Every fabulous hostess has the essentials on hand so she can throw together a beautiful party or gathering on the fly! You know that woman who somehow always has the perfect pieces no matter the occasion and her table or serving area always looks effortlessly pulled together? Let’s turn you into that woman who easily wows by making sure you have these 9 Everyday Entertaining Essentials stocked and ready to pull out for your next celebration!
These 9 Everyday Entertaining Essentials will serve as the cornerstones for any dinner party, birthday celebration or girl’s night you throw together. I like to choose essentials in neutral colors and materials so they can easily be mixed and matched with almost any decor, theme or other serving pieces.
Once you have these lovely pieces in your pantry, you can effortless add in fancier, higher quality pieces over time until you have the perfect combination of celebration essentials for your home. Take a look and see what you’d like to add to your arsenal next (and hint, hint – these make great gifts too)!
1. White Serving Platter
I use my white serving platters all the time. They’re perfect for appetizers, cupcakes, sliders, crackers… you name it! I have a set of three in different sizes and they all come in handy. A set like these porcelain white platters, which are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe (a hostesses dream!), are an entertaining must-have.
2. Cake Stand
An elevated cake stand is an entertaining essential in my book! While you can always “fake” this by stacking something under a platter, you will never go wrong with a neutral cake stand that can beautifully display a gorgeous cake! And you’ll use it not only for cakes, but for banana bread at brunch, as a centerpiece topped with a floral arrangement, plant or candles, or even as a drink bar. I’d recommend choosing one in a metal finish, like this 13″ stainless steel cake stand, a solid white, like this 11″ cake stand, or something in wood, like this 12″ acacia cake stand.
3. Cutting Board or Cheese Board
My friends, family and I are all big wine drinkers, so having a quality cheese board is absolutely an essential in our home! There’s nothing I love more than sharing a glass of wine with friends while enjoying some delicious cheese and crackers! When you layout your appetizers on a quality cutting board or cheese board, it really elevates the entertaining experience.
I’d recommend either a cheese board that comes as a set or a large round cutting board that can double as a serving tray for any type of entertaining. I really like this Bamboo Wine and Cheese Board Set that has a hidden tool tray, recessed moat for nuts and includes knives and other goodies you’ll use when entertaining.
I also love this beautiful round Walnut Wood Cutting Board that has a nice groove around the edge to prevent things like nuts from running away!
4. Basic Set of White Dishes
Depending on the size of your family or friend group, having an extra set of dishes, especially if you love hosting dinner parties, is a great idea! I always recommend a basic set of white dishes because you can easily mix in the other dishes you have on hand, regardless of color or style. White dishes can also double as serving platters (big or small) or serving bowls and they’ll always look great on your table. AmazonBasics has an 18-piece set of White Embossed Porcelain dinnerware that provides service for six guests – perfect!
5. Linen Napkins
About a year ago we switched from paper napkins to cloth napkins for our everyday home use (which I totally love), but I always love using cloth napkins for a holiday gathering or special dinner party! You can often find some great deals on lovely napkins at places like HomeGoods and I’d suggest choosing a neutral color or pattern so that stains aren’t too apparent over time. And get at least 12, high-quality napkins – you won’t regret it! Something like these Natural Colored Cotton Napkins would be perfect – don’t you just adore the special hemstitched details?
6. Versatile Glassware
After our last move, I realized I had accumulated a ridiculous amount of specialty glassware. I had champagne glasses, white wine glasses, red wine glasses, four kinds of margarita glasses and don’t even get me started on the number or type of beer glasses my husband has! What I realized is that if you’re short on space – or just want to simplify – all you really need is something that looks nice in which you can serve either water or wine. Really – that’s it! This set of 12, 15-ounce stemless wine glasses (which are dishwasher safe) fit the bill!
7. Glass Pitcher or Carafe
At every party or gathering you host, you’ll be serving some type of beverage! Whether it’s water, wine, a signature cocktail or iced tea, pouring it out of a gorgeous glass pitcher or carafe is an entertaining essential!
I always try to choose pieces with a classic, sleek design and I think these three options would look lovely on any table. First, this Glass Carafe with a Stainless Steel Flow Lid is dishwasher safe and can be used with hot or cold liquids. I also fell in love with the beauty and simplicity of Lenox’s Crystal Pierced Pitcher! Finally, Barski’s Handmade Straight Sided Glass Pitcher has a modern design that will feel timeless for years to come.
8. Set of Votive Candles
Another entertaining must-have are candles! I always have a stock of white, unscented candles in a variety of sizes on hand so I can create ambiance at my event with special lighting. Whether you’re adding a few candles to the centerpiece, down the table or to the bathroom, a little candlelight goes a long way! Here’s a set of 12 White Unscented Clear Glass Wax Votive Filled Candles – grab a set or two for your party pantry.
9. Glass Trifle Bowl
This is an essential in my entertaining arsenal! I use this trifle bowl at almost every party I host. Seriously, at first glance you wouldn’t think it’s all that versatile, but you can use it for so many things! Yes of course, use it for a delicious dessert trifle (I often make a tiramisu trifle or a brownie trifle or a mixed berry tribe that’s just divine) but you can also use it as your centerpiece and fill it with a large seasonal flower arrangement, or fill it with ornaments at Christmastime, acorns and miniature gourds in the fall or Easter eggs in the spring. I’ve even flipped it over and used it as a cake stand at my son’s birthday party (and put dinosaurs under the dome – see that here). I adore this large Hand Made Glass Trifle Bowl and you will too!
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Serving as hostess and helping your guests celebrate all the important moments in life is such a joy! I hope these 9 Everyday Entertaining Essentials make your job easier, more coordinated and even more fun! Be sure to Pin this post for later party planning!
