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These are the best hosting essentials that’ll make every gathering super fun and a lot less stressful!
Say goodbye to the last-minute trips to the store! With all your hosting staples right at home, you’ll be fully prepared for any gathering that comes your way.
If you know me, you know, I looove hosting at my apartment. I’ve thrown everything from festive holiday dinners to girls’ night activities and spontaneous get-togethers with everyone packed into my space.
Over the years, the one thing I’ve learned is that having the right essentials on hand can truly make a HUGE difference. The best part? You don’t have to splurge on a ton of items to have a successful party. Just a few international pieces can make planning a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable!
Here are my must-have hosting items that I rely on to keep my events running smoothly while impressing guests!
Whether you’re throwing a holiday party, birthday celebration, or simply love having friends over for mocktails, these hosting essentials will set the stage for an unforgettable gathering every single time!
This post is all about hosting essentials.
Looking for other hosting ideas? Check out these articles:
- Pull Off An Epic Christmas Sleepover Party Everyone Will Love!
- The Best New Year’s Eve House Party Ideas To Host The Party Of The Year
- 15 Spring Craft Ideas For Girls Night Everyone Will Love
Commonly Asked Hosting Questions:
What Do Beginners Forget About Hosting A Good Party?
Learn from my mistakes. When I first started hosting, boy, did I forget a lot. I felt as if I was running around like a chicken with its head chopped off, lol, but seriously! I didn’t take a moment to enjoy my own event, and that is not good. Remember, your guests will reflect your energy, so it’s important to stay calm, have the essentials to avoid stress, and most importantly, have FUN! & trust me, your guests will too! Quick tips to keep in mind:
- Have enough ice, you always need more than you think!
- Prep your bathroom, extra toilet paper, soap, and make sure it’s clean!
- Self-serve drinks will keep guests from overcrowding the kitchen.
- Calm host = good party!
- Have FUN!
What Are The Best Hosting Tips?
Have FUN! Entertaining a guest is more about the vibes than perfection. Panning a gathering with loved ones has no strict rules. Have fun, grab some inspo, and you’ll be all set to plan an unforgettable night.
Some quick tips I always consider when planning a gathering at my apartment:
- Create a comfortable and inviting space
- Music is essential
- Prep as much as possible in advance
- Set up decorations, chairs, and tables early
- Cook and/or prep food the day before
- Clean your home!
- Water and mocktails!
- No one forgets alcohol, and it’s so important to stay hydrated through the night
The Best Hosting Essentials
1. Party Invitations
No matter the gathering or event, I always send invitations. It just makes the event seem so much more fancy and legit, haha! I create every single one of my invitations on Canva. It’s very easy to use and has a lot of pre-made templates; all you need to do is input your information. I always send my invites via text. Did I mention it’s free?
2. Drink Dispenser For Parties
Drink dispensers are more useful than you might realize. I use them to serve water, tea, juice, or even pre-mixed cocktails. With self-serve drinks, guests can help themselves, making hosting much easier and adding great convenience to any gathering.
Corkscrew Wine Opener
Save yourself the headache and make sure you have a corkscrew to pop open your wine bottle. I learned my lesson and did not enjoy the last-minute trip to the store. Seriously, one of the best hosting gadgets I own.
Glass Drinkware
As much as I prefer not to wash dishes, it’s time to grow up, haha! Plastic cups give a “college party,” and we do not want that. Upgrade your drinkware and get a matching set. Opt for a timeless set, and it’ll be perfect for years to come.
Serving Platters
Having a platter set is essential for any gathering. It helps create a more organized, stylish, and cohesive presentation. By arranging appetizers, desserts, or fruits on a platter, you can elevate the elegance of your food display. I always choose white or neutral colors for my platters, as they complement any event.
Serving Utensils
For a seamless serving experience, you’ll definitely need serving utensils. Whether you’re tossing a salad or serving a charcuterie board, make sure each dish has a dedicated tool. I keep a versatile set on hand for whatever delicious dish I am preparing. Trust me, being prepared makes all the difference when it’s time to serve.
Pro Tip: The night before, make sure you have the right spoons, ladles, and tongs on hand.
Casserole Dishes
Casserole dishes are versatile and fit seamlessly into any table setting. Having a variety of casserole dishes in different sizes makes it easy to prepare a range of dishes. Plus, they create less mess and cleanup, allowing you to go straight from the oven to the table.
Cocktail Shaker Set
To truly enhance your guest experience, it’s essential to have a cocktail shaker for making drinks! Whether you’re crafting mocktails or cocktails, I’ve created some delicious drinks using this shaker set. My friends are always impressed when I bring out the shaker because bartending at home really elevates the at-home party experience. 10/10 reccomend!
Serving Bowls For Party
Enhance the aesthetic of your table setting with sleek, neutral serving bowls. I like to use these bowls for serving pasta, salads, or snacks. They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, but as a beginner, it’s best to choose neutral options as they complement any table setting. I enjoy using serving bowls because they not only enhance the visual appeal of the food but also serve as decorative pieces.
Pro tip: Materials like stainless steel, glass, or ceramic will help keep food cold or warm throughout the party.
Buffet Server
When hosting a casual event, consider using a buffet server. I use my buffet server for larger crowds and social gatherings instead of a seated or plated dinner.
Napkins
Napkins are a must-have for any occasion. They help keep your space tidy and prevent messes. Whether a guest needs to dry their hands or you need to clean up a spill during the party, napkins are essential.
Ice Bucket
While not every event requires an ice bucket, it wouldn’t hurt to have one on hand. Personally, as a germophobe, I get the icks when people are digging through my freezer for more ice. haha! The tongs make it easy to keep everything santized and it’s perfect for entertaining at home.
Tiered Stands
One of my favorite party essentials is tiered serving stands. I use them for every gathering I host, and they always add a fun touch. They are both functional and visually appealing, providing that “wow” factor for food presentation. It’s such a unique way to showcase your dishes!
Cheese Board Set
My friends call me the charcuterie board queen because no matter the event, I’m bringing a themed cheese board. It’s a delicious and easy snack idea for all parties.
Utensil Caddy
I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I saw it at a BBQ party I attended. It organized all the cutlery and napkins, preventing a cluttered table. I had to get one for myself and have been using it ever since, especially for outdoor events like picnics.
Glass Ramekins
A small addition, but makes a huge impact when entertaining at home. I use glass ramekins to serve side dishes, sauces, and personal desserts. I also place them next to my charcuterie board for nuts and crackers. They are both stylish and practical!
Related Post: Irresistable Girls Night Charcuterie Board Ideas Your Besties Will Love
Vase
I highly recommend having a vase or two handy. When you’re unsure about what to use as a centerpiece for your party, they can add an instant touch of elegance to your table. Fill the vases with fresh flowers; it’s a timeless hosting essential that will make your space feel more put-together.
Portable Drink Cooler
When it comes to outdoor parties, coolers are an essential item. They help keep guests from making frequent trips in and out of the house to the fridge, and they ensure drinks stay chilled throughout the evening.
As someone who hosts a ton, I recently purchased a rolling cooler, which is much more convenient and easier to move around. However, if you’re a beginner, a standard cooler like this one will do the trick and is just as effective.
Bluetooth Speaker
You won’t catch me hosting any event with music. It really gets the party jumping, haha. Having a reliable Bluetooth speaker prevents awkward silences or entertainment struggles. Press play and let the party begin!
Wine Glass Topper
One of my friends had these charcuterie wine glass toppers at a picnic she hosted, and omg they are so cute!
Party Games
Party games play a crucial role in entertainment. Whether it’s board games, card games, or icebreakers, I recommend choosing games that help people loosen up. A funny game will turn the awkward silence into a fun event in no time.
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