives
Want a quick way to elevate that board? A matching set of little charcuterie utensils can tie the whole board together.
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12. Bowls
I never have enough serving bowls. I always seem to need one more than I have. Make sure to have multiple sized available, and try to buy bowls that are big enough. Sometimes sets on the internet can run small. Make sure you have at least a few bowls big enough for side dishes or large salads.
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13. Platters
Who could host without platters? I have a few large ones, but I also love to buy these matching sets of platters. They are on the smaller side, but look so uniform and stack perfectly! I find they are perfect for little appetizers, especially the kind of little toothpicks!
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14. Kitchen Towels
These towels are great for entertaining because not only are they so absorbent, they have a pretty enough pattern that you can use them to help frame certain platters, or set a towel underneath a pitcher of water. I use these every single day, and with such a great price point, I don’t feel bad about replacing them once they are worn and stained.
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- These are my all-time favorite!
- I love the blue and will probably get these!
- The waffle pattern is so practical!
15. An Apron
My last entertaining essential is an apron. Honestly, I don’t understand why they aren’t more popular! Sure, I look a little bit like my grandma (and I actually use some of her old aprons for certain holidays), but I am someone who always spills on myself. I would much prefer to be ready for my party and wear an apron than have to run upstairs to change as my first guest is arriving. Plus, they are just so cute!
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Well, that’s all for me today. I hope that these essentials help you host your next event! You’ve got this!
